Halter or collar?

allenslabs · #1 03/28/12, 12:09 PM

My nutty girl seems to know when her halter isn't on and makes it hard on me to catch her and lead her without it. But I hate leaving it on her cause it causes wore spots behind her ears. So I thought about just a collar with a bell on it like some people use but I didn't know which was better? Thanks!!

goodhors · #2 03/29/12, 07:48 AM

My cattle (both of them, Ha-Ha) wore collars with bells. This was to help me locate them and so the horses would know where they were. Horses are silly, so bell prevented them being surprised when the calves "disappeared" or "suddenly appeared" out of the grass from a nap.

I used a couple dog collars together, to fit around the neck for the bell. Since the calves were brought in for the night, they both were easy to halter in the field and lead. They got a handful of grain for coming to be haltered, so they cooperated well. Needed the daily leading to be quiet for Fair.

I kept the collars fitted pretty snug to prevent getting snagged, though our fields are very clean. I also hung fly tags on the collars, instead of putting them in their ears. Collars had the quick snaps, plastic, that would break if caught hard. Safer for the calf and with bright colors, collars are easy to find in the field. I don't leave halters on without supervision, cow might get a hoof in halter while scratching their head and hurt themselves. Dollar store here has nice collars for a buck each.

gracie88 · #3 03/31/12, 09:39 AM

If a cow doesn't want to be led, you have no leverage with a collar like you do with a halter. If she'll lead in a collar just fine, I can't see any reason not to go with one.

tonyb · #4 03/31/12, 08:08 PM

I like a rope halter. I tried leaving a halter on our cow, but she broke two of them off so I quit. With a handful of grain she stands nice and quiet while I put the rope halter on.

We use something like this. Super-Strong Rope Halter ~ Large Cow/Bull Halters

mary,tx · #5 03/31/12, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gracie88

If a cow doesn't want to be led, you have no leverage with a collar like you do with a halter. If she'll lead in a collar just fine, I can't see any reason not to go with one.

This was my experience. I tried to teach mine to lead by collar, but it just didn't work out. I finally took them off.

I was using the goat's break-away collars.

allenslabs · #6 03/31/12, 10:42 PM

I have a piece of leather I can make a collar with to try but I like being able to have something to grab on when she is being a butt. I will check out those rope halters. Thanks all!!

BlackWillowFarm · #7 04/01/12, 09:40 AM

I learned to hand tie halters when I had the horses. Now I use them on my cows. They're very lightweight and don't rub their noses, cheeks or behind their ears but strong enough so you can give a good tug if she won't come. Here's the link to the website I used to learn to tie them. Tie Your Own Simple Rope Halter - Natural Horse Supply

Cheribelle · #8 04/01/12, 09:39 PM

I am wondering how to make a rope halter with a break-away safety feature.... Any ideas?

BlackWillowFarm · #9 04/01/12, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheribelle

I am wondering how to make a rope halter with a break-away safety feature.... Any ideas?

Maybe you could get a clip that would break away?