First Jersey/calf arrived today

If she is just lowering her head and watching you, I wouldn't do anything but watch her closely. She is naturally wary of you at this point and smacking her when she is not doing anything is just abuse.
NOW! If she lowers her head and shakes it at you(or bellows low), that is certainly a warning and at that point our cows would get a sharp slap on the neck and a low, but assertive, "NO!". Never back off, as that is a sign of weakness.
If a cow is doing anything more aggressive than that, actually trying to harm someone, the best thing to do is have a sturdy stick and smack her good in the nose. The nose is one tender spot on a big tough animal and it will make them stand back and take notice. But this is only if she is actually being BAD.
Hey, you need a Pyrenees next.

__________________
Emily Dixon
Ozark Jewels
Nubians & Lamanchas
www.ozarkjewels.net

"Remember, no man is a failure, who has friends" -Clarence

wheres the donky and don't forget a few peacocks!! hehehe

I need more land.

I get a load of bread from the day old bread store. My cow goes CRAZY for it! She is stand-offish, but man when we have bread she comes running when called, and literally Sucks it out of my hand!

My cows heads go down when they are enjoying the scratches Im giving them. If I hit 'the sweet spot' they drool as well and the bottom lip quivers.

About the only time you have to worry about a cow being dangerous is a few of them will be extremely protective of a newborn calf. This generally last only a day or two until the calf can run on its own. First calf heifers are the worst for this for some reason, hormones, maybe. Older cows it's pretty rare unless there is a dog around. Cows know dogs can go after their calves and they won't like them around their baby at any age they calve at. Maybe something about the dogs trying to scarf down the entire placenta at once. My dogs are all trained to the words "Mother Cow!" which means they stay right where they are and that they are not to go near the cow and calf. I'll walk over and check the sex of the calf and the cow won't bother me (but you do keep an eye on them for that) while the dog stays a good 50' away. Always be watchful that the dog doesn't hide behind you for protection from the cow! That's a good way to get run over by the mother while she's trying to get to the dog. Cows in the barn don't seem to be so concerned about safety as cows with calves on pasture. Probably seems more "wild" to them and more dangerous.

Really there isn't too much you have to worry about with cows. It's pretty much common sense with them.

Jennifer

__________________
-Northern NYS

.
Animals can never be taken for granted, because they are unpredictable ! ! !

The people who get hurt are the ones who think they have it all under control, but after they are hit, or knocked down, or kicked, then they will take notice it's not all that safe.

Most people have to learn the hard way, with no warning.

Animals have a mind of there own.


bumpus
.

I am being very careful. I've spent time with her in the stall in the barn but i have bales of straw between us to begin with so she can't really pin me.

She does get very upset if I get between her and the calf but she doesn't do anything to me - she just holelrs at him.

WIll be a moot point as I just sold the calf. Going to start a new thread on that.

CJB- The reason she lowers her head is because grazing animals have a small focal plane compared with hunters. This means that she is most likely actually trying to keep a good eye on you, and not that she is looking with disapproval. Because of that small focal plane grazers have a hard time with small objects or things that move. Also, because of where their eyes are they have a hard time with things directly in front or above. See, I knew those animal handling classes would be useful eventually. And don't let anybody talk you in to guineas. Also, make sure your son has a good pair of heavy steel toed boots before milking. Cows, unlike horses, seem to take a while to get back off any feet they may be smooshing. Caite

__________________
www.morbidaffectation.blogspot.com

www.ladiesfarmjournal.blogspot.com

.
True story:

A man had a prize bull he raised on a bottle from day one birth.

Won many ribbons with him.

Went out one night to feed his big pet and did not return.

Family member went out to see what was wrong.

Bull in feed stall with the man rooled up like a pile of bloody hamburger in the corner.

Cows can be just as mean as bulls. I have seen them.

When the calf is gone the cow will be looking for it, and will go through a fence if she thinks it is down the road.

bumpus
.

Bumpus, are you trying to scare the crud out of me?

I will be extra careful after we remove the calf. She has had 2 others and had them removed so I assume that she will get over it. Last night, I separated them while I milked the goats and she was not REAL bad about it. She moo'd alot. Tonight, I'm going to separate them over night where they can see each other only. Tomorrow or Sunday, he will be gone. I'll keep her in a stall for a few more days to be sure that she can't bust out.

Well yes I am ......... because I do care.

Enjoy your livestock ............... get a :1pig: next.

bumpus
.

No pigs - no guineas. We don't have the room for the first, the patience for the second.

cjb, in re: bumpus, we were told in school that the most dangerous animal most farm types will ever see is a "pet" or "tame" bull. They are known as dangerous animals for a reason, and the minute you stop respecting and treating them as the huge and unpredictable animal they are is the moment you should hope you live to regret. Of course, get guineas and you can regret that decision for many (noisy) years to come.

__________________
www.morbidaffectation.blogspot.com

www.ladiesfarmjournal.blogspot.com

Okay, alittle perspective here. Yes, bulls have killed people. However, they're a different animal than a Jersey cow. (Tigers kill people, housecats usually not, though I suppose it's possible.) Without horns your cow might bump you good, but I doubt she could turn you into hamburger. You have passed the riskiest part of getting a cow - the trip on the highway.

Sometimes cows get pushy when they want the feed you're giving them. Either put them outside when feeding, or carry a stick and make sure they stay away when you're carrying the feed. Don't be afraid to assert yourself as top cow. Sometimes I've found they need a knee planted in the belly to remind them of who's boss and knock off the monkey business.