*(NC-H-1) How small an area to gentle a new cow

[southridgeacre]

Hi guys, I'm taking delivery of my mini Jersey in just about a week, and several of you have suggested that I put her in a smaller area at first to get her used to me and gentled down (she's been in the pasture for several months, and is a first time heifer, never worn a halter.)

My question is: how small an area? I am wondering about how many feet? Should I use cattle panels, that's what they have at the farm she's currently at. And what about electric fencing? Here's a rundown on my set up. I have a two part back yard, it is about an acre total, there is chain link fencing all around. Half-way back there is a fence and gate going all the way across, dividing my yard horizontally. I guess the area is about 1/2 an acre. There is a large shed on the left, and a three sided shelter for her on the right, and a sidewalk going straight down, to the left of the center. I am planning on fencing just the right side of that yard for her, so I can rotate her grazing a bit, and get to my stuff in the shed easily. I'll need about 94 feet of fencing to close that area off. (My chain link is grounded all the way around with a cement footer.)

Where would you put a smaller area in this set up? I'm thinking up against the fence, but would I include the shelter? I'm such a newbie, I was counting on having my 80 year old neighbor Frank help, but he moved to heaven a few weeks ago. My kids are convinced that he was way too young to go, and I happen to agree . Anyway, I'm in a pretty suburban area, so you guys will have to be my "neighbors" for right now!

Oh, yeah, the yard backs up to a yard with a goldenret retriever/german sheperd puppy (12 months old) who is pretty excitable, do you think I should factor that in to the fencing. They will be sharing a fence line if I put her right near the little shelter.

Would pics help? I've taken some, let me know.


Samara

[Liz]

I am having a hard time visualizing!
We put new cows in a 12x12 stall, for as long as necessary--or until I feel sorry for them. If you have a shelter with 20x20 space (or so), that should work as an area for the two of you to get used to each other.
Congrats!!
I am looking forward to seeing her!

[jdranch]

I just did this with a wild and crazy steer. I had him in a 10 x 20 (or an 8 x 16) pen made out of cattle panels. We put 2 t posts on the outside of each cattle panel and tied them to the panel. I recommend doing that. Our steer (around 500 pounds) hit the cattle panel so hard it bent. Tried to run through it. Before I let him out in the big pasture, he had to be able to look at me without turning and trying to run away. It took a month. He now lets me pet him while he is eating and will come eat out of a bucket I am holding. When I let him out, I just separated two of the panels. I still keep his feed and water in there so I can catch him when needed. hth

[Tammy]

Samara,

I tried to draw a diagram of what you are describing but I think it would help if you could post a picture. It might not be necessary to post a picture though. Personally, I would keep her away from the dogs for now until she is use to you. Can you imagine working with her and trying to tame her and the dogs go crazy and start barking and she becomes spooked. Her environment needs to be as stress-free as possible while you are working with her, IMHO.

I think if you have access to a shelter, I would include that. You could feed her in the shelter to get her use to coming inside and learning a routine. It would also give her a place to get out of the sun or the rain.

I am so sorry about your neighbor. Of course, he is happy where he is and cheering you on, but I know you miss him.

From what I understand you are saying, your yard is completely fenced already, correct? You are just looking to fence in a smaller area within the chain link fence, right?

Tammy

[southridgeacre]

thanks Liz and jdranch, that really helps me visualize better on the sizing. I really didn't have a clue about what size pen to put up. Sounds like it worked for you with the steer, was that a regular cattle panel, or one of those heavy duty's? I hope she doesn't ram anything!

Apr 27, 2009 19:56:12 GMT -5 Tammy said:

I tried to draw a diagram of what you are describing but I think it would help if you could post a picture. It might not be necessary to post a picture though. Personally, I would keep her away from the dogs for now until she is use to you. Can you imagine working with her and trying to tame her and the dogs go crazy and start barking and she becomes spooked. Her environment needs to be as stress-free as possible while you are working with her, IMHO.

I think if you have access to a shelter, I would include that. You could feed her in the shelter to get her use to coming inside and learning a routine. It would also give her a place to get out of the sun or the rain.

From what I understand you are saying, your yard is completely fenced already, correct? You are just looking to fence in a smaller area within the chain link fence, right?

Tammy

Right Tammy, my entire back yard is surrounded with chain link fencing. The farthest back area, or half, is separated by a fence that cuts across from right to left. That back area is about 1/2 an acre, so inside of that I am trying to figure out how to make a smaller area for her to be "quarantined" in.

On the left side is my large shed, which will one day be my "barn" and milking area, but as of right now, it just has a regular door, so I don't know if that will work for the cow . On the right side there is a very small three sided shelter, which I've measured and it should be just fine for a mini. Unfortunately that tiny shelter is right next to my neighbors yard, of course seperated by only a chain link fence. so if I put her "quarantine" area there, she will prob be harassed by the neighbors dog.

I can post pics tomorrow, for everyone who's going cross-eyed, (that would be me ;D) just wait until I post pics, it will show all.

Getting excited! Now if I can just find some really good hay, without having any experience......

[AJ & Denise]

Samara, cant wait to see the pics! We kept our 1st one last Oct , in a small loafing shed,(leanto), its about 12x10 or so, with one end opened up with corral boards across, and we bult a door to enter as well. We kept Goldie in there for a good week or so , and she finally started settling down, then we let her out to roam a bit, and feed them there at the shed every day, now we have a head gate we built inside as well, make sure you keep it calm and don't worry these Cows are very forgiving, when something does not go as planned , you can come back in 10 mins or so and all is forgotten to start again. If you want to put Halter then do it as soon as possible, some folks don't , just plan for what you want. If you treat them well you can learn to be a good Cow Whisperer ! Best Wishes, AJ and Denise

[rence]

Uh Oh, I just turned my new cow into a field about 2 acres big. Though she's tame, I'll probably never see her again If I ever am able to get a halter on her, maybe I'll move her to a smaller area until we get to know one another.....

[Leimana]

I used a cow collar and a 25 ft rope and staked my angus girl in my yard for a couple of weeks. She could move away from me if she wanted, but soon realized we were her source of company, water and food and treats. When she would lay down to chew her cud, i would go and sit with her and scratch her shoulders ( I noticed theflies biting her there) and she really liked it. Within a week she was touchable front and back and within a few months she was touchable ALL over. I liked having her staked in the beginning. I could always have an eye on her and she had to be in the center of our life activities, so she understood we were not a source of discomfort. She is halter broke now and a real doll! Good luck with your new girl, have you named her yet?

[Tammy]

Well, for now, I would certainly keep her away from the neighbor's dogs until she is more settled.

The best hay will look and smell like something you would want to eat yourself! Seriously! It will have a wonderful smell and will not have any mold and will have a lovely color to it.

I would call your local feed store and ask if they have any suggestions of farmers that sell good hay at a reasonable price. You might also contact your local county extenstion agent if he/she would recommend anyone. Don't be afraid to ask to buy one bale from several different people and try them to see what works best for you. We have folks buy sample bales from us and I think it's a great idea!

[Liz]

I think I can "see" it now!
The shed on the left--if you store her food or hay in there, make sure you latch and pin the door---they can get through a regular door, especially to be naughty!

The lean to on the right--can you put plywood or something along the fence so she does not have to see the dog? If it is in a corner, you can use two sides of the existing fence for her smaller pen.

Good luck!

[southridgeacre]

Here is a link to some pics, you can make them bigger to really see the details. My shed(s) are red. It is kind of hard to see the chain link fencing. I didn't dress up the yard at all, just took pics of what is there.

www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=109417&id=517354026&l=1b4c63a5b1
I like the corner idea, there is a corner that's away from the bigger dog, and near some pecan trees, so she'd have a little shade, but no other shelter. I like the staking idea also, what do you stake her down with?

Thanks Tammy for the hay info, that is very helpful. I don't think I have the resources (read time and husband power) to build something in just a week, so it will either be down to staking or setting up a smaller area with cattle panels from TSC.

Anyone near DFW TX want to get together and talk "cow?"

Hubby needs the computer, so I'll have to get back to yall later. Thanks Tammy, Nilomani, AJ and Denise, and Liz so much for the info, it is really helping! KFC people are the best!

Samara

[jdranch]

I am near DFW (near Weatherford). Where are you?

[southridgeacre]

I'm in Fort Worth, so I guess you're about 45 min from me!

Samara

[Leimana]

Well I have staked other cows with a giant metal stake that we would drive with a sledge hammer, but now I live where you would have to blast through solid rock to acheive that! we had to rent a giant generator and hammer drill to drill the holes for our fence posts! It was insane work. Anyways, now i tie out to trees. I just make sure she is not on any slopes and there are not mmany other things to get tangled on. I check on them frequently when they are tied. Tying is a great way to get them to grass where there is no fences to keep them contained. My girl is expert at it and we never have an ounce of trouble when she is tied. It is also great for this time of year where I am because it is so wet. I can move her before she turns one spot into a mud slop! And then the grass comes back fast.

[southridgeacre]

Great, that makes sense Leimana, another option, I love it. She will be getting plenty of lovin, and attention, because of being in our back yard, and because, we really like animals around here. I have a feeling that I'll be checking on her frequently no matter what situation we have her in.

Is Leimana your name? It is so beautiful! Which island do you live on? We've spent time on most of them. (I may be wrong, but I think you live in Hawaii, right?)

Samara

[kmorisett]

Wow, I have never seen a chain-link fence in a full cement foundation before! You sure do live in a suburban area! Which leads me to wonder - did you double-check the zoning regulations to make sure you are OK to have a cow? It would be awful to bring her home and then find out you are in violation.

[Leimana]

Yes I live on the big island of hawaii. No, Leimana is not my name, i was using the the name (here) Nilamani, but that is my cows name and her ego was getting much too inflated! My name is Anandini, but I wanted to use a Hawaiian name here. i never use my real name for places that i go on the internet, so I make aliases( is that the correct word?). I always liked Leimana ( flower power) and thought this would be a fun place to use it! I do not mind though if any of you get to know me by my real name and call me that. Leimana just seemed like a nice happy spring time name! I hope it works out well with your little cow! We will be Ai'ing my girl this June to Son of Fat louie.

[southridgeacre]

Apr 30, 2009 6:45:20 GMT -5 kmorisett said:

did you double-check the zoning regulations to make sure you are OK to have a cow? It would be awful to bring her home and then find out you are in violation.

I agree, but you have to remember, this is Fort Worth, TX, home of the stockyards! I looked into this 2 years ago, and in my county, the issue is land size and HOA (we don't have one in my neighborhood). As long as you have 10,000 sq feet of dedicated grazing area, you can have livestock. (1 head per 10,000sq ft, I think). So, I could have like 1-3 sheep, goats, or cows, (I decided on a cow ) I read through it several times to make sure! Then called the county extension agent, and he got tired of my repeating and rewording the question! The answer is yes, but thanks for the concern!


Well, Anadini, that is lovely also! I can see that you have a thing for beauty. I like the big island, my total fave is (so far) Kauaii, specifically Honalai (sorry about spelling, I'm not sure how to spell it). My sis-in-law lives in Honolulu, near the mountain, don't remember the name of that. We've dreamed of having a place in Hawaii to stay in for a couple of months of the year, invite fam and friends. Hawaii has such a nice feel to it! I didn't know if I'd like it, but there's a reason it is so famous! Leimana is a beautiful alais, I may have to borrow it if I join another forum! Congrats on the future baby you're going to get from SOFL, He makes very nice babies, did you see Tammy's new little bull? How exciting!

Samara

[southridgeacre]

Oh, yeah, kmorisett, isn't that fence crazy?! I'm not sure what the reason was behind the original owners putting that in, but they said that in the last major storm we had here, (tornado like winds) they lost the fence, and it cost the insurance agency over ten grand to replace it! It isn't going anywhere now, I don't think. They also lost 14 trees , which makes me sad to think about! This storm was about 5 years ago, crazy, crazy, I remember it, very spooky. The next door neighbor to my folks had a fence post go straight through her bedroom window!

Samara

[DanMa]

My Jake was 4 months old when he was delivered here--in August. The man who trucked him here claimed to have had cattle for 40 years. His suggestion: keep the cow in the barn for two weeks AND board up the windows because he will try to escape to find his herd. I covered the windows, cut fresh grass/clover with a scythe and brought it to him. I probably kept him there for 10 days [rather than the recommended full two weeks] as I felt he had been sufficiently calmed down for a shorter period ['turned out I was right]. He was alone in that barn for the 10 days. Once I brought him out, he did not try to run away.