This is a first for me and I am finding it really difficult! We have been lucky not to have lost a new born cria up until now! Our poor mum whose lost her baby this morning seems very confused.
Initially this morning she didn't seem too upset, when let out of the stable she went out to graze coming back every now and then to the stable to check where her baby was, but tonight she is definitely distressed and confused.
Every time she see me she comes running and humming to me, as if she thinks I still have her baby, she then runs over to last years weanling's paddock searching to see if he is there, then back up the field and along the fence line.
I have opened up the top field which has some lovely long grass in, thinking this may take her mind off it, she went off with the herd for a bit but was soon charging back down the field to the barn! and back over to the weanling's.
I do hope this doesn't go on for too long, its heart breaking to see, when she looks at me with her big brown questioning eyes, softly humming to me. The sad thing is I am also hoping we do not have any births in the next couple of days, especially no white ones, as this was the colour of her cria.
Initially this morning she didn't seem too upset, when let out of the stable she went out to graze coming back every now and then to the stable to check where her baby was, but tonight she is definitely distressed and confused.
Every time she see me she comes running and humming to me, as if she thinks I still have her baby, she then runs over to last years weanling's paddock searching to see if he is there, then back up the field and along the fence line.
I have opened up the top field which has some lovely long grass in, thinking this may take her mind off it, she went off with the herd for a bit but was soon charging back down the field to the barn! and back over to the weanling's.
I do hope this doesn't go on for too long, its heart breaking to see, when she looks at me with her big brown questioning eyes, softly humming to me. The sad thing is I am also hoping we do not have any births in the next couple of days, especially no white ones, as this was the colour of her cria.
8 comments:
I know - it is heart breaking - and it does make you hope no more babies arrive for a while.
With our experience it took a couple of days for Mum to 'forget'.
Poor mum, it's horrible to watch isn't it. Hopefully she will soon learn to live with her loss, and like you say hopefully the other girls will keep their legs crossed for a few days.
Definitely the saddest part of losing a cria is watching the dam grieve. We have found that they improve with each day but are happiest once remated.
I had this happen a couple of years ago and the dam associated me with her cria, so she followed me about constantly for a couple of days humming. It was so sad, but she recovered quickly and was back to her usual self after a week or so.
That is very sad, I hope the Mom is feeling better soon. You have to be made of tough stuff to do what you do. xxx
So sad, very sorry to hear, poor Mum, poor you. Here's hoping for a happier outcome next year
Always so sad, did you leave the cria for a time in the barn? I find if I leave the cria lie for a bit mom will visit and sniff, then eventually she will walk away, seems to help her come to terms with the loss. better luck next year!
It is remarkable that the Mum's behave in the same way - and heartbreaking. Having just lost a cria, Mum is still coming up to me and humming - we are three days on. I had left the baby (after I returned with it from the vet)in the paddock with Mum, but still had to take it away the next day. I have moved the herd into a different paddock altogether, as the the cria was prem so no worries that my other girl will birth soon, this seems to have helped Mum. Hope to hear some better news from you soon, Lisa
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