We're getting dexters!

[Sharmom]

I am so excited! We found a registered breeding pair within 15 miles.
We have to get ready and we only have until the end of the month. We have 2 barns and 10 acres. No fencing yet, though. I am excited and nervous at the same time! Any suggestions (fencing, feed, etc.)? We were going to wait until the spring but this is too good to pass up.
Thanks!
Sharmom

[georgiarebel]

Congratulations!

Seem like the Dexter's are really taking off here on Homesteading Today. For people with 5-20 acres they seem to be the perfect fit. They were for us anyway. I looked for a breed we could keep the most per acre. The smaller bred Dexter allowed us to keep 2 per acre.

We put up the Red Brand cattle fencing, but if your in a hurry I'd probably go with the high tensile electric wire. Even if you go with the Red brand you'll want a strand of hotwire along the top to keep the bulls from jumping.

As far as feed goes good grass and quality hay during the winter is your best bet. What part of the country are you in? Here in the South we feed them peanut hay during the winter, and it really packs on the pounds. Also feed them a little sweet feed everyday, so you can get hands on with them. It will also help get them back in the pasture if they get out. All we have to do is shake the bucket and they come running.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

GR
Muddy River Farms

[darbyfamily]

Congrats!!! I'll be watching for a nice dexter bull once I get my mini jersey... I can hardly wait!

[Shinsan]

Congratulations! A wise choice. (Just my completely unbiased opinion of course.)

[Sharmom]

Thanks, everyone!
I am in Ohio.
I hope our pasture is good enough for them.
We are putting up electric fence on an acre. Next year we plan to expand our fenced area to include 3 acres total. Does this sound like a good plan?
What kind of sweet feed do you recommend? I'm not sure what kind of hay we are getting. DH is taking care of that.

I am excited, but overwhelmed at the same time! We have raised dairy goats, pigs, and chickens. But never a cow. We are going to love this experience!

I am learning tons from these forums.

Thanks again,
Sharmom

[JulieLou42]

I feed "C.O.B." with molasses to my cow. When they're hooked on it, and get out of their pasture, just shake a half #10 canful and they come runnin'.

[furholler]

Electric fence is quite simple to erect and takes less time. I cut cedar posts to sink in the ground on the corners. Just my opinion. Dexters are a great breed, we love ours. Congrats and good luck. Get building on that fence! :-)