Cows & Bull

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't think I wanna risk it with bulls

I don't want to die yet, ESPECIALLY by a bull
but seriously everything i've read about them demonizes them and it is scaring meee!!

You should always be wary with bulls. We always had a bull on the farm as a kid. I can tell you stories of daily terror because of them. Best defense is a nose ring with a long chain. If they come at you hopefully he steps on that chain and it stops him. They are nothing to mess with. Plenty of farmers are killed by bulls.

 

[Silexian]

When we started separating our bull from the cows. We ran a few steers with him.

 

[Everose]

I am to far gone, I don't wanna take any risks!! And it's even more of a fear that I didn't grow up with cows (We had 2 cows for less than a year, that was it), I don't know what to expect! Or what to do?? I need to study more about cows..

Maybe wait awhile, try helping someone who has cows, muck pastures, fill hay feeders, and spend some time with the cows and the people who own them. Really familiarize yourself with them before owning them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you know if scottish highland cattle are a 'nice breed'?
I'm terrified of bulls now after all that I've read about them!! Maybe I won't get cows at all after this

You don't need a bull to breed. Many farmers use artificial insemination these days.

 

[cassandrapettersson]

You don't need a bull to breed. Many farmers use artificial insemination these days.

Isn't that pretty expensive?
I know nothing about this, i just assume it'd be expensive

 

[cassandrapettersson]

Depends on your management preference and practice. You hold back heifers, you'll need to get a different bull. You want your cows calving around a certain time, you'll need to take him out.

Cows can be just as mean as bulls. Bulls can be just as gentle as puppies. Don't believe everything you read on the internet.

Cattle in general are hard on fences. With a bull it depends on the bull, how many ladies he has to service, whether neighbors have ladies or other bulls, etc.

Sounds like maybe you should stick to poultry. Keep researching and maybe one day start with a few cows.

I think I'm demonizing bulls myself at this point,
I'm gonna try to work with some cows for a while, to see if I really want them and see what I decide from then on.
But this could be years from now, maybe 5, 10, 20?? Who knows!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Isn't that pretty expensive?
I know nothing about this, i just assume it'd be expensive

Depends on what bulls are selected. When we did AI it ran around 20 dollars a breeding, but that was in the 90's. Not sure what it is today. It's probably cheaper than maintaining a bull year round especially if you are only keeping a few cows. If you are a novice with cows it definitely would be worth looking into what's available in your area.

 

[Painted Calls]

I think I'm demonizing bulls myself at this point,
I'm gonna try to work with some cows for a while, to see if I really want them and see what I decide from then on.
But this could be years from now, maybe 5, 10, 20?? Who knows!

Would be best to find someone local to learn from. Get your feet wet. See if you like them.

 

[Painted Calls]

Depends on what bulls are selected. When we did AI it ran around 20 dollars a breeding, but that was in the 90's. Not sure what it is today. It's probably cheaper than maintaining a bull year round especially if you are only keeping a few cows. If you are a novice with cows it definitely would be worth looking into what's available in your area.

Agreed 100%

 

[cassandrapettersson]

Plenty of farmers are killed by bulls.

I already knew that, but now it finally hit me

No bulls, only gloves that go up to my shoulders