KATHYWEEKS
Member
This is my first calf...Isn't it cute?
Miniature Hereford Born Yesterday
- Thread starter KATHYWEEKS
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This is my first calf...Isn't it cute?
That is a good lookin' calf. He almost looks like a stuffed animal that you put in the back window of your car that has the lit up eyes that work with your blinker.
Gale Seddon
Well-known member
Kathy, he is VERY cute...did you weigh him when he was born? As your first, you'll never forget him. How many miniature herefords do you have?
OP
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KATHYWEEKS
Member
GOTTA CATCH'EM FIRST! Any suggection how you go about that? We tried last night. I've got stickers and brambles stuck all over me. Figuered we'd try again this evening. We have a lot of woods on our property and they love running right to the thickest part.
I have 2 cows. Both of which were sold to me bred. This is the first one to have her baby. The other should be along shortly. Got any ideas on how to catch it? Also not even sure if its a male or female. Any way to tell from a distance? :?:
I have 2 cows. Both of which were sold to me bred. This is the first one to have her baby. The other should be along shortly. Got any ideas on how to catch it? Also not even sure if its a male or female. Any way to tell from a distance? :?:
Gale Seddon
Well-known member
My guess is a bull calf. Do you have a smaller area to lure the cows into (with grain pehaps?). Are the adults at all tame? After a few days, some calves quickly learn that those 2-legged things are up to no good, time to get up and run! Sometimes it's easier to "catch" them when it's dark, but be careful, the mother might be protective...small maybe, but they still have what it takes to do some damage when it comes to you interfering with their offspring. It's safer to get them in a corral or pen and let them get used to you if you want to be able to handle them.
cmfiddler
Member
Since I couldn't get close enough to see the backside of our calfs I thought we had a couple of little bulls until I saw them pee, which usually comes shortly after nursing. When the stream was obviously coming from the back rather than under I realized we had heifers.
Real scientific and experienced (NOT)
Real scientific and experienced (NOT)
preston39
Well-known member
kathyweeks,
Entice mom with a little sweet feed in a pan..usually the calf will hang around her giving bonding time with you. Usually a few times and they will become rather gentle and always likes back rubs...if mom doesn't mind. CAUTION..be careful some mom's don't like it.
Entice mom with a little sweet feed in a pan..usually the calf will hang around her giving bonding time with you. Usually a few times and they will become rather gentle and always likes back rubs...if mom doesn't mind. CAUTION..be careful some mom's don't like it.
eric
Well-known member
If you just want to catch him to tag him and check them quickly, then I've found a rope to work, as long as mom isn't around or you can distract her for a minute or two! But we mainly use the bucket method, as all our cows come to the feed bucket, and where mama goes, little one is sure to follow! Just lead them into a pen with some cubes and then close gate behind them.
Plowboy_TX
Active member
Congratulations! Thats a cute calf I cant wait till I have my first too.
I just know I'm gonna be a nervous wreck when it gets close to time
I cant wait till I have my first too.I just know I'm gonna be a nervous wreck when it gets close to time
lancemart
Well-known member
This calf looks just like my bull when he was born Pasqualle. He had a broad face just like yours. He is a bull
cmfiddler":106vyvv8 said:Since I couldn't get close enough to see the backside of our calfs I thought we had a couple of little bulls until I saw them pee, which usually comes shortly after nursing. When the stream was obviously coming from the back rather than under I realized we had heifers.
Real scientific and experienced (NOT)
Hey, I support what works!!
Kathy, you're baby is absolutely darling. If you don't mind my asking, what does one do with a minature cow and calf? I don't know the first thing about the minature breeds market and I'm curious. Thanks!
OP
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KATHYWEEKS
Member
My first goal was to increase my head count. I was hoping for females to keep and rebreed. But now with a little bull, I'm really not sure what to do. The 2 momma cows are 4 and 6 years old. So I'm wondering if I should keep them and maybe trade or sell my bull for a different one. Or keep him and put them in seperate pastures when the time comes.
My other cow is pregnant and due soon too. I'm hoping for a little heifer.
I really need a mini bull to breed to my 2 females.
To answer your question. My end goal is to sell them to other mini breeders or as "pets. Not sure what the market holds, as this is my first go round at it. But hey, I was crazy enough to buy a pair...there has to be more out there like me????
Time will tell.
If not, we'll be having steak for dinner!
My other cow is pregnant and due soon too. I'm hoping for a little heifer.
I really need a mini bull to breed to my 2 females.
To answer your question. My end goal is to sell them to other mini breeders or as "pets. Not sure what the market holds, as this is my first go round at it. But hey, I was crazy enough to buy a pair...there has to be more out there like me????
Time will tell.
If not, we'll be having steak for dinner!
I wasn't being critical, I'm sorry if it came across that way. I have never seen a miniature cow, but I've seen miniature horses around here and, while they are cute as the dickens, I just couldn't figure out what one would do with them. As far as steak for dinner, I'm thinking that's going to be one small steak! But, I could be wrong...won't be the first time, darn sure won't be the last! Thanks for the reply.
OP
OP
KATHYWEEKS
Member
Didn't think you were being "critical"...
I'm just new to all this and I really don't know what to expect. No offense taken.
I'm just new to all this and I really don't know what to expect. No offense taken.
SF
Well-known member
Kathy;
Congrats on the new calf.
My 2 cents worth.
Sell the bull. Keep the cows. Sounds like you don't have a bull, you can check and probably borrow one from someone to breed your two cows to. There are more people than you might think here in Texas with Miniature Herefords. I have some here in north Texas and I also have some down in South Texas.
Congrats on the new calf.
My 2 cents worth.
Sell the bull. Keep the cows. Sounds like you don't have a bull, you can check and probably borrow one from someone to breed your two cows to. There are more people than you might think here in Texas with Miniature Herefords. I have some here in north Texas and I also have some down in South Texas.
JebidiahJones
Member
I read somewhere that you get about 70% of the meat on a mini that you would get off a full size cow. I dont know if it's true or not.
