coalcreekfarms10
Active member
Chocolate Cow":1e8961fk said:Your baby needs your help. Obviously, the cow isn't going to do it. I'd put him somewhere protected. Somewhere the temp is controlled so he doesn't have to expend energy keeping warm. Maybe in your house or a warming box. Dehydration is the first problem. Everything else that's bad happens because of it. Small feedings several hours apart. Overfeeding is as bad as underfeeding. I've had fantastic luck with Pedia-lyte to restore dehydrated baby calves. Grocery stores sell it in the infant section.
Then, I'd get the cow in and give the rip a ride to town. You are doing her job. No reason to reward her unless you want to go through this again next year. There's more cows-no reason to prop one up that won't do the one thing she need to do.
Not trying to sound rough. I've been where you are and it's no fun. I had a lot of trouble last spring with a heifer not wanting her calf. Finally gave up and sold the heifer. This year I was picking replacements and a really nice heifer caught my eye. I sorted her off to keep but realized she was a sister to "THAT ONE"-no way was I going to take a chance.
No I totally agree and she is going for a ride. I gave the calf some milk replacer this morning and he seems to be doing pretty good considering everything he has been through. You mentioned Pedia-lyte in your post. How much do I need to give him and how often? I am going to try one more time this evening with the cow in the head gate to try to make something happen. Not getting my hopes up but anything is possible. If he doesn't get anything from her I will give him a bottle. Do I give him the Pedia-lyte then or should I give it at another time?