we're getting a jersey heifer calf! looking for advice

[cathleenc]

well, looks like I couldn't resist the great offer from our neighbors - we'll be getting a jersey heifer calf in 5 weeks, after it's born. The neighbors, dairy farmers, will make sure we get a healthy calf who has had colustrum. The neighbors will most likely provide support (and maybe even breeding) for years to come. Hard to pass up.

While we wait - what should we be reading to get ready? Can you recommend the ONE book about having a family cow that we should have on hand? Ours will be a solo cow. We do have plenty of livestock to keep her company, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and a pair of little boys to love her up.

Is there a family cow yahoo group or anything similar?

many thanks
Cathy

[ozark_jewels]

Check out:

http://familycow.proboards32.com/index.cgi?

[cindy04]

Cathy,

The website that Emily mentioned is great! You can order The Family Cow book an this site and also join the board to gain some basic and advanced family cow knowledge. Good Luck.

Cindy

[haypoint]

Common mistake for new calf owners is to over feed. That leads to scours that is quickly fatal. Learn how to detect scours, how to prevent it and buy the stuff you need to treat it.
Fail to properly prepare for this and you'll end up with that beautiful brown eyed Jersey calf dying in your lap as you ask yourself, "What did I do wrong?"

[Madsaw]

Cathy,
I am located down in Lafayette county. Any time you would like to call or stop down to talk about calves just give a shout. We have a small dairy here and have raised just about ever common breed of dairy cattle. Had alot of rough times and learned a few lessons over the yrs.
One thought I would pass on is something like we do when we sell calves. I very seldomly sell a calf under a week old. Most of the time I will only sell at 2 weeks old. At this point they are past the most diffucult time in thier life. Also with jerseys they only need about 2 to 3 pints depending on thier size twice a day. So, if your neighbor would keep teh heifer till she was 2 weeks old that would be great.
Jerseys make great pets too. I have have a steer that about 17 going on 18 this summer. He weights about 1800 and is also broke to lead.
Later
Bob

[cathleenc]

Bob,
I just sent you a pm. thanks so much for the generous offer!
Cathy