New calf questions & concerns

Sometimes, sometimes not. Try it and see. If the older calf goes back to nursing, then you need to move it. If not, you should be fine.

I would maybe wait til the new calf is positively doing great at nursing. Only you will know for sure.

Good luck!

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.

I tried it. The older calf gave mom a sniff or two but does not nurse the mom. The newborn calf and the older calf give each other a push on occasion but the mom inserts herself in between to protect the young one. I feel bad for her always on the watch. If the calf gets frisky the mom will thump around after it to make sure the calf is never too far from her. It's really funny to watch. It seems to my amateur eye to be going pretty well. I like your comment "only you will know for sure" I've asked a lot of experienced people in my area questions and gotten a lot of different and sometimes conflicting answers about issues. I'm the guy who sees them on a daily basis so I do have to start to develop some good judgement of my own. Having said that, I would be very nervous without a lot of well intended input to sort through.

Thanks

It sounds like she is being a good mama. Its a hard job, keeping those calves in line.

Best of luck with them!

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.

Is the older calf a bull or a steer? If you put a 10 month old bull calf back in with his mom, he will shortly be impregnating her. Not necessarily a problem, but one to be aware of. The bigger problem is having a bull. It's not a matter of IF they will become dangerous, it is WHEN. Even bull "play" is dangerous to people, espepcially if you have little ones or guests who might want to wonder into the pasture to see the cute bovines up close.