Another post about Dexters :)

maysorum · #1 03/26/11, 11:35 AM

Hello. I've recently moved from the city to the country and I'm interested in learning more about cattle, specifically Dexter cattle. I would like to get a female calf next Spring for milking/family pet. I've just starting researching and have a lot to learn. I realize that raising a calf takes resources, time, dedication, and care.

If you could give three pieces of advice (or more) to a novice, what would they be? Thank you!

linn · #2 03/26/11, 11:45 AM

Don't get in a hurry to buy and don't be tempted by what looks like a good deal. Research the background of the animal. If you are buying a cow to milk, make sure she is already tame and well trained.

G. Seddon · #3 03/26/11, 05:34 PM

Go see as many as you can before purchasing, make sure the paperwork (testing and registration) is complete before you buy, see the cow in person first and spend time with her, get to know your county agric. extension agent (who can advise you on pastures, facilities, hay, and much more), make contact with a bovine vet before you need one, get your facilities ready before you bring one home. Read up on cattle care before you get one. Oh, and get more than one; they need company. Ooops, way more than three things.

Carol K · #4 03/27/11, 11:56 AM

I agree with what was said by the other posters, and will add the following links incase you have not found them yet.
http://www.dextercattle.org/
http://dextercattle.proboards84.com/index.cgi

Find a vet, read all you can on cows, visit as many Dexter breeders as you can.

Carol K

genebo · #5 03/27/11, 12:06 PM

You've gotten advice from three very good sources. I couldn't add better advice, I can only repeat the three I think are most important.

Get your pastures, shelter and fences ready first.

Line up a good large animal vet.

Go visit before you buy.

copperhead46 · #6 03/27/11, 01:15 PM

Make sure the person you're buying from is knowledgable about their animals, that they will not sell to you then not answer you phone calls when you need some advise. Make sure the neccisary tests have been done, and that they have been vaccinated for all the regular things. Where are you located? Some of us can probably steer you in the right direction to some good breeders. You can go visit and ask all the questions you want without being under pressure to buy something.

P.J.

maysorum · #7 03/30/11, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copperhead46

Make sure the person you're buying from is knowledgable about their animals, that they will not sell to you then not answer you phone calls when you need some advise. Make sure the neccisary tests have been done, and that they have been vaccinated for all the regular things. Where are you located? Some of us can probably steer you in the right direction to some good breeders. You can go visit and ask all the questions you want without being under pressure to buy something.

P.J.

Thank you everyone for your advice! I'm located in Mount Horeb, WI.

maysorum · #8 03/30/11, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carol K

I agree with what was said by the other posters, and will add the following links incase you have not found them yet.
http://www.dextercattle.org/
http://dextercattle.proboards84.com/index.cgi

Find a vet, read all you can on cows, visit as many Dexter breeders as you can.

Carol K

Thank you, I hadn't found the second website yet.