farmerjan
Well-known member
One suggestion. I raise a bunch of jersey crosses, some bottle fed and some on nurse cows. One thing I tell ANYONE who wants a calf to be tame but understand who is boss..... DO NOT approach or try to push away or do anything from the front..... face to face. Always work from the side, the neck area, shoulder area. I also do not "bottle feed" directly in front of them. I stand to the side, so the calf has to reach around a little. More natural to get the bend in the neck when they are little and then they don't get milk down the wrong "pipe". But as far as not butting, pushing, etc., halter training and then lead while walking alongside. I will hit them on the nose real sharp and hard, if they get to pushing too much with their head, and say NO real loud and sharp. We have some heifers, now cows, that were "hand raised, and they are pretty much pets, but I make sure I am to their side when I scratch or rub them. Vet can do a dehorn while they are very small also when they are there.... Saves them from figuring out that they can get their way in the feeders etc and become bullies towards other calves.