How much?

[Farmerwilly2]

We have a jersey mix bull that will be two weeks old this coming Monday. The breeder was perfect and did everything we could have hoped for..thank you Ed. He has a strong sucking reflex, but will only eat in the morning and then will only take about 3 quarts. I fed him the reasorbe as per instructions the first feed and are now using a calf starter mix, using water. I would have thought he would be going through a gallon twice a day by now, but we aren't. Do you all have any ideas???
Thank you,
Mrs. Farmer Willy

[Cat]

I feed mine up to 4 pints twice a day, less if they're small or if they begin to scour which can be caused by too much milk.

[luvrulz]

Hey Mrs. FW! Check on the bag of replacer - does it tell you based on his weight how much he should be getting? On my sheep replacer, it always tells me. As he gets older, he should be getting more, but don't worry if he seems to be ok with it.

How's them oinkers doing?? I told John I was going to have to refresh his memory on how to sex them critters!! ROTFL....... Hope all is well and you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Joellen

[Farmerwilly2]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I placed a little Black Strap molassas on the nipple and the feeding problem was stopped! Another farming lesson learned...whew!
Mrs. Farmer Willy

[topside1]

Farmerwilly, congrats on the bull calf. Personally you need to cut back on the milk replacer. #1 it's expensive #2 three qts. or more per feeding is not usually recommended. Read the instructions on the bag, also keep in mind that feeding them loads of milk will not energize their hunger for calf starter (grain) or hay for that matter. Milk is extremely important but so is getting them to eat other foods. 2qts per feeding is perfect as Cat mentioned.....You should see your calf eating grain and hay on or about the third week, just nippling mind ya. By week four the calf's frame will broaden and begin to fill out noticeably. Hang in there, I know you want your little bull to grow, believe me he will on his own pace....good luck....Yes Ed is a good neighbor..

[Farmerwilly2]

Hey Joellen, not sure when the Mrs. will check back so I thought I'd let you know they're doing just fine. Didn't care for the ride home much but they've settled in fine. The problem is with the dogs. They feel they are being shortchanged in that the pigs are getting all of the best scraps (along with their feed and corn). I saved a row of potatoes in the garden, won't be long I'll be turning them out into it and they'll have a grand time rootin taters.
Far as the calf he's got water and this weekend coming I'll be adding a grain box and hay rack. I also put a handful of calf starter in his face when I take his bottle out. I say he's doing just fine. Weather permiting end of week going to start putting him out with the goats mid day, give him some company let him watch them graze.

[Highland]

Good to hear things are improving! He is in good hands!

I like hog meat (hint hint) LOL !!

[Cheribelle]

2 quarts twice a day is what my replacer says to feed....

[Farmerwilly2]

Originally Posted by Highland

Good to hear things are improving! He is in good hands!

I like hog meat (hint hint) LOL !!

You're on!! I'll most gladly fix you up. We'll bring that banty crate with us, maybe fit you some turkey poults in there as well. You planning on spring calves?

Improving? That's an understatement! I'm gonna fit him up with a halter this weekend and let him run a couple hours with the goats if it's dry. He's starting to nibble and took a bit of water from the bucket two days ago.

You take care of yourself, and have a Merry Christmas. You're good people in our book and that's worth the drive if just shoot the breeze. Plus I believe we owe you a lunch.

[HazyDay]

If I was to leave the horns on, I WOULD always disbud a bull calf. It would be able easlier to get out of a pen without having to watch your @$$ for horns!