I really need to get my foaling bucket organised now. Any tips?
I use a container with a lid - that way I know it's all in there and that I haven't "borrowed" an item for something else and failed to put it back
My foaling bucket contains :
Headcollar (for the mare)
Leadrope
Tail bandage
3 clean towels (for drying the foal and human hands)
Hibiscrub/iodine-based solution for the navel
Wound powder (for small tears)
Sterile swabs
Long surgical gloves
KY gelly
Very sharp sterile knife, in a plastic bag - a scalpel would be better (for cutting the allantochorion if it fails to rupture - rare but
you must do it, don't wait for the vet!)
Sterilised jug (for hand-milking)
Sterilised baby bottle and several teats
Flannel/sponge for any meconium stains
Torch (we have electric lights but a torch is useful for close examination of the udder which is often in shadow)
Mobile phone - fully charged.
Phone number for the vet (in the phone and on a little card)
Directions for the vet written down on a card (you may get an emergency vet who doesn't know where you are situated and it's easy to give unclear directions if you're panicking!)
Camera - fully charged
Strong string for tying up the placenta
Plastic bin liner for the placenta
Foaling book or diagrams of common mal-presentations
Packet of mints (to distract the mare incase you have to do anything she doesn't like)
Outside the stable we have clean straw, clean buckets, wheelbarrow and poo-picking kit easily to hand.
We don't have colostrum replacement because it tends to have a short shelf-life and most vets have it in stock at this time of year.
Think that's about it.
A big dose of good luck in the bucket too
