Got an update on my heifers...

[Jackie]

I hadn't heard from the breeder since the day my calf died. But I hadn't called her either. For those that don't know, my BF bought me a 2 year old bred 3/4 Dexter heifer and a reg. yearling Dexter heifer for my birthday in January. We are moving in June and she offered to calve out the heifer and keep them for us until June.

Well the heifer was due to calve the end of March and she ended up losing it (through no fault of her own).

So I just talked to the breeder today and she wanted to know if we wanted to butcher the 2 year old. I don't. The breeder just didn't know our plans since she isn't pure and lost her first calf. But the breeder assured me that she would be a good mom. The day after he calf died she tried stealing a calf from across the fence. Then when her pasture mate had a calf she let that calf suck on her. She thinks that calf is her baby and she is happy as a clam! lol! So she WILL be a good mom.

So we decided that I should have my heifers calve the end of May next year since I wont have a barn. She is keeping them long enough for both of them to get bred back (because the calf died). She is also breeding them to two different, totally unrelated bulls so that I will have varied genetics. The full blood dexter will have a calf next year that can be registered.

Yay!!! So next year if all goes according to plan I should have 4 dexters. I hope at least one calf is a heifer!

[Wags]

Hope it all works out for you!

[copperhead46]

Yes, it sounds like she will be a great mom, I"m glad you didn't give up on her for losing her baby. One of my cows did that and I thought about selling her, but gave her another chance, and it has been a good decision on my part.
P.J.

[Jackie]

Originally Posted by copperhead46

Yes, it sounds like she will be a great mom, I"m glad you didn't give up on her for losing her baby. One of my cows did that and I thought about selling her, but gave her another chance, and it has been a good decision on my part.
P.J.

*phew* Thanks. I have been around cattle lots, but never owned cattle. I wasn't sure if I was making the right choice or not. But I DID know that she was beautiful and was a special birthday present. BUT if she didn't take care of next years calf that would be her last chance. It certainly wasn't her fault her calf was born in a freak late snow storm.

[copperhead46]

Maybe you could get her bred for a late spring calf, just in case.............Good luck with her. P.J.