What should one do when faced with a riled, protective mother whose baby has not nursed? I don't mean about the baby, obviously the baby needs to be bottled. How is the best way to handle the mother? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
shorty":uv76afbj said:You have get her in a chute or someplace where you can handle her , Like everyone just said BE CAREFUL I just had one knock me over and I was just trying to feed her, I wasn't even close to the calf, she's going to be hamburger after she weans this calf. I have an old ax handle which I take with me when I go in to one like that
I am with you on the axe handle. I have broke a shovel handle or two.shorty":2jb88361 said:You have get her in a chute or someplace where you can handle her , Like everyone just said BE CAREFUL I just had one knock me over and I was just trying to feed her, I wasn't even close to the calf, she's going to be hamburger after she weans this calf. I have an old ax handle which I take with me when I go in to one like that
preston39":2qqac6e7 said:There are many ways to deal with a new mama..one favorite is a 8' x 8' X 6' tall..polled at top and bottom..., 3 point hitch mounted cyclone fence corral. Just back up to the little fellow and lower it. If for some reason he is to be taken..built in to the front is a 2' section with a wire floor..put him there and mom can see him all the way to the barn. Use it with a smaller tractor so you will have a better chance getting in under limbs..etc.
My favorite way is to get mom in the barn in a FRESHLY HAYED STALL for birthing. When we see the appearance of the water bag or a wandering appearance in her actions in she comes. If there are any problems she is under control...to assist...to milk...or to help in many required ways. Once you get to know your cows...1 day is max we have em up before birth. Usually hours.
Stalls should be keep clean/daily with fresh hay/straw.
Three days turn them out. We feed expectant moms dry feed in the late afteroon that will delay..generally... birth during the night..yotes and all considered. I keep a large plastic pan in the truck with a bag of mixed/sweet feed...they have a hard time turning it down.
We are fortunate to have an extra former horse barn(which has been cleaned and sprayed) with 22 stalls. They have been full..and nearly.. on more than one occasion with new mamas to be. The adjacent stall is kept empty for access to the... going ons.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Oldtimer":1kc4bue4 said:Sounds like all this momma and baby need is some privacy and let mother nature run its course.... Funny how many of those babies make it plumb fine without our help- kind of the way its supposed to be......
WORANCH":10f5e7f6 said:preston39":10f5e7f6 said:There are many ways to deal with a new mama..one favorite is a 8' x 8' X 6' tall..polled at top and bottom..., 3 point hitch mounted cyclone fence corral. Just back up to the little fellow and lower it. If for some reason he is to be taken..built in to the front is a 2' section with a wire floor..put him there and mom can see him all the way to the barn. Use it with a smaller tractor so you will have a better chance getting in under limbs..etc.
My favorite way is to get mom in the barn in a FRESHLY HAYED STALL for birthing. When we see the appearance of the water bag or a wandering appearance in her actions in she comes. If there are any problems she is under control...to assist...to milk...or to help in many required ways. Once you get to know your cows...1 day is max we have em up before birth. Usually hours.
Stalls should be keep clean/daily with fresh hay/straw.
Three days turn them out. We feed expectant moms dry feed in the late afteroon that will delay..generally... birth during the night..yotes and all considered. I keep a large plastic pan in the truck with a bag of mixed/sweet feed...they have a hard time turning it down.
We are fortunate to have an extra former horse barn(which has been cleaned and sprayed) with 22 stalls. They have been full..and nearly.. on more than one occasion with new mamas to be. The adjacent stall is kept empty for access to the... going ons.
BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!
================
Woranch,
Note the above...I didn't say that. Out of 183 head now calving we will pobably be lucky to spot/control and get up...oh...60-70%.
"My Favorite"...because it gives better over all control if any problems..if not needed...nothing lost.
I fully understand ....you folks with several hundred....thousands of head.... probably not be practival. But, I perceive many are small contenders.