What is in my backyard now...(sigh)...Binkey didn't make it**

[noodleroo]

We will have had him a week tomorrow. We're getting the milk down him, but he's still not nursing like he should. I got some Pedialyte to see if that will help since he was so dehydrated when we got him; his electrolytes may be out of whack. Any suggestions are welcome. Here's a few more pics of little Binkey Beefcakes:

 

[theoldchick]

You can try using electrolyte powder designed for calves. I like to use a product called Bounce Back (Tractor Supply carries it) It can be put in with his milk replacer. Is he being tube fed? Is he active? Diarrhea? If this young fella didn't get mom's colostrum within 24 hours of birth he may develop diarrhea, pneumonia, and eventually die. Your vet can do a blood test to determine if he obtained colostrum. However, if he is just suffering from electrolyte imbalance IV fluids can correct this. Have fecal test to check for parasites. Most of all these little guys do enjoy TLC and he looks like he's getting plenty of that! Good luck with him. Many times these slow starters can come around and do well with just a little extra care.

 

[kelliepulido]

how is he today he is soo cute

 

[wistlindixie]

Such a cutie pie!!!!

 

[noodleroo]

Thank you all. We got him the electrolyte powder today and got it down him but I didn't notice any improvement. We can get the milk down him with a larger hole in the nipple of the bottle - kinda like tube feeding; he just has to swallow and does that just fine. He just doesn't seem to want to nurse. He sort of puts his tongue to the side instead of in the middle like normal. He still doesn't seem very sure on his feet, either. No diarrhea and he is not active at all. I've never seen a calf act like this; he does seem traumatized. Is it possible for a calf to have autism? I'm thinking it may also be something neurological. I just don't know. Any suggestions are most welcome.

 

[19hhbelgian]

Quote:
Thank you... Had his mom not died, I'm sure he would have been 'beef' at some later point. I've named him 'Binkey' and I don't think DH would have the heart to do anything else with him but keep him as a 'pet' bull.

Aww, that's sweet

 

[happyhensny]

I have never had cows but you could try the BYC "sister" site www.backyardherds.com - they are more focused on 4-legged friends. Good luck with him.

 

[noodleroo]

Quote:
Thank you, that's a good idea...

 

[19hhbelgian]

Just read the rest... Hope he comes around for you! Unfortunately I don't know anything about calves or I'd try to give some sort of help... They're ruminants correct? Would he normally be trying things other than milk at this point? I guess he really doesn't have the teeth to do that yet, so basically just thinking out loud I guess

 

[Rammy]

Quote:
Oh, come on!! You need at least a baby goat and a few little piggies!!


Rammy