I'm having issues with my cattle moving around too much when branding in the chute. I have a Preifert squeeze chute and electric branding iron. The cows are moving too much in the chute and it is causing the brand to smear. The cows will hunch up forward or drop their rear down (I'm putting the brand on the right hip). Anyone have any suggestions on what has worked for you?
Branding issue
- Thread starter AZAggie
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wbvs58
Well-known member
When freeze branding I use a hook made of 1/2 " round steel in their mouth to chew on to take their mind off it. I think it would delay the jump when hot branding also. It is modeled off the "Dr Hook" instrument, if you google that I am sure you would find it.
Ken
Ken
It's called patience and perseverance.
Clip first as you can make a better brand by doing so. Unless hair isn't an issue in Oklahoma.
You can't just hit them with the iron and expect them to stand motionless. Be ready to pull back when they move and line things up again until you have a good job done.
First ya get good, then ya get fast........
Clip first as you can make a better brand by doing so. Unless hair isn't an issue in Oklahoma.
You can't just hit them with the iron and expect them to stand motionless. Be ready to pull back when they move and line things up again until you have a good job done.
First ya get good, then ya get fast........
5S Cattle
Well-known member
:2cents: Get someone to pull the tail straight up over there back. Helps me
jerry27150
Well-known member
squeeze them harder
Dave
Well-known member
All three of the above posts will help but I have found that what Gcreek said is the most important.
Personally I prefer not to squeeze the sides in when branding (very old manual chute), as they always seem to get in some terrible inaccessible position, and I'd have to open sides up again. I also learned to give a first touch of just a couple seconds to burn the hair (I don't clip using electric brand either) and establish a nice template. I follow this with a few quick touches until nerves are dead, then they stand just fine.
My first branding attempts were pretty awful. After I stopped trying to do it in a single pass it really came together quickly. Probably takes me 4-5 minutes, but working by myself and keeping them fairly calm is much more enjoyable and easier on my equipment!
My first branding attempts were pretty awful. After I stopped trying to do it in a single pass it really came together quickly. Probably takes me 4-5 minutes, but working by myself and keeping them fairly calm is much more enjoyable and easier on my equipment!
callmefence
Keyboard cowboy
gcreekrch":a86icuvt said:
This..
Put the iron to em. When they throw a fit pull back until they calm then go back.
Not always but lots of time they'll stand there and take it.
AZAggie":ug7kmp2p said:
Definitely don't hesitate to pull it off even if it takes 3 or 4 touches with the brand.
Fire Sweep Ranch
Well-known member
wbvs58":33ft4oqq said:
(laughing face)... have you googled Dr Hook???? I guess it was a popular band. I had to put "cattle" in the query to get a hit on what "dr hook" is.... lol
Not only did I listen to Dr. hook I know all the words to freakers ball!
Gizmom
Gizmom
wbvs58
Well-known member
Fire Sweep Ranch":3w5a84q7 said:
Ha, as long as you found the cattle hook in the end and listened to some music as well.
Ken
