Can a calf be alone or does he needs a buddy?

[northerner]

I have a situation that is first for me, and I am not sure which way to choose.

I have 6 calves, 3 steers and 3 heifers, 600 to 700 lb weight range. Original plan was to raise them to this target weight and take them to the barn sale.

Now, one of the steers has a ring worms with a single large spot right on his face. When it just started I treated him with the fluid film (advice from my local Mennonite neighbour). To my surprise and relief none of the other 5 got it and the original steer did not develop no other bald spots.

Which brings me to my dilemma, I have to take 5 and sell them. But can I leave him alone until he develops immunity and the hair grows back or does he needs a buddy and I have to sell only 4 leaving one to be with him?

 

[MurraysMutts]

He'll be ok.
Just feed him a bit. U can be his new best friend!

 

[bird dog]

Sell them all and save the expense of making a second trip. The buyers will know what a ringworm is and they will know it will be gone in a couple weeks and in no way hurts the value of the calf.

 

[kenny thomas]

Sell him also. Lots of calves gets it in the winter

 

[sstterry]

Sell him too, it is ok. But, if you want to keep him, he will be fine alone.

 

[Dsth]

He will be fine by himself. He would be a good candidate to push feed to and put in the freezer if that is something in your future plans. no advise from me on selling with ringworm since I'm not a buyer.

 

[WFfarm]

He will eat more if he has competition, if your goal is to feed him to gain weight before selling.

 

[76 Bar]

Ringworm is common in young animals and isn't a health threat. Normally buyers ignore it & bid according to the quality of the animals but with the market in the tank you might take a hit on that particular animal. All due respect to those who stated he'd be fine sans company I heartily disagree.

 

[crossbredcalves]

I really try not to ever leave a calf by himself just because they are herd animals and will go looking for company.

 

[MurraysMutts]

Looks like we are officially undecided as a group. Lol

So depends on ur situation I guess. If u hold 2 of em, they will just get bigger. Last time I checked, we sell em by the pound anyway...

 

[northerner]

Thanks everyone. I am taking 3 of them next week, and then I guess I will have to decide.

 

[MurraysMutts]

Good plan!
Let us know how they do?
Nice to sell in groups. Singles are always hit or miss

 

[northerner]

For sure. Will post an update once things are done.