One eyed cow?

[4Hmomwyo]

Has anyone ever had an one eyed cow?

I have an opportunity to buy a cow from an organic dairy that got an eye infection and they had to remove the eye. So they have to take her off the dairy since she has had antibiotics.

So other than looks, is there anything I should be conserned about since she only has one eye?

Laura

[DaleK]

You'll just have to work with her a bit more. I've had a couple of them now, they just tend to shy away from the side they can't see on. A little more work moving them, have to make sure you approach them on the good side or else that they know you're coming on the bad side or you can make them nervous.

[randiliana]

We have a one eyed cow in our herd. She has been like that for about the last 7-8 years. We don't really do anything different with her than we do with the other cows. She lives out with the herd, and is worked when they are. She knows our set up, and how we do things. We do talk to her, especially when we are on her blind side. It keeps her from spooking and she moves along a lot better that way, cause she knows where we are and doesn't have to try and figure it out.

[Dodgegal79]

When I was in 4H there was a girl that had a horse with one eye, the other was just an empty socket. She rode that thing all the time, that horse really must have trusted her. I'm sure the cow will be fine, always approach her on her good side.

[beccachow]

I was going to share an experience with a one-eyed horse as well. He never knew he only had one eye, that son-of-a-gun would forge a new trail without even hesitating. We were just careful how we approached him, very vocal around him so he always "knew" we were there. Animals adapt quite well with some pretty horrific handicaps!

[Up North]

It also helps if the cow were to have another cow as a friend that has her full sight. Like others have said, just approach on her good side or talk to her so she knows you're coming. Heather

[topside1]

Hi Heather, good to see you back on the board...hope all is well in KS....John

[Up North]

Mark and I are still kick'in. It's been busy here! Heather

[4Hmomwyo]

He's supposed to be sending me pictures. When I get them, I will try and post them. If she is as good as she sounds and she looks as good as he says, then we will be making a 6 hour trip to get her in the next month.

Thanks for all the info, you guys are invaluable!

[Wanda]

If the eye has been removed she will bring next to nothing at the salebarn. Buyers are afraid that they have cancereye is why it was removed. If you never resell her it is not a prob. but it is something to think about.

[ozark_jewels]

We have a one-eyed cow in our dairy herd. She does perfectly fine. Her eye was injured as a calf and is still there but has no sight. As others have said, just make sure she knows you are there.

[4Hmomwyo]

Here are pictures, tell me what you think.


The cow


Close up of her udder.

Laura

[Dodgegal79]

She's nice looking.