My first sick calf

[InvalidID]

Let me start by saying I've raised a few bottle calves already. I have been lucky I suppose in that I haven't had a sick one yet. Well, until today.


Out of the three Holstein calves I just got one won't eat on the same schedule. He's kinda slow to get up and lazy but otherwise seems ok. He's the largest and oldest, eats grass (a little) and doesn't seem to be interested in anything.... Until about 2 hours after the others are fed. It's like he's on a different schedule than his brothers. But even then he's a slow eater and kinda just takes his time eating.

He also seems to lick dirt for some reason. That's a new one by me and I'm thinking maybe he's short on some sort of mineral? He came from an organic dairy farm so maybe his mother wasn't getting mineral blocks? I dunno if they do that with certified organic.

All the calves in this batch will cough a little when they are eating, like they are sucking it down the wrong pipe or something. I'm wondering if that's not because they were on their mothers until yesterday? Maybe the bottle is different to them somehow?

Anyway, he doesn't seem to be in danger of dieing yet, but I thought I'd see what ya'll think before it becomes an OMG HELP kinda thing...LOL

Thanks in advance.

[topside1]

Ought to take it's temp. may have a low grade fever..

[InvalidID]

I'm gonna need to get a new thermometer. I went to get mine and I only found parts of it... Gotta keep the kids outta the barn.

So as an update. The 'sick' fella is chewing a stump, doesn't take well to a bottle but tries, drinking plenty of water, nibbling on some wet cob, and isn't as lethargic as he was. I'm not sure about him, I don't think he's in danger of dropping dead or anything. He's just acting...odd.