Foaling Alarms - Preference?

[Signature]

I was just curious what folks are using as their preferred foaling alarm system. We have an old original Breeder Alert that’s given many, many years of trusty service, but it’s decided to partially, if not fully, give up the ghost right when we have a mare who is due any moment (and 3 more behind her). It’s on life support right now… :winkgrin:

So, we’re faced with buying a new unit of some sort. The alarm system combined with barn cameras provides a lot of surveillance and peace of mind (and added sleep). I’ve seen the newer Breeder Alert, the Equiphone/Equipage and then the Foal Alert… not at all crazy about sewing something into the mare, so is there a system that seems to be preferred? We’ll probably have it a long time so just trying to make the best choice and best value for the money.

Thanks!!

[Home_Again_Farm]

I have used the Foalert system with cameras for years. I only bother with the sewn in transmitter with a mare that is notorious for giving few signals. The halter systems that alert when the mare is prone had too many false alerts and then there was the mare that foaled standing…

[Signature]

Agreed Mary Lou, we do have a few that like to lie out and give several falses. But, with cameras, we can usually tell if they are just sleeping and then also know if they are lying down more than normal, etc. But, the foaling standing is definitely challenging! We have one that’s done that twice, and demanded that we catch the baby (backed into us, like “here, you do it!”).

Luckily with the milk test and watching signs we are usually very aware of what night(s) it probably will be and are watching more carefully - but we do work full time so need to sleep also! So it’s nice to have something that will wake you upon cat-naps.

For those of you that have the Foal Alert, does the vet saw it in and do you have to have it removed then also, I assume? And how far ahead of time? It seems like the vet call and procedure would be costly when you have 5-7 mares It seems like this one is the most sure-fire, though… especially for those who go without warning before you think it is time to put the halter tag on them!

[Home_Again_Farm]

When I was foaling at home, my vet sewed it in. I would wait until the milk test indicated we were getting pretty close. At the farm where I later had mares foaling the manager sewed them in (she is an RN). They are simple to remove. But, honestly, I only had one time when the Foalert called me and I was not already on my way to the barn, based on the milk tests and watching the camera.

[showjumpers66]

For several years, I used the Foalert, but found that I was watching the mares, so it never went off. It is not hard to sew in … just use a large gauge needle to run the suture through. You will end up sticking the mare three times. I discontinued using it as it wasn’t necessary for us, but if I was in a situation where I couldn’t watch the mares 24/7, then I would definitely recommend it.

[Home_Again_Farm]

@showjumpers66;6210154

For several years, I used the Foalert, but found that I was watching the mares, so it never went off. It is not hard to sew in … just use a large gauge needle to run the suture through. You will end up sticking the mare three times. I discontinued using it as it wasn’t necessary for us, but if I was in a situation where I couldn’t watch the mares 24/7, then I would definitely recommend it.

My vet and I had a running joke about this. Every foaling he would ask me if the alarm alerted me or if I was already there when it went off. Every time I’d have to say that I was already there. :winkgrin:

[Dorienna]

I used the sewn-in foal alert on both my mares last year. The first kept rubbing and got it off, I didn’t get it put back in. The second presented with dystocia at delivery and the alert didn’t go off since she was pushing but couldn’t get anything “out” so to speak. This year, I’m doing a combination of milk testing and sleeping in the barn as she gets close, hopefully it will be ok. I know of other breeders however for which the foal alert system worked really well, just not for me:-)

[ise]

Breeder Alert and cameras. The newer Breeder alerts are much smaller. They are also great if you have a horse that’s a little colicy.

[andy.smaga]

An interesting system: http://www.foaloption.com/epages/1f4bf75c-82c8-11e0-ba4e-000d609a287c.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectID=11006016

[Edgewood]

@Home Again Farm;6210113

When I was foaling at home, my vet sewed it in. I would wait until the milk test indicated we were getting pretty close. At the farm where I later had mares foaling the manager sewed them in (she is an RN). They are simple to remove. But, honestly, I only had one time when the Foalert called me and I was not already on my way to the barn, based on the milk tests and watching the camera.

Ditto this. I do use the foal alert too, but have yet to have it call me in about 8 years now. The past multiple year, I spotted the impending birth on the camera. It is just a safety valve and I would not trust it solely as what happens if there is a dystocia and no foot comes out to activate the alarm.

Yes the vet sews it in, but I can take it off. It is a really easy procedure. And gives peace of mind. But in reality I rely on the camera the most.

[horsechick]

[QUOTE=andy.smaga;6210385]
An interesting system: http://www.foaloption.com/epages/1f4bf75c-82c8-11e0-ba4e-000d609a287c.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectID=11006016[/QUOTE]

Has anyone used this? It looks very interesting…

[Cindy_s_Warmbloods]

I use the Breeders Alert and am pleased with it. That being said I am usually there for the foalings before it goes off but it is nice to know that if a sneaky mare foals or I slept through a check that it is backing me up. Some of my mares don’t like down at the end and some do a LOT so there are false alarms but I would rather a false alarm anyday then a surprise foaling and not be there!

[Edgewood]

@horsechick;6210567

Has anyone used this? It looks very interesting…

I don’t know, it looks like it would be kind of a pain to put on and would get really messed up with manure. I still prefer the Foal Alert, the procedure is really short and quick.

[andy.smaga]

[QUOTE=horsechick;6210567]
Has anyone used this? It looks very interesting…[/QUOTE]
Introduced in France this year, so very little information from users available.
The first feed back seems promising.

[wanabi]

I use the foal alert and I love it Like Dorienna said, if you have nothing coming out it’s not working, I also do the milk testing

Sandra
www.laprisestable.com

[showjumpers66]

As much as my mares rub their tail wraps, I can’t imagine that they would leave this alone. I also suspect it is difficult to clean since it will be soaked in birthing fluids following use.

[QUOTE=andy.smaga;6210385]
An interesting system: http://www.foaloption.com/epages/1f4bf75c-82c8-11e0-ba4e-000d609a287c.sf/en_GB/?ViewObjectID=11006016[/QUOTE]

[Rancho_del_Marr]

I also use the Breeder Alert in combination with cameras and milk testing. I love it! Since I’ve bought it, I haven’t missed a foaling. Yes, I do have to deal with a lot of false alarms because my mares love to take their naps, but that’s okay. I can look at the camera and tell if they’re just snoozing or getting down to business. I can go back to sleep or get down to the barn in time to help if need be.

[tveley]

We use the new Breeder Alert system along with camera surveillance and human monitoring. We have been very happy with this system.