How many cows?

Buffy in Dallas · #1 08/03/10, 11:54 AM

My son in law wants a cow. Are cows like goats in that they are unhappy alone? Should we get 2 babies to keep each other happy?

Callieslamb · #2 08/03/10, 12:19 PM

I think they do better with 2, but if you buy them young and have other livestock around that can be okay. I have a little bull calf that has my rams for company. They graze on different sides of the pasture from each other and hardly ever socialize. LOL!!!I see him hanging out at the fence he shares with the other cows usually. I don't like to raise one by themsleves.

Buffy in Dallas · #3 08/03/10, 01:36 PM

They would be bottle babies. We don't have any other animals other than chickens.

We also have the issue of fences. Our land is only fenced on 2 sides. With babies can you keep them in a large pen. How long can you raise them that way. (in other words, how long do we have to save up for fencing)

I'm going to the library today to get as many books as I can read on the subject but wanted some quick answers to give to the SIL.

Callieslamb · #4 08/03/10, 03:57 PM

When I just had chickens, I did buy 2 bottle babies. I kept my in a stall in the barn for 2 months - it was dead winter here. Then I let them out to a 100x100 pen nex to the barn. THEN..I put up electric, 1 strand, and let them out on 2 acres. This year, I ran two more strands since I have sheep too. The 1 strand kept them in just fine....BUT, they had good grass on our side of the fence so they weren't tempted to take a little journey anywhere. The problem I have with elec is that I am not sure it will work when the ground is frozen and there is 3 feet of snow out there. Maybe you won't have to worry about that.

With 2 there is one for you and 1 for the SIL.....or 1 to eat and 1 to sell.

ozark_jewels · #5 08/03/10, 06:20 PM

Yes, if you've not got any other livestock, then get two calves. They give each other company and competition in learning to eat solids. A happy calf is less likely to get sick. Sounds strange, but is proven true.
If you plan on bottle calves, be sure to read the sticky at the top of the page. I'd reccomend waiting to purchase until the weather is cooler. Heat is a worse stresser even than cold.