calving question

[kenojoe]

First time for calving. I want them to calve in the barn if possible. Question is, once I get one in the headgate can I slip a halter on and get her in the barn(about 30'). Is she going to make me pay for being stupid? The first one to calve is a little on the shy side. None of them have ever had a halter on. Second, once I get her in the barn is it best to put another girl next to her to keep her calm or does it matter. She may sneak off in the woods before I get her anyway. Should calve in May, I know how to tell when she's close and have neighbors to help if there's trouble. Just never tried to get one from the chute into the barn. Don't know what to expect, need some advice.
Thanks Joe

 

[milkmaid]

I wouldn't try it. :lol: :shock: :lol:

 

[jt]

I wouldn't try it. :lol: :shock: :lol:

i agree, me neither..

jt

 

[Susie David]

Be sure to take home videos of that rodeo!
I wouldn't even have the son-in-law try something like that... yeah I would....just for the laugh. .

A 1000# plus cow that isn't halter broke can sure take a 200# man for a ride.
A person could always try to coax the cow into the barn with a grain bucket...or just put some of her favorite feed in the stall and leave the door open and stand back and let her get curious and find the groceries. Feed her there for a few days and she'll be waiting for you...unless this is one of thoes not-so-friendly cows that doesn't trust anyone.
Good Luck.
DMc

 

[milkmaid]

That would make America's Funniest Home Videos. :lol:

 

[kenojoe]

I think you pretty much confirmed what I figured. The 5 older girls I'm not so worried about getting in the barn as I am the 3 first timers. Just concerned if one needs help we won't be able to find her. Also would be a lot easier to give blackleg shots and whatever else needs to be done. Barn is good and clean. I didn't mean put another cow in the same pen with her, just near by in another stall. Thanks for the advice on the halter. I'm getting to old to turf ski! Joe

 

[ALACOWMAN]

First time for calving. I want them to calve in the barn if possible. Question is, once I get one in the headgate can I slip a halter on and get her in the barn(about 30'). Is she going to make me pay for being stupid? The first one to calve is a little on the shy side. None of them have ever had a halter on. Second, once I get her in the barn is it best to put another girl next to her to keep her calm or does it matter. She may sneak off in the woods before I get her anyway. Should calve in May, I know how to tell when she's close and have neighbors to help if there's trouble. Just never tried to get one from the chute into the barn. Don't know what to expect, need some advice.
Thanks Joe

I understand your new too the business. i would if your worried about them get them in a barnlot and keep a eye on um rightbefore calving or dont put them in a chute unless your having problems. you can do more harm than good with a pregnant cow dont get upset & dont upset them until you see trouble.

 

[alabama]

Let her calve in peace off by her self. You can feed her a little every day so that you can catch her if the need be but cows are more comfortable calving alone. If you are worried about her, you can watch her through some binoculars but stay out of site.

 

[jcarkie]

if you are going to put them up, start early i put all of mine in a lot, several days before calving starts. i leave them up at night and let them out in the morning and they get use to it. i had one last year when i went to let them out she was calm as could be, walked out and layed down and had her calf in 15 minutes. if one starts calving i put the others out and leave her alone. some will not stay alone and i don't push it, i leave another cow or two with her. don't stress them anymore than possible, i wouldn't mess with a halter at all.

 

[dun]

If you can set up a clean area near the chute and let her calve there, not in the barn, that will allow you to get her to the chute if you need to restrain her without getting her all stirred up for nothing

dun

 

[Bret]

Joe, are you set up to put some feed and hay in the barn while leaving the barn door open for her? This assumes that the door opens to her and to the pasture, lot, coral etc...and not to freedom. Then she can pick the best place and feel free to come and go staying close for you to keep an eye.

Oh by the way, my cows never make me pay for being stupid. That is free.

Good luck. Enjoy the exerience and privilege.

Bret

 

[rwtherefords]

Since they're not calving untill May, spend the time between now & then fencing a 1 - 2 acre section that includes the pen with the head catcher. Then leave your cattle in that 1 - 2 acre pen until they calf. That accomplishes 2 things. It gives you access to facilities should a problem arise, and it keeps the cattle where you can keep an eye on them.