Post by Shelley (whistlingtrain) on Jun 12, 2006 19:33:15 GMT -5
Posted this elsewhere, so thanks for the tip to put it here!
I've spent hours browsing the boards before signing up, so thank you for all the great information.
I'm new to cow-ownership after waiting for 30 years to have one of my own. We acquired our 8-year old Dexter, Beauty with a one-month old calf. Luckily she was milked before, apparently the original owner loved her and Beauty loved her back. She's very patient and has been great for me to learn on. I'm getting between 1 and 2 quarts per milking, leaving the calf on her. She's been in 1 heat cycle since she's been here, and after the next cycle I will call the inseminator.
The other cow, Skunky is younger. She came with a steer calf, her second. She has not been milked, but has a large udder, being half holstein. In three weeks she's worked up from barely letting me pet her to letting me get about 1 quart of milk before she starts to kick. I've found that the rougher I am in handling her, the more she lets me get away with. If I'm too gentle she finds it annoying. I am leaving her calf on as well, thinking that at least she's getting milked out while we get used to each other.
I guess my big question is should I be doing something different in getting her used to being handled. She lives for food, so I do give her treats when she lets me go farther than the day before. I don't give her anything when she's nasty. I'm being very careful not to lose my patience with her, even though I've nearly been kicked several times.
I've had a few people tell me to take the calf away and she'll be glad to have me milk her. But that is a big, strong leg next to my head. Besides, I don't want to make the decision to take her baby away just yet.
I also need to train her to lead. I did manage to get a halter on her, but she doesn't lead at all yet. So far I've been milking her while she eats.
Thanks for any help or moral support anyone can give.
I've spent hours browsing the boards before signing up, so thank you for all the great information.
I'm new to cow-ownership after waiting for 30 years to have one of my own. We acquired our 8-year old Dexter, Beauty with a one-month old calf. Luckily she was milked before, apparently the original owner loved her and Beauty loved her back. She's very patient and has been great for me to learn on. I'm getting between 1 and 2 quarts per milking, leaving the calf on her. She's been in 1 heat cycle since she's been here, and after the next cycle I will call the inseminator.
The other cow, Skunky is younger. She came with a steer calf, her second. She has not been milked, but has a large udder, being half holstein. In three weeks she's worked up from barely letting me pet her to letting me get about 1 quart of milk before she starts to kick. I've found that the rougher I am in handling her, the more she lets me get away with. If I'm too gentle she finds it annoying. I am leaving her calf on as well, thinking that at least she's getting milked out while we get used to each other.
I guess my big question is should I be doing something different in getting her used to being handled. She lives for food, so I do give her treats when she lets me go farther than the day before. I don't give her anything when she's nasty. I'm being very careful not to lose my patience with her, even though I've nearly been kicked several times.
I've had a few people tell me to take the calf away and she'll be glad to have me milk her. But that is a big, strong leg next to my head. Besides, I don't want to make the decision to take her baby away just yet.
I also need to train her to lead. I did manage to get a halter on her, but she doesn't lead at all yet. So far I've been milking her while she eats.
Thanks for any help or moral support anyone can give.