calf puller

[Silver]

If you have a puller you then need to think about where you are going to use it. In a chute or alleyway is not ideal, if they go down as they usually will being restricted by the sides and posts will have you putting a lot of pressure from a not ideal angle and the result is often rupturing the uterine artery. I remember @Bright Raven having one of his Simmentals bleed out after using one in a restricted area a few years back.
Tied up to a substantial post or stocks where you can remove the sides to give unlimited access to continue the pull in the natural downward manner towards the hocks rather than straight out the back in restricted circumstances.
I like the Dr Franks, you can use the rod for a bit of extra leverage in the downward direction when you have the room as I am sure most brands will be similar.

Ken

I like the Dr. Franks, but that’s all I’ve used. I do pull in the chute though. I keep them standing and that allows a good range of downward motion as required. I like to hold the puller up while taking some tension, then lower the bar in time with the cows pushing. Don’t need to get in a hurry or even pull very hard most times.

 

[wbvs58]

I like the Dr. Franks, but that's all I've used. I do pull in the chute though. I keep them standing and that allows a good range of downward motion as required. I like to hold the puller up while taking some tension, then lower the bar in time with the cows pushing. Don't need to get in a hurry or even pull very hard most times.

How do you keep them standing Silver?

Ken

 

[SBMF 2015]

If you have a puller you then need to think about where you are going to use it. In a chute or alleyway is not ideal, if they go down as they usually will being restricted by the sides and posts will have you putting a lot of pressure from a not ideal angle and the result is often rupturing the uterine artery. I remember @Bright Raven having one of his Simmentals bleed out after using one in a restricted area a few years back.
Tied up to a substantial post or stocks where you can remove the sides to give unlimited access to continue the pull in the natural downward manner towards the hocks rather than straight out the back in restricted circumstances.
I like the Dr Franks, you can use the rod for a bit of extra leverage in the downward direction when you have the room as I am sure most brands will be similar.

Ken

I bought a maternity pen about the second year I had cows. It is so much better to pull calves in than a chute.
I really like it when I have to get a calf nursing. The sides come up higher than the bottom half of my chute sides and I don’t have to fight the bar in my chute.

 

[Silver]

How do you keep them standing Silver?

Ken

Squeezed up reasonably tight, with a bar behind them that crowds them to the front.

 

[gcreekrch]

I always prefer to leave my calf puller collecting dust in the corner. Ha

Ours didn't get used last year. The ones that did need assistance were helped with a rope on the chain. I use a 25 ft rope and turn the heifer loose in the barn alley. Most calve standing but lots of room if they do go down. Nothing worse than a heifer dog falling in a chute with a calf puller tied on.

 

[sunnyblueskies]

I bought a maternity pen about the second year I had cows. It is so much better to pull calves in than a chute.
I really like it when I have to get a calf nursing. The sides come up higher than the bottom half of my chute sides and I don't have to fight the bar in my chute.

Maternity pen is the best investment ever. Wouldn't want to go without it!!

 

[puzzled in oregon]

Ours didn't get used last year. The ones that did need assistance were helped with a rope on the chain. I use a 25 ft rope and turn the heifer loose in the barn alley. Most calve standing but lots of room if they do go down. Nothing worse than a heifer dog falling in a chute with a calf puller tied on.

Why such a long rope ? To allow you to assist her without disturbing her ?

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

I put a halter on her, back her out of the chute and have her standing with a swinging gate on 1 side, so there is plenty of room if she goes down.

 

[gcreekrch]

Why such a long rope ? To allow you to assist her without disturbing her ?

Bowline loop at chains, around post or gate rail, back to loop. They pull their own calf for most part. Easy to release or take up slack as needed. I’ve pulled many calves this way. Some heifers get a little cranky and wound up but patience and only one person near them gets the job done.

 

[gcreekrch]

I put a halter on her, back her out of the chute and have her standing with a swinging gate on 1 side, so there is plenty of room if she goes down.

Some of ours would be a little difficult to take the halter off.