Dexter Question....s

chicamarun · #1 01/05/11, 01:26 PM

Ok - general questioning here.

How long does a cow stay in milk? I'm looking at dexters because of their size and what we do on our farm. However I really don't want a bull at this point and I know enough people around that can help with AI if needed.

I have a chance to get 1-2 dexters registered with pretty papers for $3300 bred (again pretty papers) but they haven't been handled much and I'm not sure if thats a good idea for a 1st timer with cows? The people apparently are only on their farm on the weekends..... which happens a lot around here (people with more money than me) since having a farm is considered "chic" in the DC area right now...

We've had Angus on the farm - but not for breeding and since we do grass-fed, pretty much I go say hi - make sure the water is working and rotate them when needed - piece of cake. They are here from March-Dec and I don't worry about them. The dexters would be something different as I am looking for an animal for kids to come see and to milk for my family and for a small "help pay for my animals" milk share....

Any advice....

oth47 · #2 01/05/11, 04:42 PM

I believe if you look around a little you can find dexters that have been taught to lead for less than that.That sounds really high to me.Have they calved before? You should be able to find some that have had one or more calves and been milked for that kind of money.And unless you plan to sell breeding stock you don't really need the pretty paper..

genebo · #3 01/05/11, 04:42 PM

Milking a Dexter will require your time at least once a day. Go visit the cows and Make sure they're sweet and gentle enough to make milking them a pleasant chore.

You're welcome to come visit our Dexters if you've never seen them up close before.

Breed a Dexter milk cow to have a calf every 12 months. She can be kept in milk for up to 10 months, then she needs to dry off and get ready for her next calf.

With two of them, you can time their pregnancies so you always have one in milk.

You're in the middle of a lot of Dexter breeders. The ADCA lists two in Purcellville. Maryland has a wealth of Dexter breeders. There are some nice Dexters across the line in West Virginia. You should have no trouble finding Dexters nearby for fair prices.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

linn · #4 01/05/11, 06:22 PM

You can get a Dexter for a lot less than the price you quoted. Make sure the Dexter is from a milking line. Not all Dexters are bred to be dual purpose anymore. If you want your Dexter to stay in milk for 9 months, I suggest milking twice a day. Once you go to once a day milking production goes down.

chicamarun · #5 01/05/11, 07:03 PM

Genebo - where is your farm? I'd love to see some!! We really want 1-2 bred or even after having the calf.

I found someone else who has some, but they won't be in milk we are talking just a calf or 2 to be bred this year. I'm still looking

Milking is no biggie - we milk our goats 2x per day. DH wants butter and we also would like an animal to show to kids who visit....

genebo · #6 01/05/11, 08:00 PM

We're in Dinwiddie County, about 20 miles west of Petersburg, VA. If you're a Civil War buff, then I'm about 7 miles from the battle of Five Forks.

The address is on the second page of: http://paradisedexters.com

Come on down to visit most any day. Just call ahead to make sure we stay home that day.

Email me and I'll give you some names to call about Dexters near you.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

Onthebit · #7 01/06/11, 09:41 AM

Maybe these are exceptionally good quality Dexters? I mean who are you people to judge the value of Dexters you know nothing about? Beware though, there are a lot of people selling junk out there.

linn · #8 01/06/11, 10:05 AM

I don't recall saying anything judgemental about the Dexters. My statement was that the op could find Dexters for a lot less than the price quoted. I didn't notice anything judgemental about the other posts either. Stating that an animal or product can be purchased for less is in no way judgemental. As far as I can see, we were just making helpful and not negative statements.

chicamarun · #9 01/06/11, 10:15 AM

I see posted online a lot of places an open cross-bred cow for $1000 or so. These are 2 bred cows for $3300.

Maybe it's where I live? These are in MD btw....

linn · #10 01/06/11, 10:19 AM

Have you tried the local newspapers or craigslist. It depends on what you want. I gave $700 for a bred in-calf heifer, she was two months away from calving. I live in MO, another Dexter spot. If I were you, I would visit genebo and take a look at his cows.
Of course, this is your decision. If you want those Dexters go for it.

cowkeeper · #11 01/06/11, 10:27 AM

These may or may not be the cows for you. You say they are only weekend people and have not handled their cows. You are looking for cows for "kids to come and see" and enough milk for your family and possibly to share. So you need tame animals that will have extra milk. While the price is not out of line for registered, bred cows, it would be wise to find out about the dams of these cows and the dam of their sire, to get some idea of udder and teats and potential for sufficient milk. Find out if there are Dexter farms within your 'willing to travel' range who have milked (and therefore also handled) their cows. Some (but not all) Dexters are easy to tame even if they have not been handled much before. Unless you find something suitable unpapered and very reasonably priced, it is wise to get papered animals for future sales of their calves.ck

Carol K · #12 01/06/11, 02:38 PM

You may also want to ask the color of these animals, lol it won't make the milk or meat taste any better, but you may be getting reds for that price or blacks? They may be polled? Maybe horned? Are they tested for Chondro? PHA? A2 milk?
Price is relevant, give the seller another call and ask more questions, and visit with Genebo and whoever else you can before you make decisions.

CArol K

oregon woodsmok · #13 01/06/11, 08:11 PM

Adult cows have always tamed down really nice for me, but probably not tame enough to milk them without a squeeze chute.

Cows really like their groceries and if you are the one carrying out their dinner, they get really pleased to have you around. Especially when they discover you can take care of that itchy spot right behind their poll.

I wouldn't plan on milking the adults, but if you get a heifer calf born, you can start taming her from day one and turn her into a lap dog.

However, for what you want, perhaps you should look for a cow that is more used to being handled?

Just me, but if I wanted to breed, I'd be more interested in the quality and conformation of the cows (and the health issues) and worry about training them later. However, if you can't tell a top quality cow from a gopher, then there is no reason for you to spend top dollar, nor even any real reason to buy purebreds.

How many cows have you looked at? Look at more than one before you buy.