Christmas calf coat?

[Stocker Steve]

Bought in some bargain cows and ended up with one winter calf. He is very healthy but not growing much in this sub zero weather. I am deep bedding them but wondering if I should also try a calf coat...

How long is it practical to keep a coat on a calf in this situation?

 

[Aaron]

Bought in some bargain cows and ended up with one winter calf. He is very healthy but not growing much in this sub zero weather. I am deep bedding them but wondering if I should also try a calf coat...

How long is it practical to keep a coat on a calf in this situation?

As long as you have somewhere for it to get out of the wind and some bedding, I would hold off on the coat. Calf gets too warm, starts sweating, cold wind comes through and you have a calf popsicle. :cowboy:

 

[hillsdown]

Are you feeding it calf starter as well, that will help in really cold temps. If you want to use a coat try an old sweat shirt and make sure that if it gets caught it will come loose.

 

[novatech]

If he's Hereford just keep him dry. And I agree, get rid of the coat. If mom gives plenty of milk that is all he needs.

 

[angie1]

Coats, like heat lamps, can be life savers as well as problem causers. I would agree not to use one if he doesn't need it. If you get into a place where you do, I have found that flannel shirts work well ~ put their front legs in the sleeves, and button them up the back of the calf as opposed to the belly. Have only ever done this with bottle babies in box stalls. It scares me to have any equipment on them they don't need if they are out.

 

[novatech]

Coats, like heat lamps, can be life savers as well as problem causers. I would agree not to use one if he doesn't need it. If you get into a place where you do, I have found that flannel shirts work well ~ put their front legs in the sleeves, and button them up the back of the calf as opposed to the belly. Have only ever done this with bottle babies in box stalls. It scares me to have any equipment on them they don't need if they are out.

Can I get a video of this. I know it gotta sell good or at least win a prise on the Worlds Funniest Vidios.
OK I coudn't resist. Just funning you. :lol2:

 

[3waycross]

Coats, like heat lamps, can be life savers as well as problem causers. I would agree not to use one if he doesn't need it. If you get into a place where you do, I have found that flannel shirts work well ~ put their front legs in the sleeves, and button them up the back of the calf as opposed to the belly. Have only ever done this with bottle babies in box stalls. It scares me to have any equipment on them they don't need if they are out.

Can I get a video of this. I know it gotta sell good or at least win a prise on the Worlds Funniest Vidios.
OK I coudn't resist. Just funning you. :lol2:

Sounds like Al Borland with a tail to me.

 

[angie1]

Can I get a video of this. I know it gotta sell good or at least win a prise on the Worlds Funniest Vidios.
OK I coudn't resist. Just funning you. :lol2:

Of course I will send you the video!
After that informative and fascinating video you sent me "Start Your Own Genetically Grass-Fed Herd Today!", I owe you one! :clap:
Farmers around here seemed pessimistic, but I explained its all the rage down south. :nod:

 

[novatech]

Can I get a video of this. I know it gotta sell good or at least win a prise on the Worlds Funniest Vidios.
OK I coudn't resist. Just funning you. :lol2:

Of course I will send you the video!
After that informative and fascinating video you sent me "Start Your Own Genetically Grass-Fed Herd Today!", I owe you one! :clap:
Farmers around here seemed pessimistic, but I explained its all the rage down south. :nod:

Yep there great. We don,t even need udders on the cows. Those calves come out and start eating grass when they hit the ground. :lol2:
By the way, where do you buy those shirts with the buttons in the back? Guys in Minnesota must be a little different. In my part of the world the guys have the buttons in the front. Well the straight ones anyway. ;-)