Post by Cara on Nov 1, 2009 12:17:22 GMT -5
I have been experimented with tethering our calf, who needs to be separated from his mama Dawn (he is 6mos. old). Has anyone out there tethered successfully? I would love comments on successes and also what didn't work well-- thanks!
As for our setup, we have been using a smooth plastic coated steel cable (1/2") with a loop at each end - one goes around a T-post and one attaches to the calf's collar. The problem is that the cable gets all twisted up, and eventually the cable rusts through and breaks. We like the cable because it is smooth (at least when it's new) and the calf doesnt get tangled in it. Also, it is simple and fast to put a tee post into the ground and to pull it out again to move it with post-puller and post-pounder tools. Best of all, it is inexpensive relative to fencing, or would be if we didn't have to keep replacing the cable!
I have a few goals in mind besides keeping the cow and calf separated: I'd like to practice rotational grazing (moving the tether location every couple days in season) without spending hours setting fence. Ideally, I would be able to move the calf from one tether to another without having to lead him between the tethers (though a scoop of grain works pretty well).
I am thinking about using more of a "dog run" type setup with two posts in the ground placed about 30' apart and the cable in between (or chain ?). To the cable, I would clip a 6' chain lead on a ring so that the calf could move up and down the length of the cable on both sides, hopefully without getting too wrapped around the end posts. Has anyone tried this?
Thanks in advance for any comments and ideas!
As for our setup, we have been using a smooth plastic coated steel cable (1/2") with a loop at each end - one goes around a T-post and one attaches to the calf's collar. The problem is that the cable gets all twisted up, and eventually the cable rusts through and breaks. We like the cable because it is smooth (at least when it's new) and the calf doesnt get tangled in it. Also, it is simple and fast to put a tee post into the ground and to pull it out again to move it with post-puller and post-pounder tools. Best of all, it is inexpensive relative to fencing, or would be if we didn't have to keep replacing the cable!
I have a few goals in mind besides keeping the cow and calf separated: I'd like to practice rotational grazing (moving the tether location every couple days in season) without spending hours setting fence. Ideally, I would be able to move the calf from one tether to another without having to lead him between the tethers (though a scoop of grain works pretty well).
I am thinking about using more of a "dog run" type setup with two posts in the ground placed about 30' apart and the cable in between (or chain ?). To the cable, I would clip a 6' chain lead on a ring so that the calf could move up and down the length of the cable on both sides, hopefully without getting too wrapped around the end posts. Has anyone tried this?
Thanks in advance for any comments and ideas!