newbie to Dexter breed

[Anderson farms]

My hubby and I just bought some dexters. We researched them some and really liked the size and dual purpose of them. We got an older cow with a 2 month old bull calf, a 4 year old heifer due to calf in a couple of months, and a 1 year old heifer. They are the dun color and all registered. The heifers have been bred to a polled bull, so we are hoping for polled calves. We paid $1700 for all of them. Was that a fair price? We haven't gotten them yet, but they are really gentle and not scared to come up to you. Is there anything we should look for in them? Any questions we should ask? I have been reading about the bulldog gene, but not quite understanding it. I'm guessing we want them to be non carriers right? What if they are carriers? Sorry for all the questions and thank you for any advice!!

[Mickey]

Well I just paid $1,500 for one bred cow so I'd say you got a VERY good deal.
Mickey

[georgiarebel]

I'd say you got a pretty good deal. What part of the country are you in? Dexter's are just catching on in the Southeast and seem to be a little more expensive than other parts of the country. I've seen cows and heifers go for anywhere between $1000 - $2500, and bulls sell for $500 - $1500. Like anything else there's some start up cost to get the herd going, but it doesn't take long for them to build up quick. We just had one of our heifers deliver today. We started about 3 years ago and we're up to 10 already.

GR

Muddy River Farm

[Anderson farms]

We're in northern missouri. We really like them. We wanted a smaller breed and were looking at lowlines, but these came up for sale and were a good deal.

[genebo]

A quick answer about the "bulldog" gene:

It's a gene that the short legged Dexters carry. It's what makes them short. It's a dwarfing gene. The Dexters that have the gene are healthy and live long lives. It just makes them short. The genes come in pairs. One copy of the gene along with one normal copy of the gene makes a short legged, dwarf, carrier Dexter.

However, a Dexter that received 2 copies of the gene at conception never made it to life. Such a "double dwarf" calf is what they call the "bulldog" calf. It's always aborted early or born dead. You don't want that. The way to prevent it is to never breed 2 short legged (carrier) animals together. If you have a short bull, then only keep long legged cows. If you have short legged cows, then keep a long legged bull. Or keep only long legged versions of both sexes and avoid the entire issue. No carrier calves or bulldog calves.

Any long legged, non-carrier Dexter is 100% free of the chondro, or dwarfing, or "bulldog" gene. Even if they came from two carrier parents, if they didn't get it, they can't ever pass it along. They're clean.

I'm glad you got an instant herd for such a great price. I'm sure you will come to love these unique little cattle as much as I do. Give them a chance and they'll steal your heart.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[linn]

Originally Posted by genebo

I'm sure you will come to love these unique little cattle as much as I do. Give them a chance and they'll steal your heart.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

Well said, Genebo. My little cow has definetly stolen my heart.
Anderson farms, where do you live in Northern MO? We live close to St. Joseph. We have three Dexter cows. DH bought the first one as and in-calf heifer for me for $700. The other two came from the same herd but were bought through the sale barn. I have a heifer calf from the first cow out of Lucifer of Notting. She is a dandy, fiesty little calf; but her mother is a gentle pet. I just know you will fall in love with your Dexters. Congratulations on your purchase. Sounds like you got a very good deal.

[Anderson farms]

Thanks genebo for the help. We're feeling really good about our decision. I've been burning up the internet reading about them and can't wait to pick them up. Hubby just has to get fence finished. Linn we're pretty close. We live outside of Cameron. Glad to hear there's another Dexter owner close by! When we get them home I will try to post some pictures. I think they are ADORABLE!!

[Hammer4]

There are a couple of us down near Kearney, MO as well. I know a lady over east of Chillicothe that has some as well.

[Tiffin]

Congrats on your choice and good price. A nice little starter herd. Falling in love with them makes it difficult to send them but we just forced ourselves to do that last week with our first steer. Our other steer is so darn cute we probably will never send him. He thinks he is a dog, loves to be petted and brushed. If he gets diarrhea I can was his backside and tail; he enjoys it. Then we have 3 registered heifers and 3 mixed Dexter/Jersey and Dexter/Dutch belted. They will be bred over the next few months. We are not going to do milking. Good luck and keep us posted.

[prairiegirl]

Congratulations. I agree with the others - they will quickly find a special place in your barnyard family. Each of ours has their own unique personality.
Have fun!

prairiegirl

[Rogo]

You know, Dexters do more than give milk and taste good - they easily turn into oxen! -LOL-



rogo16@yahoo.com

[genebo]

Rogo,

That's what I wanted to do with a Dexter. I told my neighbor, and he said if he saw me riding one of those little cows, he'd call the SPCA. I'm over 6' tall. I gave up the idea, but I really like your picture. I may show it to him and tell him, "See! I told you so!"

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[Rogo]

genebo, I'm a hair under 5 feet so my feet don't make ruts in the ground! -G- The Dexter, at 800 pounds, could easily carry me. He was 38 inches at the withers. We did trail riding - kept him on the flat, didn't think he'd do well in the mountains (altho he climbed those on my property while free ranging with the rest of the stock) - and lots of parades.

He also drove a cart and wagon - alone and hitched up with my miniature donkey.

rogo16@yahoo.com