Wanted~Bottle calf in MN/WI......

[Middle River]

I have lots of "extra" goats milk and don't want to waste it, so we are looking for a cheap bottle calf ( any breed/cross ) in the Duluth, MN/Superior, WI area, or surounding area - we don't have a way to transport a calf, so it would have to be close, or be delivered. May buy two if the price is right. Thanks !!!

[topside1]

If no one on this forum can help, just drop into a local dairy farm and work out a deal. A large dairy farm may have a calf per day, so you would have a large selection. Prices in my area are $125 per Holstein bull calf, $50 per Jersey. Maybe the dairyman can transport for you or if you have a van pull out the rear seats, lay down some old towel, blankets etc...toss the old boy in and take him home. Obviously have an assistant hold the new calf during the ride. Let us know how it goes.

[Middle River]

Thanks ! Thats a great idea - problem is, i'm not sure where there are any dairy farms in my area, besides driving around looking, whats a good way to find them ? We don't have a van, but have a jeep ( older cherokee ) that we can transport for a short distance :+) Thanks again !

[ozark_jewels]

Call your feedstores and vets in the area. Tell them your looking for bottle calves and ask about any dairies in the area that might have some. Tell them why your asking first, as some places are hesitant to give out customer information unless they know why.

[topside1]

Sounds like your excited about buying a calf soon, do yourself a BIG favor and read all you can about bottle raising calves. Have a list of questions for the dairyman. I raise a handful of calves every year and have yet to lose one, so if I can do it I know you can. Read up on scours, milk replacer, pen sizes, calf starter grains, feeding amounts. The point being, raising calves can be a bit tricky during their first three weeks of life. So the more you read the more enjoyable the experience will be. Getting your first calf/calves will be a rewarding and memorable experience...Enjoy

[ozark_jewels]

John, I love that calf's markings. Not all Holstien bull calves are so lucky.

[topside1]

P.S. if your really full speed ahead with this idea, start freezing your goats milk in 1/2 gallon plastic juice containers. The containers that juice comes in from the store...bye

[Up North]

M.R. I sent you a PM. We have two bull calves for sale right now. For transporting calves we have had a few people show up with large portable dog kennels. Works pretty good. People use them to pick up feeder pigs as well.

Heather

[topside1]

Heather, I wish you guys live closer, I would also love to buy some bull calves from you. Over the past two years you folks have impressed me with your love of livestock. Just knowing that any animal bought would be money well spent is just an darn good feeling. Keep up the great work...Move to Tennessee and you would have an automatic customer...TJ

[Middle River]

Great idea for the dog crates, i've hauled goats that way, but the one i used is now broken, i could always borrow my dog's though.

Topside - thanks for the info. - i've raised bottle calves before, but it was when i was a kid, i've already done some more reading up on it again, and i figure if other questions come up i have wonderful people here i could ask.

here is a question - i'll be feeding goats milk - should i feed it straight, or dilute it ? Thanks !!!

[Up North]

Originally Posted by topside1

Heather, I wish you guys live closer, I would also love to buy some bull calves from you. Over the past two years you folks have impressed me with your love of livestock. Just knowing that any animal bought would be money well spent is just an darn good feeling. Keep up the great work...Move to Tennessee and you would have an automatic customer...TJ

Ahh Shucks John, Thanks

Heather

[topside1]

I dilute my goat's milk just to stretch the mixture...2/3rd goat's milk 1/3 water. Go with straight goats milk if you have enough. Some folks feed 50/50 and that also works. As you remember around the three week mark the bottle boys start eating some grasses and grains.

[Middle River]

Thanks for the answer ! I just started freezing my milk to save it for a calf, my doe is already giving me way more then i need ( for this year anyways, i'll be doing more with it next year ) and she is only two weeks fresh - and i'll have 3-5 fresh next year, so i'll most likely get some more calves and piggys then too :+)

Here is another question, this calf(s) will be staying in with our pony ( he is nice to others, and has been with calves before ), can the calf(s) eat the same as the pony ( grass, hay, salt block and fresh water ) and also will i need to give em something else ? I'm just wondering as i know keeping sheep and goats together and what not can be tricky due to the copper thing.

I can't wait to hear back ( sent you a pm ) from you Up North :+)

Thanks !

[Up North]

These are the boys (bull calves ) I have for sale. The first one is around 80 lbs. Second one has a much larger frame and is around 100lbs. Both are bottle trained.

Heather

[Middle River]

I'm pretty darn sure we want them :+) I sent you a pm - they are very cute ( the two legged ones too :+)

[topside1]

Great photos, reminds me of my kids joy....a few years ago.

[Middle River]

WOOOHOOOO !!! I'm picking those two pretty boys up this evening ! I'm so verry excited ! They will be my first calves since i was a kid - i really feel like my little farm is sure comeing together, i can't wait untill i'm more self-sustainable :+)

[topside1]

Congrats, take lots of photos for your memories album.

[Up North]

OHH! NOOO! We've got a bull run going. Since Middle River's visit last night I have had 3 bull calves born!

Heather

[topside1]

Ship them boogers down to me,,,,meet ya half way....TJ