HELP! I'm new to your Q&A boards, so forgive me if you have already covered this topic. We recently were given a 4 week old calf (affectionately named Hershey) and have been bottle feeding it for the last two weeks. We are new to this whole calf raising thing, but have been doing a lot of research. Hershey is very healthy and is doing well. However, she has absolutely no intrest in calf starter grain. She only wants to drink from her bottle. We allow her to graze in the 2 acre pasture during the day and put her up in the stable at night. I have seen her eating the grass and the tops off the bahia weeds, but does not touch the starter grain. How do I get her to start eating the grain? Every morning I toss out the old grain that was left out for her the previous morning that she has not touched. Is there a secrete that someone could share with me?? Thanks
how to wean??
- Thread starter yamfam5
- Start date
Why do you throw the grain out every morning?
Try putting a handful of it in her mouth. That will give her a taste of it, and the starter grains usually have a high amount of molasses in them so he should catch on. How long has it been out there? Calves (and cows) are very curious, so if its out there long enough he will find it, but in the mean time don't be wasting it. Throwing it out every morning is a great way to spend money, unless its rained on or something else its still good. Does she have free choice water? A flake of hay wouldn't hurt, espically if you put it by the starter grain.
Brute 23":oyvolso1 said:
To keep it fresh. First rule of raising bottle calves is to always keep the grain/hay fresh - is more palatable, smells more enticing, and the calves eat fresh better when they are just starting out on grain and hay. I put out a handful, and anything left after 24 hours gets dumped in the bunk of the cows/weaning calves/bulls/horses/whatever is around.
yamfam5":24ta4489 said:
Between the bottles and the grass, she could be getting enough to eat and just isn't interested in the grain. She could also not like the calf starter - I've had calves who plain wouldn't eat it, I don't care what I did. You might want to consider A) putting a little bit in her mouth to introduce her to it. B) Switching to something like C.O.B. C) If you can find it - putting her on a little AS-70 (Hubbard Feeds makes it) then, when she is eating it, start adding a little grain. D) Penning her until she starts eating the grain/calf starter. E) Cutting her bottles back so she is a little hungrier, putting the grain in front of her (in a feeder she can't tip over/step in), and then walking away after bottling her. E doesn't usually work, but it will on occasion. F) Putting a small weaning calf/yearling in with her. The weaning calf/yearling will help to teach her how to eat. G) If you have the means, another option would be to buy another bottle calf that is a bit older and already on grain - again, the older calf will teach her to eat grain. Hope this helps.
Premier Longhorns
Well-known member
These are all excellent suggestions. What I would do is first thing in the morning, when your calf is good and hungry offer him a mash-a watery mixture of milk and creep feed starter pellets. Then as he is eating that gradually cut back on the amount of milk mixed in making the consistancy less liquid. Also, slowly reduce the ratio of milk replacer to water. I would do this gradually over the course of days. That should help him make the transition and get used to the idea of eating solids.
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Bez+
Well-known member
yamfam5":2dwm23rj said:
Time for you to do a search on these forums - go up to the top and click on the "search" button.
Use the following:
Wean
Bottle
Calf
New baby
Enough info for a weeks worth of reading. Print off some that you find helpful. File it for immediate access.
Also, get another calf - they are herd animals.
Plan on bottle feeding for a long time - they need it.
No real need to worry about the grain yet - the calf may or may not come around.
Remember, they get no grain when in the field with mom on the range. They get milk and lots of it - along with grass.
Have fun - I personally hate bottle feeding. Too much work and too much expense - almost always toss them. But, there are people who do it regular - so find out who they are and chat with them.
Find a veterinarian - now! You will need him / her soon enough. Better to have that person located BEFORE you need the help.
No need to box the calf up at night - they do quite well sleeping on the grass - in fact there is less chance of sickness when they sleep on grass. They do better and you have less chance of spending money on drugs and doctors.
Take a few courses on animal husbandry and build up your medicine cabinet ahead of time.
The fact is - it is not if you need all the above - but when!
Finally - if you are reading this thread, make the effort to respond - let's folks know if they are helping someone, or if the initial post is simply someone wasting time.
Regards,
Bez+
