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calf question
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<blockquote data-quote="txag" data-source="post: 66759" data-attributes="member: 8"><p>sounds like you have a "dummy" calf........a calf that just doesn't know what to do. </p><p></p><p>depending on the temperament or gentleness of your cow, you may have to tie her up or put her in the chute to get close enough to help the calf nurse. it'll probably take some wrestling on your part 'cause for some reason when you try to help those little buggers nurse, they have an instinct that causes them to push backwards & resist your help (what you took as him being "bothered"). </p><p></p><p>several ways to do it if he keeps pulling away when you try to move his head up. one is to stand straight behind him & push him forward with your knees while leaning over & lifting his head/neck with your hands & directing him to the teats. the other (my preferred method) is to straddle him instead of getting behind (keeps the pants a little cleaner if they decide to potty) and lean over. sometimes you can get them to start sucking on your finger & then lift your finger up & switch them from it to the teat. other times you just have to wrestle their head up there & work the teat into their mouth.</p><p></p><p>usually once you get the calf to nurse that's all it takes. instinct will take over & he'll remember to lift his head up. </p><p></p><p>good luck and welcome to the boards.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="txag, post: 66759, member: 8"] sounds like you have a "dummy" calf........a calf that just doesn't know what to do. depending on the temperament or gentleness of your cow, you may have to tie her up or put her in the chute to get close enough to help the calf nurse. it'll probably take some wrestling on your part 'cause for some reason when you try to help those little buggers nurse, they have an instinct that causes them to push backwards & resist your help (what you took as him being "bothered"). several ways to do it if he keeps pulling away when you try to move his head up. one is to stand straight behind him & push him forward with your knees while leaning over & lifting his head/neck with your hands & directing him to the teats. the other (my preferred method) is to straddle him instead of getting behind (keeps the pants a little cleaner if they decide to potty) and lean over. sometimes you can get them to start sucking on your finger & then lift your finger up & switch them from it to the teat. other times you just have to wrestle their head up there & work the teat into their mouth. usually once you get the calf to nurse that's all it takes. instinct will take over & he'll remember to lift his head up. good luck and welcome to the boards. [/QUOTE]
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