Calf not eating

[KIT.S]

OK, so I just said a couple days ago that since the calves were 5+ weeks old, maybe I had gotten past the "willing to die" period. Never should have said that, and knew it at the time!

This morning Violet, Holstein bull calf, was a little slow to start eating, but finished up at the same time as his buddy, and didn't seem otherwise to be feeling odd. Now, at his mid-day feeding (yeah, we feed 3 times a day), he didn't take any milk at all. Stood there with his muzzle in the water bucket.

No diarrhea, wasn't actually drinking but he's not looking dehydrated. I gave him a dose of Pepto orally and he took that without much fuss, which is probably another sign he's not doing particularly well, and he's grinding his teeth a bit.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Kit

[topside1]

Don't feed Violet tomorrow morning, let the stomach settle and for the calf to re-energize it's appetite...I'd also stop feeding three times a day...Topside

[KIT.S]

Thanks, Topside. I know you raise a lot of these little monsters. Should I offer him electrolytes tonight?
Kit

[topside1]

I would bother with electrolytes unless he's dehydrated...there is no point to it. A hungry calf is a healthy calf. I've lost two out of 70, one got trampled to death and the other I killed. Don't kill them with kindness and the calf will thank you. I bet if he misses a meal your problem will be solved....Happy Sunday,,,Topside

[KIT.S]

Well, he's taking his bottle now, down to twice a day, and they're nibbling on half a can of sweet feed. They also get brewer's grain free choice and have grass. Their ribs are covered, and their back hips aren't pointy any more, so I figure they're getting enough to eat and not dehydrated. No diarreah but it's not formed, either. He still seems less energetic than his buddy, but we'll watch him.
Thanks for the help.
Kit