Continuance of the not so family milk cow...

southerngurl · #41 12/30/12, 06:41 PM

Try to become friends during the dry period, without the stress of having a job to do. Give her treats, pet her, get a curry comb and groom her all over each day (start with a smaller area wherever she's most comfortable and work your way to a larger area over the days- try to always quit while she's enjoying it, don't get her irritated). Watch her body language, what does she like, what doesn't she like. Maybe y'all can have a better relationship when she freshens next time and find the problems just kinda go away.

Hannah90 · #42 12/30/12, 08:15 PM

Tonight was interesting. She didn't want to go in her head gate at all. I finally convinced her to go in. I didn't put the hobbles on her this time. She stood ok. Only moved twice. Once I think was because I pushed on her side a little too hard.

The back story on this cow... When I brought her home I kept her in a small pen with her calf. I wound up keeping her there for a month because the dang horses barreled through the fence. Anyway, I spent hours with she and her calf. Petting scratching, loving, feeding etc. When she came to me, she wouldn't let me touch anywhere on her face. By the end of the month, I could hold her head in my hands for a small while until she grew weary of me. At first I milked while the calf nursed the other side. Then he grew too large and way too pushy. So, I began allowing him to nurse a few minutes so she would let down, then pulling him, and milking my share.

Then, I starting in just milking without letting him on first. It took several days for her to even let down for me at this point. Those first few months were full of lessons. For me, mostly, I think. It's just turned completely sour the last 6 weeks or so. Coming to head this last week. I find myself not wanting to give up on her because she's my first cow, I have put so much time and energy in her, and there is a part of me that still likes her. I was blown away this morning when I found a triple size cream line on her milk. Apparently taking the calf away means more milk for me. I had originally planned the jersey trade because Annabelle wasn't giving me enough cream. Then all this started happening. I am wondering, should I keep her another year? Pulling the calf immediately in the spring? She isn't the willing, sweet, pleasing cow you read about. I don't think she ever will be. So, now I just have to decide whether I am going to give up on her, or truck through another year, trying to be better myself to make her better.

BlackWillowFarm · #43 12/30/12, 10:24 PM

If you have the option of getting a kinder, gentler cow then I'd probably go that route. Milking a cow should be a pleasurable experience instead of a dreaded chore wondering if you're going to be hurt while you're out there with her. If there aren't too many cows in your area to choose from then sticking it out with her might be the way to go. You've put in a lot of time working with her and it could pay off eventually.

For me personally, I want my cow to like me. I had a Jersey heifer from a dairy that I bought as a three week old calf. I also had a three week old heifer born here to my really sweet Jersey cow. Both heifers were treated the same by me. The heifer from the dairy never really tamed down and would avoid me or run away if I approached her while the other one turned out to be as sweet as her mom. I sold the heifer from the dairy when she was 18 months old to a friend down the road who has a small dairy operation of about a 100 cows. She fit in fine there. She never would have been much good as a family cow. She wasn't friendly at all.

This summer I bought a 10 day old heifer from a small dairy who let the calves stay with their moms on pasture. They didn't get much, if any, human contact. When I went to look at the three he had penned up for sale, two of them ran away from me wild eyed but the one I brought home would keep her distance by trotting off and then lay down to relax. I watched the three for about a half hour walking among them as I observed. My little heifer was the only one calm enough to lay down with three humans in their pen watching them. The others ran as far away as they could go but not my little one. She was calm and relaxed from the start. I have to agree that genetics plays a part in the temperament of cows. Some are naturally nicer than others and there isn't much we can do to change the not nice ones. We can make them do their job, but they may never "like" it.

If you do decide to shop for another cow look for one who doesn't walk or run away and doesn't object to being approached, touched and messed around with. Have the owners catch her and milk her for you. The way she behaves for them is an indication of how she'll be with you once she gets to know you.

francismilker · #44 12/31/12, 05:14 PM

A little later here, but have you tried keeping a radio playing 24\7 in the barn with soft, easy listening music? I've seen it settle more than one first lactation heifer in the milk string. Just a thought.

I agree with others, sell the cow while you still have your sanity or dry her off and try again next year. In the mean time, buy yourself a couple of goats or a jersey heifer to be a project for the future if this cow doesn't work out.

Hannah90 · #45 01/01/13, 07:27 AM

Ugh, the trade fell through. I guess when we first started talking about it, she didn't hear me say "she's 12." Now, suddenly, she's too old... Quite frustrating.

matt_man · #46 01/01/13, 10:11 AM

FWIW, a 12 yo Dexter cow for a jersey heifer is not a good trade and I don't blame them for not being interested. A 12 yo cow is just not that valuable. She has at best a few more years and calves ahead of her and has little meat value beyond hamburger either at that age.

Judy in IN · #47 01/01/13, 11:44 AM

Did you see the Jersey heifers in the Guernsey thread pics? I believe they are for sale also.

Hannah90 · #48 01/01/13, 12:03 PM

Matt, youre probably right. I am just irritated. I was upfront with her and she kinda kept me on the line for the last month. Judy, I saw them. It is just a little too far for me to go.

oregon woodsmok · #49 01/01/13, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hannah90

............. I am just irritated. I was upfront with her and she kinda kept me on the line for the last month. ............

Maybe she would still do the trade if you threw in some cash to better balance the deal.

By the way, if this "trade" has been going on for a month, then someone involved was never interested in doing the trade.

Hannah90 · #50 01/01/13, 12:11 PM

I just emailed her and asked if she wants to sell the cow. There is also a guernsey for sale a few hours west of me. 5 year old for $1325.

topside1 · #51 01/01/13, 12:58 PM

Hannah. I'm sure you know, but nearly anyone selling livestock has a reason, and generally it's because the animal has a disposition or a physical problem. An animal that makes them miserable. So when you wheel and deal for a new cow don't forget you may end up the loser. I recommended quality goats, stagger breedings, others recommended a heifer that you raise, your way. Topside.

BlackWillowFarm · #52 01/01/13, 03:01 PM

Any chance of keeping her to raise calves and getting yourself a good milk cow? If you bred her to a Dexter and got a heifer to raise that would be great. If you got a bull calf you'll have meat for the freezer or to sell.

Hannah90 · #53 01/01/13, 03:45 PM

Blackwillowfarm,

I have considered keeping her for that. She is bred back to a dexter. I'm just concerned she calf will have a bad attitude like she does, and her son did. However, the bull she's bred to was quite nice. I was able to walk right up to him. I guess we'll see.

Topside, I have considered getting milk goats. I love them! I would like to get some nigerians, but those little stinkers are expensive.