Post by jennym on Apr 16, 2023 15:11:07 GMT -5
Hi there! I’m so glad I found this board.
I’m new to owning a milk cow. I lived on a farm for a while when I was very young so I’m comfortable around livestock and chores. I’ve milked cows and goats, herded and helped lambing sheep, I’ve cared for and processed chickens, but I have no real experience with the husbandry of livestock. My parents handled that, and they sold the farm when I was about seven, so my education has big holes.
I live in a desert environment (SE New Mexico). My lives-here-family consists of me, my husband and my off to college in a few months youngest son. Basically it’s me and hubby from here on out. I run a great big garden, a flock of chickens, a hive of bees and I’ve wanted a milk cow for forever. I’ve done lots of research and even though they’re not “perfect” or ideal for everyone, I’ve settled on a mini zebu. Small size for easier handling, good heat tolerance, and the right amount of milk and meat for my particular situation. I’ve been putting it off only because I don’t know exactly how I want my barn space to work, and I’m a big fan of pre-prepping for any new thing. I like having all my ducks in a row before I introduce new things into my life..
A friend of mine recently reached out and asked if I was still interested in a couple zebu. HER friend is looking to cut down her herd size and has an 8 year old (and 3 months pregnant) cow with a history of throwing heifers and her buddy/partner 9 year old bull. This pair were essentially bottle baby pet lawn ornaments for a well off couple. They (reportedly) are halter trained, tame and “lovey”. The couple is downsizing, the friend of the friend accepted the pair back, and is looking for a new home for the pair.. My cost would be transport only. They’ll come with all current tests and shots and freshly trimmed hooves. The owner will take them back if they don’t work out.
I’m thinking it’d be dumb to not at least give it a shot.
I’ve done lots of research. I’m confident I can do this. I’ve got a small (1 acre) of really cruddy pasture fenced off. I have a trough and feeder set up. I’ve run a water line to the barn, and wired it for electricity (waiting on hookup). I’ve got about 20’x18’ of open available barn space… and I’m still stuck on how to arrange stalls and milking areas. I’m stymied over good cleaning practices for the barn.
Currently the floor is packed dirt, but I could easily put in concrete pads, gutters, etc. I have no idea what a good space looks like though, and the internet is really no help. I’d love to hear your suggestions and recommendations.
I’m new to owning a milk cow. I lived on a farm for a while when I was very young so I’m comfortable around livestock and chores. I’ve milked cows and goats, herded and helped lambing sheep, I’ve cared for and processed chickens, but I have no real experience with the husbandry of livestock. My parents handled that, and they sold the farm when I was about seven, so my education has big holes.
I live in a desert environment (SE New Mexico). My lives-here-family consists of me, my husband and my off to college in a few months youngest son. Basically it’s me and hubby from here on out. I run a great big garden, a flock of chickens, a hive of bees and I’ve wanted a milk cow for forever. I’ve done lots of research and even though they’re not “perfect” or ideal for everyone, I’ve settled on a mini zebu. Small size for easier handling, good heat tolerance, and the right amount of milk and meat for my particular situation. I’ve been putting it off only because I don’t know exactly how I want my barn space to work, and I’m a big fan of pre-prepping for any new thing. I like having all my ducks in a row before I introduce new things into my life..
A friend of mine recently reached out and asked if I was still interested in a couple zebu. HER friend is looking to cut down her herd size and has an 8 year old (and 3 months pregnant) cow with a history of throwing heifers and her buddy/partner 9 year old bull. This pair were essentially bottle baby pet lawn ornaments for a well off couple. They (reportedly) are halter trained, tame and “lovey”. The couple is downsizing, the friend of the friend accepted the pair back, and is looking for a new home for the pair.. My cost would be transport only. They’ll come with all current tests and shots and freshly trimmed hooves. The owner will take them back if they don’t work out.
I’m thinking it’d be dumb to not at least give it a shot.
I’ve done lots of research. I’m confident I can do this. I’ve got a small (1 acre) of really cruddy pasture fenced off. I have a trough and feeder set up. I’ve run a water line to the barn, and wired it for electricity (waiting on hookup). I’ve got about 20’x18’ of open available barn space… and I’m still stuck on how to arrange stalls and milking areas. I’m stymied over good cleaning practices for the barn.
Currently the floor is packed dirt, but I could easily put in concrete pads, gutters, etc. I have no idea what a good space looks like though, and the internet is really no help. I’d love to hear your suggestions and recommendations.