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08/26/10, 11:11 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 407
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moving with cows etc...
We are looking at a move to West Virginia, and have cows and goats to move. A holstien yearling steer, Dexter bull, two dexter cows, a 6 wk dexter calf, a nubian doe, 3 four month old kids. Mamma cow and calf probably need to stay together.
We have a 1/2 ton suburban and an old ford 250
google map says 30 hour drive ( NOT pulling trailers, of course )
We probably will take three days, since the suburban will be full of my four kids, 9 caged cats, and 3 dogs. Yes, we plan on it being a smelly experience.
Hubby's company will be paying for gas and hotels, and the semi truck the rest of our stuff will be on.
How would you move everyone without making a bunch of trips? We can go back and forth a couple of times, but don't really want to. I have not moved livestock ever before, and am not sure who I can put together, what size trailer to rent/borrow/buy.........Help Please
Tilly
Last edited by Tilly; 08/26/10 at 11:30 AM.
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08/26/10, 11:39 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 796
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There are companies out there that move livestock. Maybe do a google search.
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08/26/10, 02:11 PM
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Family Jersey Dairy
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,773
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That is quite the move, you don`t want to jam the animals in a trailer. They need room to lay down and be comfortable,with lots of bedding, they need to be fed and watered several times a day. And a nice rest at night. If you could find somebody half way that you could stop and let them out for a bit might be ok. Will your truck pull a trailer? Sometimes you can rent trailers, Good luck with the move. >Thanks Marc
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Our Diversified Stock Portfolio: cows and calves, alpacas, horses, pigs, chickens, goats, sheep, cats ... and a couple of dogs... 
http://springvalleyfarm.4mg.com
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08/26/10, 02:52 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SE Oklahoma
Posts: 2,003
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How dependable is the F250? You have any idea of total weight of the animals? As to a trailer, minimum of 20 ft. with two compartments. A 24' would have 3 compartments.
Hiring someone would cost a minimum of $2 mile, probably have to pay more due to the long back haul for them.
As to feed and water, check for livestock auction facilities along your route. Check with them about if you could stop at their facilities and off load for feed and water. Check with the state dept of agriculture in the various states you will be crossing for a list of facilities. And you will need to make sure that the facility can contain goats.
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08/26/10, 04:07 PM
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 17,225
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Don't forget to check on any health papers you might need crossing various states and in the state you are moving to.
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Flaming Xtian
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.
Mahatma Gandhi
Libertarindependent
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08/26/10, 04:12 PM
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Zone 7
Posts: 10,539
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I would depopulate, maybe keep the kids, and start fresh.
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Agmantoo
If they can do it,
you know you can!
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08/26/10, 04:20 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 854
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I'm inclined to agree. Unless your critters are essential, start over. It's easier to start fresh then to move that many.
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My faith keeps me here until my purpose is fulfilled. Good choices & bad I learn from everything! I am still beautiful and messy and a work in progress!
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08/26/10, 04:27 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 188
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I would hate to move and not be able to take my animals with me! is there any way to negotiate with hubby's company to pay for a professional livestock mover?
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08/26/10, 05:15 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central WI
Posts: 5,389
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sell em and buy new ones. Cows hate traveling. You will end up with problems moving them that far.
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Deja Moo; The feeling I've heard this bull before.
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08/26/10, 05:51 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 407
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I have a friend who can board the steer and bull for me for a few months, so that takes off 1200 pounds. This is my milking herd that I have invested a lot of my time and energy into, so would rather make another trip than sell. Each cow weighs about 400-450, calf is 60, 3 kids 40-45 each, nanny goat 120ish, maybe a tad more (she's a big nubian) so I'm not looking at a lot of weight. Can these ones ride together in a larger trailer? or should I still look at separating cows/goats?
If I had a bigger trailer so they could lie down, would stopping at night for 8-10 hours give them the rest they would need?
The Ford has a strong engine, but honestly, I paid 300 bucks for it and it has never been more than 50 miles from home. It would need new everything, tires,brakes, and a tow kit put on. The company will pay to have our personal vehicles shipped, so we don't have to drive it out there.
The suburban has trailer brakes, heavy duty everything, 5.7 engine. I think it can handle pulling them, seems some people I ask say no way, others say it wouldn't have any problems......
We checked into livestock haulers, they are too spendy.
I will have Hubby read this and thanks again everyone!
Tilly
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08/26/10, 09:42 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: ne colorado
Posts: 1,205
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there is an old saying---move cows north and west but never south and east. animals have a hard time adjusting to the heat and humidity, check with your vet and extension agent.
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