Figuring out how to work bulls?

[pdubdo]

My working pens are pretty lame. Portable panels reinforced with some wooden posts at the alley and an old priefert head gate on some railroad ties. But I've managed to make it work for my few cattle and they are trained to move through it pretty efficiently. But I absolutely can't imagine a several year old bull even fitting through the head gate. How does anyone work a bull with a less-than-ideal setup?

 

[TCRanch]

Have you considered renting a portable corral? Or even loading them & taking them to a neighbors with good facilities (or even your vet)?

As far as not fitting through the headgate, you could back them out.

 

[simme]

My working pens are pretty lame. Portable panels reinforced with some wooden posts at the alley and an old priefert head gate on some railroad ties. But I've managed to make it work for my few cattle and they are trained to move through it pretty efficiently. But I absolutely can't imagine a several year old bull even fitting through the head gate. How does anyone work a bull with a less-than-ideal setup?

1. Have a very gentle halter broke bull and only doing minor work like vaccines.
2. Rompun (xylazine) is a possibility. Puts them down for a short time. Get the dose correct. Do not use in hot weather (affects their ability to cool themselves). Protect their eyes when they go down. Not the best option. Requires a prescription and hopefully a good relationship with a vet that trusts the ability of the person to use it correctly.
3. Neighbor with a heavy full size squeeze chute that will help you as TC mentioned.
4. Vet with haul in facilities.
5. Vet school if nearby. They work cheap and have excellent facilities generally.
6. Sale barn may allow you to use their facility. But liability is a concern for them.
7. Some people never vaccinate their bull because they can't handle him.

 

[alacowman1]

if he's older and in good shape I'd just use a good pour on..if he doesn't need anything else..my neighbor had a setup like yours the bull went through and took the head gate with him..circus act getting it off on the pasture ..and dangerous ..

 

[bird dog]

Take him to the vet. He needs a breeding soundness exam anyway so get that done and everything else at the same time.

 

[tex452]

I don't put my bulls in a head gate.
I'll run them in the chute block off back end give shots and back them out our go straight ahead.
If u need fertility test it's best to take m to the vet

 

[Warren Allison]

Head and heel them.

 

[Brute 23]

Take him to the vet. He needs a breeding soundness exam anyway so get that done and everything else at the same time.

I'm that guy that shows up to the vet with 10 other things I'll knock out reall quick why you got a hold of him.

 

[Brute 23]

I would set a couple posts to the left and put a cut gate in your chute. Straight go out or on the trailer, left goes to head gate. It will make life a lot easier long term.

Ditch the panels in the chute for boards if you can.

 

[Lucky]

A dart gun is only $300-350 bucks. Not the best way to do things but much cheaper than rebuilding corrals to fit 1 animal and waaaay better than not getting it done. Only thing we do to bulls is Lepto and worm so couple darts and your done.

For some reason people are always afraid that bulls will kill them or tear the corrals apart. I've had a few that could get a little western on you but they are pretty predictable, mother cows on the other hand........

 

[wbvs58]

It is not the easiest thing to hold a mature bull in a head gate due to the thickness of their neck. You need to get a rail behind them quick smart so the can't back out.

Ken

 

[TCRanch]

I'm that guy that shows up to the vet with 10 other things I'll knock out reall quick why you got a hold of him.

You're in good company! That's always when I vaccinate my bulls, new ear tags if needed, etc.

 

[TCRanch]

Have a very gentle halter broke bull and only doing minor work like vaccines.

Well, he wasn't halter broke, but I was able to cut open his abscess with just a bowl of cubes.

 

[wbvs58]

Well, he wasn't halter broke, but I was able to cut open his abscess with just a bowl of cubes.

There's no doubt about you TC, you'll find a way.

Ken

 

[pdubdo]

Exactly the info I needed. thanks all!