Collins Update

Hi y'all,


Sorry it has taken so long for another update.  Been a tiny bit on the tired side.  Collins is a very smart little colt.  He has figured out how to wake me up, any time and for any reason.  The problem is that he knows if he makes loud noises, I check them out.  So he does it on purpose when he is bored, and all night long.  One thing he is not getting though, is rewarded for this bratty behavior.  He has enough "me me me" tendencies already, without teaching him that he gets his way that easily.  However, the damage to my couple of hours of sleep does get done.  :)  But since he has been colicky at times, and you have to make sure that he doesn't start rolling or whatnot, I wake up at any noise anyway.  You are always "half-awake", fearing the worst, and he has had quite a few nights where he has been truly uncomfortable and needed help.


But he still has to wait til I am ready for his feeding etc.  He definitely would have been one of those babies that nursed a little bit, all the time.  Of course that is awesome if he is with his momma.   We are still fighting his "tum tum" issues.  We had him examined by the vet and he thinks that it just has to "run it's course".  His lungs sound awesome, his heart is very strong and he has lots of gut noises.  We are trying to modify a few things, such as gradually adding goat's milk and then weaning him off of the Foal Lac.  With some foals this works awesome, while with others the issues get worse.  The vet does feel very positive though, that it will just take time, and maybe quite a bit of it.   He said that some of the babies have a tougher time when they are not on their natural milk.  So we are just doing what we can.  Thank you everyone for your suggestions for his "tum tum".  It is always amazing how many things help different little ones with various issues.  We always appreciate any input.  The vet did also mention that with his "ATTITUDE AND ENERGY", he thought he would pull through these tough times.


It is so hard to watch when they are stressed or uncomfortable.  While we follow the vet's advice on how to treat what is going on, it is still awful knowing how raw their little hineys get.  No matter what you do, there is discomfort and we can only do the best we can with what we have.  Our beautiful nursery is now "decorated" with the issues from his "tum tum".  But after he gets bigger and better we will be able to scrub the stains off the wall.  The nursery is officially "broken in".   I have to say the nursery is working out perfectly, (THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL SUPPORTERS WHO MADE IT HAPPEN!!), although we have had to make some modifications due to the fact that he was ready to jump over the gate, climb up the gate etc.  But it is easy to keep clean and for that I am forever grateful, although that does require constant scooping and clean up.  But I love a clean smelling stall.


If anyone wants to help Collins be more comfy, we need to get some "CORONA", and no, it is not for me.  :)  It is a cream for his "tender area".  The semi local feed store (about 60 miles round trip) does not have any in stock.  ALSO, ANYONE WHO HAS GOAT'S MILK OR ACCESS TO IT, WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME.  PLEASE CALL ME AT  530 474 5197 at your earliest convenience if you have any extra.  We would be happy to buy it from you for Collins.


He has grown at least several inches and is just as energetic and playful as ever.  He is being very respectful for his age, and I just have to point away if he starts getting to close when he is bucking and kicking and playing.  I have never ever seen a baby spend so much time on his hind legs.  He plays outside most of the day, every day, and we are getting to the point where it is safe and he is past his quarantine time to bring in a "companion" horse.  Now I just have to figure out who is best matched with him.


ROMEO & ROCKY are both doing very well after being gelded.  Rocky was pretty tender yesterday as he had to have a much more extensive procedure, but all are well and feeling much better today.


God bless and thank you so much for all your support and the help you have given us, whether it is prayers, good wishes, bringing food so I don't cook (especially loved that one), or financial help with the costs of caring for the critters here.  You are amazing and we are so blessed to be part of such an awesome "rescue community".  Please don't hesitate to keep coming and visiting.  We so enjoy the visits and it is a wonderful way for people to spread the word about our beloved Wild Horses.  Also, it is "garden time" for the non mountain folks, and we have lots of "mustang magic" to mix in your soil.


Take care and again, Thank you for everything!

Click the pictures to enlarge