Bottle calf question.

allison · #1 04/13/13, 09:34 PM

We have 3 calves. Picked up from and individual. All about one week. Went to feed this evening and two refused the bottle. They weren't even interested. All look healthy no temp. Noses are moist not dry. Eyes clear. They all ate this morning. No signs of scours. Any ideas? Thanks.

**gone-a-milkin** · #2 04/13/13, 09:53 PM

How long have you had them?
How many bottles have you successfully gotten down them previously?
What were they drinking before and now what are they getting?

If they arent scouring or hunched up sicky acting, I would probably just try again (very firm try) in the morning.
Perhaps they really just need to be a bit hungrier.
Keep watch for droopiness, snuffly noses, diahrea, coughing, etc.
At the first sign of any tangible symptoms call the vet.

Of course these things always happen on the weekend.
That is just standard procedure. <sigh>

Good luck with them!

allison · #3 04/13/13, 10:10 PM

We picked them up Thursday. They ate well up until tonight. The one they said was a picky eater isn't she eats like she is starving. Was told they were being fed 2 times a day one bottle a piece so that is what we have been doing.

**gone-a-milkin** · #4 04/13/13, 10:14 PM

They are on a milk replacer or on milk?
Did you change the milk from what they had before you got them?
That is my question, sorry if it wasnt clear.

allison · #5 04/14/13, 02:24 AM

No they were on replacer and that is what they are on her too.

nosqrls · #6 04/14/13, 07:46 AM

The type of replacer has a lot to do with it soy based or milk based some will turn their nose up to soy. Neighbors bought soy for a recent calf and she will starve before drinking it. she came over got some milk based (kent) and she acts like she is starved when she is fed. Even if she just ate 2hrs earlier. Some can tell.

topside1 · #7 04/14/13, 08:08 AM

More than likely you are overfeeding, they have upset stomachs. If they were mine I'd have the two miss a meal, and let their insides settle down. Just improper feeding techniques can cause lots of problems....As mention above, soy based products can be one big headache too...Topside

countryfied2011 · #8 04/14/13, 09:13 AM

one thing I learned from my two and this board is making sure the temp of the milk is right.

allison · #9 04/14/13, 10:09 AM

They ate this morning like they were starving. Think the vent in the bottle had something to so with it. Had to open it some.