Safer Living Through Bribery

[NewBoots]

I hear that if you lie down in a field with cattle that they'll come over to look at you. Is it true?

Heck, my cows perk up at the phrase “I’ve got tasty” now too... they know that means grain or alfalfa hay...

This is why I love the idea of kindly raised livestock, they can have fun too!

 

[Kris5902]

I hear that if you lie down in a field with cattle that they'll come over to look at you. Is it true?



This is why I love the idea of kindly raised livestock, they can have fun too!

I’d believe it... the look on their faces when they are running to you, then realize they shouldn’t run over the food bringer and start sliding to a stop is priceless. I might try that this summer when it’s not a mud pit out there, test the theory!

 

[WindingRoad]

So I intend to make a Fort Knox coop with a large attached run. When I'm working in the yard and garden I wanted to let the chickens range to eat bugs scratch about. Then when I go in the house again I'll need a way to get them to go back to their run.

A coworker said I'll have a devil of a time getting them back into the run. But I'm betting if I have a super high value treat (meal worms or something as tasty) I can use it to entice them back to the run. Maybe use a clicker or a special call that's only for this special treat.

What do you think?

That's what I do. I make a tuk tuk sound on my upper teeth. That's means come. I do it if they aren't all up in the coop at night time too. I rattle the mealworm bag inside the coop and they come running. Don't always give them the treat that way they will come each time. Pavlov's dogs????

 

[NewBoots]

Don't always give them the treat that way they will come each time. Pavlov's dogs????

I think they call that intermittent rewards and it's supposed to be better than giving a reward every time. The trainee thinks they just have to work harder to get the reward.

 

[Kris5902]

Chickens and dogs sure... not going to “tease” the cattle though. I’ve had them try to climb into the back of my pickup, front feet over the top of the tailgate, a trailer is nada and they will walk right on over the sides, standing half on and half off of course. I took to putting the alfalfa on the roof of the Jeep while I put the hay down, and guess what? They will climb that too! One day I’ll have enough time to get a pic of these antics to prove it!

The chickens I feel are hunting me now when I carry the treat container... after just a few treats! They are smart and will learn the system quickly, I am sure.

 

[Folly's place]

Teasing cattle or horses will end badly; they are very big, and we are very small!
Our 2900 pound steers liked to toss around the big round hay bales when we brought one out before the feeding ring went around it! those bales weighed 600+ pounds apiece!
It's more about 'polite and respectful' interactions out there.
Mary

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Teasing cattle or horses will end badly; they are very big, and we are very small!
Our 2900 pound steers liked to toss around the big round hay bales when we brought one out before the feeding ring went around it! those bales weighed 600+ pounds apiece!
It's more about 'polite and respectful' interactions out there.
Mary

I agree, don't mess around with cows. Even young ones can be very dangerous. I don't miss farming.

 

[Kris5902]

Cows are sweet though! Could you imagine a rooster that big? Attitude, Yikes! 2900lbs? Wow, did you have limousines? Those are some big steers! We slaughter at 18 months and run Herefords and Angus.

They are still highly trainable with a little effort and motivation, but no way am I calling them saying I have treats then not giving them any... when I first realized they recognized the word “tasty” I said “but I don’t have any tasty” it was night and our bull was standing right in front of the car... his expression changed and ears perked up at the word. Since then that’s been my motivator!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Cows are sweet though! Could you imagine a rooster that big? Attitude, Yikes! 2900lbs? Wow, did you have limousines? Those are some big steers! We slaughter at 18 months and run Herefords and Angus.

You must have tamer cows. Beef are crazy.

 

[Kris5902]

Last October my favorite boyo “24” a few days before processing, he was puppy dog tame

“I just put my chin here until you feeds me mama” I was stuck for 15 minutes, and yes they had already been fed!