Caring for a dexter bull???

[doulanobles]

We're planning, come hell or high water, to purchase a dexter cow/calf pair in the spring. We'd like to breed and create some sort of market for them here and maybe make a few $$. But, no one around here has dexters so I'd imagine getting them bred is going to be a challenge. So, should we buy a dexter bull or try to do AI ( or have someone who knows what they're doing have at it )???

Also, we're going to get highlands for beef, there are breeders nearby...has anyone crossed highlands and dexters? Just curious whether that would be a good idea?

Thanks all!

[genebo]

You can get a Dexter bull for a bargain price. Probably not much more than the cost of an AI. Yet it will cost you to feed it. The break-even point is probably more than two cows to service.

I love keeping a Dexter bull, because they are so nice mannered and attract attention. Visitors always leave here most impressed with my little bull.

I don't like AI. It's a lot of trouble, and the selection of bulls for AI doesn't impress me. I like Noelly, Ivanhoe and my Brenn above all others, and neither of them has been collected.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

I wouldn't mess with a bull of any breed if I had under 20 cows. They are nothing but a pain, and can be very, very dangerous. I would do my best to find someone who knows how to AI and then go with that.

[dodgewc]

Yogi, the Dexter bull we borrowed, ran with a steer and 5 cows. Best mannered bull anyone around our farm, who raised cattle, ever saw. All the cows were sad to see him go when his time to go home came. We'll probably get him back soon, as we've got Jersey and a Highland to service.

[doulanobles]

This is my other concern...our neighbor runs abour 30 pairs in the pasture next to us of registered Limosin cattle. Our fences aren't the best. I can't imagine they'd be too happy if my bull go in their pasture and sully their highborn girls

What if I had a bull shipped in occaisonally to service my girls? I'm trying to think f the most cost effective way here...

[georgiarebel]

doulanobles,

I recommend getting a bull. It's getting hard enough to find a local vet to make house calls, let alone find someone with AI knowledge. Others expressed concern being around bulls, although they must be respected you'll find the dexter breed to be very docile. I've got three bulls and walk in the pasture with them daily. My main bull even likes to be scatched behind the ears and rubbed on the horns.



As far as worrying about the bull getting into your neighbors pasture just put a strand of electric wire along the top of your fence. We had trouble with ours jumping our own pastures until we put the wire up and haven't had a problem since. Look for a solar charger for trouble free (knock on wood) electricity.

GR

[dodgewc]

If that curly, red hair isn't the mark of an Irishman, I'll be dipped in blarney! Red Dexter bulls sure are in a class by themselves.

[georgiarebel]

dodgewc,

Actually Ryder is a Dun Dexter, but we've got some red ones too.

GR

[doulanobles]

Now I am truly envious! Can't wait to get started!

I think we will get a bull and hopefully, a market for dexters will be created here and I can make a bit of $ for his services.

Thanks all!

[Dexter_Cattle]

Hi doulanobles,

There are 32 breeders in Washington State. If you email me I can email you a list of all the breeders and their contact information. Dan2Succeed@aol.com

Thanks
Dan