Do cows eat treats?

[Meesh]

Apples? Carrots? Hay/grain cubes?

I want to try clicker training my new Dexters when they get here, but need to know what they really like for treats.

- Michelle

 

[EllyMae]

Our cows always loved corn shucks(husks). They would line up at the fence. I don't remember actually feeding them treats...I guess we never really got too attached to them since they were beef cattle.

 

[texaschickmama]

I'd like to know that too. I have a 5 month old jersey that I want to train her to lead on a rope. I can get a halter on her, but could use some pointers. Only thing I give her for a "treat" is her bottle. She is totally weaned, but sure loves her bottle.

 

[Moonwalker]

We always used either carrot slices or elephant pellets to train the yaks and cattle for the circus acts.
The yaks would not touch the carrots, the only thing that worked on them was the elephant pellets.
You can order elephant pellets from Mazuri feeds or your feed store should have a catalog for exotic feeds. They look like rabbit feed pellets except they are about 2" long and as big around as my thumb. Perfect size for treats.

Just curious: What will you be training your cattle to do?

 

[Katy]

Our cows and bulls come running for range cubes when they see us with a bucket. Comes in handy if someone gets out!!

 

[Moonwalker]

Quote:
Put the halter on her and run another long rope behind her rump. This usually works best with 2 people, but if you are agile, you can do it alone!
First give her a verbal command, (move up, walk on etc. Decide which and always use the same one) as you tug on the lead rope. If she doesn't respond right away, tug on the butt rope. If she responds, let her go forward a few steps, and reward her. After a few times, you won't need the butt rope. It only took a couple sessions with our Jersey steer ( bottle baby) to teach him to walk forward, stop, back up and even step up on a tub with his front feet, then down off it on command. Cows are easy to train if you start early and have a little patience.

 

[Meesh]

We always used either carrot slices or elephant pellets to train the yaks and cattle for the circus acts.

Oh my, my ears are perked straight up. You trained yaks and cattle for the circus? Tell me more!

I thought about modifying a horse electrolyte cookie recipe mostly made of sweetfeed. Could leave the e-lytes out for cows.

- Michelle​

 

[Moonwalker]

Meesh
I sent you a PM

 

[wynedot55]

you can get them to come to you by feeding them some grain everyday.an they will get used to the feed bucket an come running.once they are bucket trained.then you can move them fairly easy.all my new cows will come to the feed bucket.an i can pen them if needed.

 

[Meesh]

Thanks for the info, everyone and the PM Moonwalker. I don't have a halter on her yet (the older heifer), so will have to work on that before teaching her to lead.

She lovvvvves sweetfeed, and for just a little bit of it she will let me touch her nose. It's a start. Tomorrow I'm going to try holding a rope and letting her learn to reach out and touch it for a bite of feed.

I'm glad she's piggy!

I will get better pictures soon. My 14.3hh Arab mare towers over them, as do I.

Cheers,
Michelle