Just a question, what is the longest you have ever had a cow hide a calf out? We have a hereford cow that has kept her calf hidden for over a month. She has a large bag,and she has been sucked but we cant find the calf. We have taken the four-wheeler out and looked for her but we still have some places that we cant get to, the tornado left alot of damage that is taking forever to clean up. So, has anyone ever had a cow keep a calf hidden this long? Her calf was born healthy last year but got stepped on and died, wondering if maybe she is a little gun shy about bringing her around. Any opinions?
hidden calf
- Thread starter farm girl
- Start date
Crowderfarms
Well-known member
Personally, I've never had one hide out. I always go and check on them. I've had some more difficult to find than others. Sounds like you need to get the posse together and find that calf. If you still have one to find. Why have you waited so long?
A couple of months on one cow. I have always been lucky and found them. Use her to help you find them. Have some one watch the cow as you walk around. She will give tells. Kind of like playing hot and cold with something that can't talk. Hope this helps.
Scotty
Scotty
JHH
Well-known member
I know the feeling,checked on my cows last night and new calf was with mama,checked them about 2 hours ago and could not find new calf and had to get the 4 wheeler out and finally found him way on the other side of pasture but the mama cow keept looking over that way so thats where I started to look.All are ok hope yours is to.JHH
A
Anonymous
If she has a calf somewhere, and she is not bawling for it - then all is well.
Sit in the pasture and wait - go at about 30 minutes after daylight. She will be coming out from where it is hidden.
About two hours later she will go for it - time for a feed. Take a book and read - otherwise wait - she will eventually bring it out into the open.
Bez'
Sit in the pasture and wait - go at about 30 minutes after daylight. She will be coming out from where it is hidden.
About two hours later she will go for it - time for a feed. Take a book and read - otherwise wait - she will eventually bring it out into the open.
Bez'
The thing is, we have done all that. We check our cattle at least twice a day, early in the morning and in the evening. And she is about the only cow that I have ever seen that will not give a clue. The whole time we were looking she just went about her business, never looked or bawled, we even made some bawling noises and she didnt even flinch. We have some areas that you cant get through, weeds and brush are over your head, I cant imagine a calf going in there, but if it is I dont know how we would find it. After the tornado came through we had a logger push all of it into one area. Also, every time we are out there the cow is there, and has been sucked. We have went out at different times of the day and sat for a couple of hours and still nothing. I am wondering if the calf is dead and another calf is sucking, seems weird that we would never see it but I cant figure it out. Thanks for the suggestions.
A
Anonymous
You miss my point - you will STAY there - all day if necessary. When she leaves the herd and goes off on her own - follow - just stay well back.
She will visit it a couple of time a day - you just have to have the patience to out wait her.
You are now the hunter - stalk and locate.
Bez
She will visit it a couple of time a day - you just have to have the patience to out wait her.
You are now the hunter - stalk and locate.
Bez
Bez is right. Also like I said, she will tip you off. When she looks in the direction walk that way. If you are walking to it she will try to beet you or get nervous. If you are going wrong she will stay put and calm down.
Scotty
Scotty
Rustler9
Well-known member
A week is the longest I've had to look for a calf and that has happened twice this year with first calf heifers. I'm wondering if you still have a calf. Someone else may be nursing. I would definitely take a day and spend it waiting for the cow and calf to get together. If it's alive and hasn't seen a human in a month I'll bet it will be wilder than hell when you do see it. Good luck and keep us posted.
williams
New member
do you have a dog? not a bad dog but one that will just run around and not bother the cattle. that will usually make them go to the calf.
go check out the thicket. white faced calves are a piece of cake to find. if its really that thick just make some noise and then listen. at taht age he's liable to get up and haul tail when he sees a two legged monster coming after him! yikes.
SF
Well-known member
You've been given lots of good advice. Keep us posted on the outcome.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Beefy":3k07ia0z said:
You would think so, but I've walked past the little suckers 10 times before I saw them. The can hide behind a tall patch of grass in the pasture. They are so white when newborn, it almost glows, but they can be a bear to find. One trick I had success with when one was hiding in a thicket was to go out at night with a spotlight and find them by the eyes.
Bama
Well-known member
williams":2y30z4gk said:
Took the words right out of my mouth. The momma will go to the calf if the dog gets anywhere close.
trip
Well-known member
friend of mine has limos, claims he's had cows actually hide calves and then forgot where they were. dumb cows.
Crowderfarms
Well-known member
Farm Girl, Just wondering if you ever found that MIA calf?
Let us know...
Let us know...
ALACOWMAN
Well-known member
When the cow first spots you she will look in the direction of the calf. like a compass looks strait at the cow when aproching it works the majority of the time looks like you would have at least seen signs of buzzards or somthing if there had been a problem.
Sorry I havent posted anything. Nothing new so far, I am hoping this weekend will turn up something when I have a little time. I have a bad feeling the calf is dead, but never seen a buzzard or anything flying around. Have seen a couple of stray dogs, but that doesnt mean anything. The cow doesnt give anything away, she never even raises her head when I come into the pasture. If I come across anything this weekend I will let you know. Thanks for the reply's.
Bama
Well-known member
I hate to say it I agree with beefy. Wow that didn't come out right. I hate to say I'm afraid the calf is dead also. You may want to check again to see if shes been nursed and if so which one. There is still a chance.
