Got my calf!

[golemkennels]

Got my 4mo old Pineywoods calf. Picked him up on Sunday, from a wonderful person in AL ( who has two more for sale and would rather they go to working/breeding homes than slaughter). He wasn't bottle fed, and was out with his mom and herd on pasture. He was calm - had to ride in a goat box in a cargo van with 4 dogs and a cate in crates. Goes to show that breeding for decent temperament and handling them gently in pasture and when moving them around makes life so much easier, for people and cattle.

4 days later, I can handle him all over, and he's halter trained. I made a rope halter ( natural horsemanship style, rather than sheep/goat/cow rope under the chin style) and used pressure release, and he picked it right up. Smart and fun to work with. He's got great potential and I think as a first ox for me, he'll be good. I probably lucked out, but man - I'm really enjoying him. The dogs are overjoyed they get their very own cow ( they herd them in competition, but never had one at the house), the sheep are unsure, and the goats are fascinated, I think because they are pondering on how to use him for "muscle" for their nefarious plans...

[JeffNY]

The best age to halter break any animal is when they are young. Stick a halter on as soon as possible, and they break really easy. When they get older, they realise they can plant their feet, takes longer to break.


Jeff