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calf still not eating calf starter
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<blockquote data-quote="Bez+" data-source="post: 585384" data-attributes="member: 6797"><p>Sheila</p><p></p><p>I suspect you are a newbie.</p><p></p><p>Everyone who is new always seems to panic when "my calf will not eat starter". I see it here at least several times a month - do a search for your own info and you will see what I am talking about.</p><p></p><p>If this animal is with other cows it has already learned to eat grass.</p><p></p><p>Others will tell you it MUST be separated and NEEDS grain. I disagree and this is why .....</p><p></p><p>But first - I hate bottle calves - all work and expense - pain in the butt - but we learned a few years ago that we could do it differently with great success.</p><p></p><p>If we keep a bottle feeder (rare - no novelty, just extra work), we now let it run with some quiet cows and do not supplement - we bottle feed like you and it stays with the herd. At the end of the season they always seem to be right there with the rest of them. </p><p></p><p>In fact - despite what I am saying above - while I am away my wife is bottle feeding an orphan with great genetics - it runs with the herd and things are going quite well according to my last skype conversation with her - only yesterday.</p><p></p><p>I do admit my wife does not follow the directions on the bag - she feeds somewhat richer and usually a little longer than most on this board would do - perhaps that is the difference - you do as you see fit - it is your animal. </p><p></p><p>Trust me - there are ways you can force her to eat grain - and there are ways you can teach her to eat it. </p><p></p><p>Personally - after nearly 50 years of cattle experience I would not waste my time. When the calf is ready to eat - it will eat.</p><p></p><p>As for being hungry after feeding - two things.</p><p></p><p>1. I cannot see your calf - but I suspect it is simply the "suck reflex" - you feed twice a day - three times a day or whatever - then take the bottle out of its mouth - it will suck anything - it is a normal instinctive reflex.</p><p></p><p>2. Without seeing your calf I can tell you - if you think it is truly hungry and it needs more milk - you can likely increase it - or add a mid day feeding if you are inclined. Any increases to be done a bit at a time and <u>slowly</u> - but in fact if it looks healthy then just keep doing what you are doing. However I suspect your calf is doing reasonably well from the sounds of it. I know this is obvious - but as it grows it needs more - remember that.</p><p></p><p>If the calf tries to steal - that is great - it may learn how to avoid being kicked - which animals will let it and most importantly - how to steal - less work for you if it happens. May happen and may not - you will still have to feed.</p><p></p><p>Oh, yeah - relax.</p><p></p><p>You do the search and read what others have to say and do as you see fit - but for the moment I figure things are working.</p><p></p><p>All is well and you are likely getting wrapped around the axles for no reason.</p><p></p><p>Enjoy your calf.</p><p></p><p>Bez+</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Bez+, post: 585384, member: 6797"] Sheila I suspect you are a newbie. Everyone who is new always seems to panic when "my calf will not eat starter". I see it here at least several times a month - do a search for your own info and you will see what I am talking about. If this animal is with other cows it has already learned to eat grass. Others will tell you it MUST be separated and NEEDS grain. I disagree and this is why ..... But first - I hate bottle calves - all work and expense - pain in the butt - but we learned a few years ago that we could do it differently with great success. If we keep a bottle feeder (rare - no novelty, just extra work), we now let it run with some quiet cows and do not supplement - we bottle feed like you and it stays with the herd. At the end of the season they always seem to be right there with the rest of them. In fact - despite what I am saying above - while I am away my wife is bottle feeding an orphan with great genetics - it runs with the herd and things are going quite well according to my last skype conversation with her - only yesterday. I do admit my wife does not follow the directions on the bag - she feeds somewhat richer and usually a little longer than most on this board would do - perhaps that is the difference - you do as you see fit - it is your animal. Trust me - there are ways you can force her to eat grain - and there are ways you can teach her to eat it. Personally - after nearly 50 years of cattle experience I would not waste my time. When the calf is ready to eat - it will eat. As for being hungry after feeding - two things. 1. I cannot see your calf - but I suspect it is simply the "suck reflex" - you feed twice a day - three times a day or whatever - then take the bottle out of its mouth - it will suck anything - it is a normal instinctive reflex. 2. Without seeing your calf I can tell you - if you think it is truly hungry and it needs more milk - you can likely increase it - or add a mid day feeding if you are inclined. Any increases to be done a bit at a time and [u]slowly[/u] - but in fact if it looks healthy then just keep doing what you are doing. However I suspect your calf is doing reasonably well from the sounds of it. I know this is obvious - but as it grows it needs more - remember that. If the calf tries to steal - that is great - it may learn how to avoid being kicked - which animals will let it and most importantly - how to steal - less work for you if it happens. May happen and may not - you will still have to feed. Oh, yeah - relax. You do the search and read what others have to say and do as you see fit - but for the moment I figure things are working. All is well and you are likely getting wrapped around the axles for no reason. Enjoy your calf. Bez+ [/QUOTE]
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