How to Set Up a Live Foaling Camera
Breeding horses of any size or breed can be a daunting task. Most foaling problems can be quickly resolved if the owner is aware the mare is foaling, which is why using a live foaling camera has become routine for most horse breeders. You can also use your barn camera to keep an eye on sick horses, which can be invaluable.
We have been using a live foaling camera for over 8 years and I have probably made every mistake a person can make. Follow these tips to avoid the more common mistakes.
1. Purchase a less expensive security camera with night vision. Do not fall for the high priced "barn cameras" as I found out the hard way, they do not work nearly as well as the cheap security cameras. You will still need a low wattage light bulb in the stall.
2. For the most reliable, stable picture - purchase a wired camera. Wireless cameras get interference from common household items such as microwaves, cell phones and cordless phones. Security cameras range in price from $30.00 to $100.00.
3. Purchase a "Dazzle" or Video Recording device at any electronics store. These usually retail for around $50.00.
4. Use a paid host for your foaling camera if you want to have it live on the internet. While there are free web cam hosting places on the internet, I have found that they also host some unsavory web cameras that I do not want to be associated with. Web cam hosting will run around $20.00 per month with discounts for paying 6 months or 12 months at a time. Another benefit of using a host is that they have a community of "cam watchers" that will give you extra eyes watching your mare.
5. Place the security camera in the stall at a good angle to view your mare. You will need access to an outlet in your barn to plug the camera in. Run the camera line from the barn to your home; by running it under a doorway or under a window. Camera lines can be buried in the ground by inserting the line into PVC pipe (to keep animals from chewing it) and then burying it. We run our line overhead and have had no issues doing that.
6. Insert the yellow and white ends of the camera line into the dazzle device; then plug the dazzle into your computer jack.
If you are using a hosting service, they will send you the free software to make your foaling camera appear online. If you only want the picture for yourself, the Dazzle software will bring up your foaling camera picture.
Another benefit of having your foaling camera hosted, is that you can pull up your foaling camera on your smart phone if you need to make a quick trip to the store.
We have been using a live foaling camera for over 8 years and I have probably made every mistake a person can make. Follow these tips to avoid the more common mistakes.
1. Purchase a less expensive security camera with night vision. Do not fall for the high priced "barn cameras" as I found out the hard way, they do not work nearly as well as the cheap security cameras. You will still need a low wattage light bulb in the stall.
2. For the most reliable, stable picture - purchase a wired camera. Wireless cameras get interference from common household items such as microwaves, cell phones and cordless phones. Security cameras range in price from $30.00 to $100.00.
3. Purchase a "Dazzle" or Video Recording device at any electronics store. These usually retail for around $50.00.
4. Use a paid host for your foaling camera if you want to have it live on the internet. While there are free web cam hosting places on the internet, I have found that they also host some unsavory web cameras that I do not want to be associated with. Web cam hosting will run around $20.00 per month with discounts for paying 6 months or 12 months at a time. Another benefit of using a host is that they have a community of "cam watchers" that will give you extra eyes watching your mare.
5. Place the security camera in the stall at a good angle to view your mare. You will need access to an outlet in your barn to plug the camera in. Run the camera line from the barn to your home; by running it under a doorway or under a window. Camera lines can be buried in the ground by inserting the line into PVC pipe (to keep animals from chewing it) and then burying it. We run our line overhead and have had no issues doing that.
6. Insert the yellow and white ends of the camera line into the dazzle device; then plug the dazzle into your computer jack.
If you are using a hosting service, they will send you the free software to make your foaling camera appear online. If you only want the picture for yourself, the Dazzle software will bring up your foaling camera picture.
Another benefit of having your foaling camera hosted, is that you can pull up your foaling camera on your smart phone if you need to make a quick trip to the store.
Published by Kay Baxter
Kay Baxter owns a Miniature Horse/Shetland pony farm where she breeds, trains and shows Miniature Horses and American Shetland ponies. Kay's first book was published in 2008 titled "Miniature Horse Conformat... View profile
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