Put them all together today.

[lancemart]

I put dolly and her two week old calf with the other 3 today. The calf seemed confused. She is eating from Dolly but I still see her kick him away. He continues to go back for more. How do know if he is getting enough? Should I supplement her feedings with one bottle, or should I just wait and see how things go. Did I put them together too early?

 

[LaurenE]

I do not know much about pairs, but I would look to see if she has a full bag of milk, to determine if he is getting enough or any at all. If you feel that he is not getting enough, I feel that you should try try supplementing as you said, but I know that many others will give their opinions soon enough. Good Luck!

 

[donnaIL]

Is the calf bawling? If he is hungry I think you will know it. She may just want to be in charge and decide when feeding time will be. I am assuming that you saw her nurse him unassisted before letting them out...if so i would think she would continue. I would watch and see if he nurses and if so i'd let them be.

Our cows have different personalities, a couple of them "love" their calves and you can see it. The other two "put up with them". Even the now so great moms fed and raise their calves. JMO

Donna

 

[jcarkie]

i have seen cows who do not let them hang on all the time and walk away from them. but they let them nurse when needed.