teathering to freedom

[mariaricarto]

I would like to get my new milking cow off the teather. She is in a 5 acre fenced pasture. I have had her a week. I would leave the rope trailing. My concerns are that she may not come for milking or that she will come too readily and run me over. Any advice?

[Callieslamb]

A bucket of grain -

Feed her just a bit in it before letting her loose. When it's time to get her, shake the bucket until she sees it. Set it on the ground a bit away from you - so if she comes running.... then take the bucket and walk to where you milk. After a couple days - just stand where you milk and shake the bucket. Mine will come from 2500 ft away on a run if they see a bucket.

[Karin L]

I wouldn't leave the rope trailing. There's a chance that she may trip on it and get herself hurt, which you wouldn't want.

I would also do the bucket of grain thing too, only I would put a little in a pile when she's watching and starts coming for you, enough so that you still have a bit left in the pail and can get away in time. But certainly, get her accustomed to the grain in the bucket first before you let her go, just so she knows what you with a bucket means.

It may take her a couple days, it may take her longer to have her come where you want to milk her, but persistance is important when getting her to come when you want to.