We have just bought a dexter cow in calf and a 4 month old heifer,not her calf. They are not very well handled so are not very tame. we plan to make a holding yard and hand feed them for a time.As we have only had experience with steers, this is all new to us.They are being delivered next week, what size yard will they need ?,can we keep them in the yard untill they settle down, or do they need to only come in to feed? and any other good advice will be gladly received.
I know absolutely nothing about cattle but I did find a web site you may want to check out. http://www.purebreddextercattle.org/ Sorry I cant be of any help other than a link. good luck.
Maybe if you post over on BackYardCows.com you'll find out more answers! Good luck with your little cows.
By only experience with steers...are you saying show steers, steers for slaughter? If you have had any cattle and got them used to human contact...do it that way...no real difference between cow and steer...bulls yes but they can be gentled as well. Hand fed? You mean you are going to walk in with a bucket right and fill something so they get the idea that you mean food...right?
Correl them in where you can be around them. Start with being on the outside of the corral and let them get used to you and the place. Once they are comfortable with that then you can start walking in by them and around/amoungst them. As for coming in to be fed. They can be fed in the correl but, they do need shelter. I'm guessing that you are not planning on milking the cow-at least not right now. Come visit us on we would love to help you with all of your cattle questios.
Thanks everyone, I will definatly try the dexter site and how did I miss backyardcow . My experience is with steers I got them at about one week old( fresian calves from the dairy),so it was easy to hand feed and tame them.
