Cool thing DH just saw...

EasyDay · #1 05/19/08, 01:50 PM

We always knew our bull, Herman, was very protective, but I often worried about our calves because sometimes they're spread so far apart from the herd, and even each other. We have 6 young ones, most of them less than 6 wks old. And we have a lot of coyotes around here.

DH is down working on the new house. He sat down to take a break and watch the cows a few minutes ago. While he was watching, a coyote came running out of the woods. Within just seconds, all of the babies ran into a group, mommas surrounded the babies, while Herman and two cows charged after the coyote. It turned tail and hauled arse outta there!

DH said it was very cool to watch such speed and organization.
I wished I'd seen it, too... just thought I'd share.

OneDayx2 · #2 05/19/08, 02:00 PM

Thanks for sharing that. We kind of have the same situation here and I've often wondered if the cows would band together to protect the calves.

KSALguy · #3 05/19/08, 02:17 PM

what breed do you have that still has such good herding instinks still strong in them? i have seen herds of over bred beef cattle look blindly on as they get attacked and eaten.

EasyDay · #4 05/19/08, 02:51 PM

Herman is 12% Brahma, the rest Angus. The cows are either all angus or angus/hereford crosses.

EasyDay · #5 05/19/08, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneDayx2

Thanks for sharing that. We kind of have the same situation here and I've often wondered if the cows would band together to protect the calves.

It certainly is reassuring. I won't worry so much, now.

But, after reading KSALguy's post, I guess not all breeds/herds are so responsive.

**fordson major** · #6 05/19/08, 03:43 PM

coyotes that close too any animal should become targets! mommas lying down to calve are very suceptable to attack! the angus momma is very protective though1

EasyDay · #7 05/19/08, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford major

coyotes that close too any animal should become targets! mommas lying down to calve are very suceptable to attack! the angus momma is very protective though1

You're right, but DH didn't have a gun with him. He was driving the tractor, back-filling in around the new house, and the cows were just lounging and grazing nearby. Pretty ballsy for the yote to make an appearance right there.

I always thought Herman to be special anyway because of the way he treats the babies. They like to lay next to him, and he bathes them. He's more like a momma than the daddy. Weird to see a male animal (other than human) show so much interest in his offspring.