Kell-inKY
Well-known member
This is our first calf, I had a guy who has been in cattle for 60 years come out to give me advice, he said my heifers still had a few weeks, well I got up this morning and did a head count and one was missing. I found the mama and calf in the woods bedded down, could not tell the sex of the calf, and didn't want to disturb her too much but both looked healthy.
I went home today at noon and could not find the calf, finally found mama and she was not happy to see me, she got the whole herd worked up like I was going to steal her baby. Had my Dad come out and look as well and he can't find the calf either. I will look again tonight, she was obviously trying to lead me in the wrong direction by her actions. She did not get upset until I headed for the woods.
I have them in about 3 acres of pasture and 10 acres of woods, I planned on moving them before calving but was in no hurry. My concern is coyotes. The woods are pretty thick there, and hard to find a calf in. How would I even get a new mama and calf moved? I don't know how long it takes for them to start following the mama around but it has to be a month or so. I would feel better if I could move them asap. We are not just covered up with coyotes but I did see the herd chase one clean off the field last year at a full gallop.
any advice on moving them?
here is the calf hiding behind the mama this morning
I went home today at noon and could not find the calf, finally found mama and she was not happy to see me, she got the whole herd worked up like I was going to steal her baby. Had my Dad come out and look as well and he can't find the calf either. I will look again tonight, she was obviously trying to lead me in the wrong direction by her actions. She did not get upset until I headed for the woods.
I have them in about 3 acres of pasture and 10 acres of woods, I planned on moving them before calving but was in no hurry. My concern is coyotes. The woods are pretty thick there, and hard to find a calf in. How would I even get a new mama and calf moved? I don't know how long it takes for them to start following the mama around but it has to be a month or so. I would feel better if I could move them asap. We are not just covered up with coyotes but I did see the herd chase one clean off the field last year at a full gallop.
any advice on moving them?
here is the calf hiding behind the mama this morning