Looking to get a Jersey - quick question

Still Learning · #1 10/19/07, 03:07 PM

Hi everyone,

Just got home from my 1st dairy auction and I've determined that we "need" a Jersey. lol

I'm wondering what is the best way to locate a jersey heifer for sale (I'm in TN) -- and then how do I know a fair price for one?

The dairy farmer that I talked with today thought Jerseys did better with a mate -- so then I would need 2 heifers. Does this sound right? Wouldn't starting with 1 (since I'm a newbie) be better or no?

Any help/thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Ashley

tinknal · #2 10/19/07, 03:23 PM

No need for a second heifer. One will bond to you, 2 will bond with each other. As for price, you need to be more specific. Are you looking for a day-old, started, yearling, bred, springing, etc?

Still Learning · #3 10/19/07, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinknal

No need for a second heifer. One will bond to you, 2 will bond with each other. As for price, you need to be more specific. Are you looking for a day-old, started, yearling, bred, springing, etc?

Thank you Tinknal for answering. I am glad I don't need 2 right off, I think 1 would keep us plenty busy. I was thinking of a bottle calf. I guess I need to learn more the terminology more -- what exactly does "started" mean?

~Ashley

HazyDay · #4 10/19/07, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New At This

Thank you Tinknal for answering. I am glad I don't need 2 right off, I think 1 would keep us plenty busy. I was thinking of a bottle calf. I guess I need to learn more the terminology more -- what exactly does "started" mean?

~Ashley

I would think started would be before weaning.(Im not sure! Not a cow person!) If you wanted you maybe able to get a goat for a friend. I know alot of people will give away older does that arn't making milk or babies any more! Or you could get a buckling and make him a wether. Just something to think about!

ericakc · #5 10/19/07, 04:49 PM

Here is a link to some milk cows for sale in TN.

Jerseys and Guernsey for sale in TN

tinknal · #6 10/19/07, 05:31 PM

As stated, a "started calf" is a bit older, 3 weeks to 3 months. A bottle calf (day old) will probably run about $400 give or take. I would avoid sale barn calves. Too many health issues and good chance of getting a sterile freemartin.

The hard part is actually finding a Jersey heifer. Most people who breed them keep them. Your best chance is to find a dispersal sale.

Still Learning · #7 10/19/07, 07:41 PM

Thank you all for your help & information. I really appreciate it.

~Ashley

farmergirl · #8 10/19/07, 08:02 PM

I paid $800 for a 14 month old jersey heifer. Beautiful, the picture of a milk cow that I had dreamed of for over 2 years. We thought she was not bred, but now it's looking like she may be

I'm going to have her palpated soon to tell for sure. I was lucky to find her at any price because I don't live in a dairy area. She was raised with love on a small organic farm, and was standing tied with a light rope to the fence when we went to see her. The guy we bought her from milks the cows without even feeding them grain or tieing them. They are so gentle they come when called and just stand in the breezeway waiting to be milked. I had almost given up hope of ever finding a jersey heifer and then, to my surprise, the tiny local paper had an ad with several milk cows and younger heifers for sale.