Exploring the World One Nibble at a Time: Thirteen’s Early Adventures in Hay and Healthy Habits
At just 12 days old, Thirteen is already showing us just how much a young foal can learn and explore in a short time. One of the first things many foals do—often within the first few days of life—is begin to mouth, chew, and investigate the world around them. For Thirteen, that included hay… and yes, even Surprise’s manure.
While it may sound strange at first, these behaviors are not only normal, they’re essential to a foal’s healthy development.
Hay Nibbling: A Natural Curiosity
Foals don’t wait until weaning to start experimenting with solid foods. Thirteen began nibbling on hay before he was even a week old. At this age, he’s not getting significant nutrition from it—that still comes almost entirely from Surprise’s milk—but the act of mouthing and chewing hay helps strengthen his jaw and introduces his digestive system to the types of roughage he’ll rely on as he matures.
This kind of early exploration helps his body begin producing the right enzymes and developing the gut microbiota needed for proper digestion of forage and grain down the road.
Yes, Foals Eat Poop—And It’s a Good Thing
One of the most surprising (and maybe even alarming) behaviors new horse owners notice is when foals begin to eat manure—usually from their dam. But this behavior, called coprophagy, is not only normal—it’s incredibly important.
A foal is born with a nearly sterile gut. By consuming manure from their dam, they’re populating their digestive tract with the beneficial bacteria that help break down fibrous materials and build a healthy immune system. This is a critical step in preparing the foal’s gastrointestinal tract for the eventual transition to solid feed.
In Thirteen’s case, following Surprise’s lead and investigating her manure is a sign that his instincts are kicking in exactly as they should. It might not look glamorous, but it’s a beautiful example of how nature equips young horses for success.
Learning Through Imitation
Foals learn primarily through observation and mimicry. Thirteen watches Surprise graze, chew, lie down, and interact with the world—and then he tries it himself. This process is how he begins to understand what is safe, what is food, and how to be a horse in a social herd.
His early interest in hay, grain, and other textures is part curiosity and part learning. It’s also a reminder of how critical the mare-foal bond is in those early weeks. Surprise is not just his source of nutrition—she’s his teacher and his safe place.
What Comes Next?
Over the next few months, Thirteen will gradually shift from exploratory nibbling to eating more significant amounts of hay and starter grain. The Horse Husband Stables team will continue to monitor his progress, ensuring his growth is steady and his digestive health develops properly. But for now, these little moments—watching him nose around in the hay pile or mimic Surprise’s every move—are signs that he’s thriving.
We’re so glad you’re here to enjoy these milestones with us. The Foal Circle exists to educate and entertain, giving you a front-row seat to real-life foal development. All horses featured from Horse Husband Stables are cared for and supported entirely by their team, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share their stories with you.
