Post by amysflock on Sept 11, 2008 10:39:11 GMT -5
We have two Scottish Highland girls...Bridgit, a 2-year old heifer due in late October, and Sheila, a 4-year old cow due in December/January.
Last night had a little combing session with both girls, and Bridgit, though out in the pasture, was acting fine. Hubby then got a fresh bale of hay while I gathered eggs. Bridgit came into the paddock for hay, and was acting aggressive!
For one, I don't think she trusts my DH as much as she does me...he's a little hesitant around her, and I think she picks up on it. I learned from you all that we (I) need to be boss, so I don't let her act out around me. One toss of her Viking horns and she gets a "No!" and stomped foot until she runs off and shows some respect.
DH made the mistake of putting the bale down and letting Sheila pick off it before he even had the strings removed. I would never let her do that...she's way too big, has big horns and gets too excited when she eats. I don't let either girl near the bale until I'm good and ready...and let them.
Bridgit came in acting a little standoffish, and as DH picked the bale up to move it to a better spot, she actually put her head down right in front of him and challenged the bale and DH with her horns! I couldn't believe it. He pushed her out of the way with the bale, but she kept doing it.
I tried to run her off by stomping and she did it to me! Had I thought of it, I would have swung my (tiny little) egg basket at her to startle her, but I didn't want to break the eggs so didn't even think of it. I did stomp repeatedly, then put the basket down and stomped, clapped and yelled. She moved off a tiny bit, then Sheila actually ran her off, bucking and kicking.
We did notice last night her calf was moving around inside her...could she have just been uncomfortable and irritable? She's never acted this way before, but I'm about ready to go out and buy that little hand held shocker, just in case. We can't tolerate that type of behavior!
I'd appreciate any insight/advice you all may have. Thanks!
Last night had a little combing session with both girls, and Bridgit, though out in the pasture, was acting fine. Hubby then got a fresh bale of hay while I gathered eggs. Bridgit came into the paddock for hay, and was acting aggressive!
For one, I don't think she trusts my DH as much as she does me...he's a little hesitant around her, and I think she picks up on it. I learned from you all that we (I) need to be boss, so I don't let her act out around me. One toss of her Viking horns and she gets a "No!" and stomped foot until she runs off and shows some respect.
DH made the mistake of putting the bale down and letting Sheila pick off it before he even had the strings removed. I would never let her do that...she's way too big, has big horns and gets too excited when she eats. I don't let either girl near the bale until I'm good and ready...and let them.
Bridgit came in acting a little standoffish, and as DH picked the bale up to move it to a better spot, she actually put her head down right in front of him and challenged the bale and DH with her horns! I couldn't believe it. He pushed her out of the way with the bale, but she kept doing it.
I tried to run her off by stomping and she did it to me! Had I thought of it, I would have swung my (tiny little) egg basket at her to startle her, but I didn't want to break the eggs so didn't even think of it. I did stomp repeatedly, then put the basket down and stomped, clapped and yelled. She moved off a tiny bit, then Sheila actually ran her off, bucking and kicking.
We did notice last night her calf was moving around inside her...could she have just been uncomfortable and irritable? She's never acted this way before, but I'm about ready to go out and buy that little hand held shocker, just in case. We can't tolerate that type of behavior!
I'd appreciate any insight/advice you all may have. Thanks!