my mare had twins ,feeding information

Question
Sandy, my mare had twins on 7-3-09, both are doing well and they are about the same size, a little small but full of spirit,Mare is nursing both and doing well, any suggestions on feeding both mare and her babies, our local vet said keep a watch and make sure they are nursing, we will watch and learn, we have had babies in the past but never twins, any help would be appreciated, thanks Debbie

Answer
Hi Debra,

Congratulations on having healthy twins!

As for feeding your mare, she is going to need a lot!  Just make sure she has plenty of forage and find a well balanced supplement.  Safe Choice by Purina is a good, well balanced supplement that you don't need to worry about her foundering on.  It is also a good supplement for the foals once they start eating.

Your vet is correct on keeping an eye on the foals to make sure they are both able to nurse.  If one seems pushy and doesn't let the other nurse, you may have to hold the pushy one back and make sure the other one gets in there to nurse too.

Other than that, there really isn't much more you can do on feeding.  Just make sure your mare gets plenty so she will keep producing enough milk.  I wouldn't use traditional grain though, as that can lead to stomach upset, foundering and make the milk a little too rich, causing scours in the foals.  Check to see if you can get Safe Choice in your area.  I've been using it for several years and I have really liked what it has done for my nursing mares and weanlings.