A blind Holstein Heifer

[savinggrace]

Hi,

I stopped in a neighboring Holstein farm (everyone has Holsteins around here) to see if they were selling bull calves-they were but I was shocked at the prices!

And then she was telling me about a 2 mo old heifer, born without fully developed eyes. She's doing great, but they don't feel a busy dairy is the place for her.

Well, I think we are interested in taking her on!

So, does anyone have experience with a blind calf?

Thanks!

Melissa

[travlnusa]

If the price is right, go for it. You will need to keep it in a small pen, and make sure that water, feed, and mineral are always in same place. I have had one in the past and once they figure out where everything is, all is well.

[Up North]

If she is otherwise very healthy looking I guess I'd give it a try. I'd make sure I was getting a big discount in price though. You are taking a problem animal off of this farmers hands.

If she had a buddy she would learn how to follow her buddy around. But of course if their are any hazards out in the pasture she would be at a higher risk of hurting herself. Sort of obvious but even I forget sometimes. We have a milk cow that is blind in one eye. I always make sure I talk to her before going into her stall. If she doesn't know what's coming her first instinct is to kick. If she knows who it is then there is no problem.

Heather