Post by croweaboutfarm on May 20, 2015 17:43:15 GMT -5
Hi there! This is my first post in this forum .
I wanted a milk cow so badly, and my husband told me to tame one of our Red Devons (tri-purpose breed) so I did. I picked out a bred-heifer and made her mine. At first I couldn't even look at her without her running away and now I can rub her udder, "milk" her (she was dry, but I was practicing) and I brush her and scratch her all over.
She JUST calved a few hours ago. I was able to walk up to her and her calf and touch them both with her still being affectionate towards me so I think she will continue to let me work with her. I do not have a halter on her, she just always stood still for me while she was eating hay from the feeder or grass out in the pasture.
My husband thought she was due in June, but he must have been wrong because some of the other heifers that we purchased with her and ran with our bull calved over the weekend. Since I thought I had another month to get my milking routine figured out...I am in a bit of a pinch.
Here is my plan, but I would appreciate the advice of you veteran milkers...
1) I am planning on leaving the calf on her for at least 2 weeks full time. At that point I will pen them separate overnight and milk out 2 quarters for us each morning and let the calf have the rest. Is 2 weeks enough time to leave him on full time?
2) She has not been TB and Brucellosis tested yet....and I do not believe vaccinated either. Should I get her to the vet ASAP or wait until just before I start milking her?
3) Is feeding the calf hay while he is penned up overnight enough?
4) When would you suggest I get out and work with both the calf and my milker? I want to keep her used to me and get her comfortable with me being around her calf.
Any and all advice is appreciated. I have read a few books, many websites and forums but would like some guidance if anyone can help me out.
Thanks!
Ashley
I wanted a milk cow so badly, and my husband told me to tame one of our Red Devons (tri-purpose breed) so I did. I picked out a bred-heifer and made her mine. At first I couldn't even look at her without her running away and now I can rub her udder, "milk" her (she was dry, but I was practicing) and I brush her and scratch her all over.
She JUST calved a few hours ago. I was able to walk up to her and her calf and touch them both with her still being affectionate towards me so I think she will continue to let me work with her. I do not have a halter on her, she just always stood still for me while she was eating hay from the feeder or grass out in the pasture.
My husband thought she was due in June, but he must have been wrong because some of the other heifers that we purchased with her and ran with our bull calved over the weekend. Since I thought I had another month to get my milking routine figured out...I am in a bit of a pinch.
Here is my plan, but I would appreciate the advice of you veteran milkers...
1) I am planning on leaving the calf on her for at least 2 weeks full time. At that point I will pen them separate overnight and milk out 2 quarters for us each morning and let the calf have the rest. Is 2 weeks enough time to leave him on full time?
2) She has not been TB and Brucellosis tested yet....and I do not believe vaccinated either. Should I get her to the vet ASAP or wait until just before I start milking her?
3) Is feeding the calf hay while he is penned up overnight enough?
4) When would you suggest I get out and work with both the calf and my milker? I want to keep her used to me and get her comfortable with me being around her calf.
Any and all advice is appreciated. I have read a few books, many websites and forums but would like some guidance if anyone can help me out.
Thanks!
Ashley