Post by 5webbkids on Jul 31, 2007 14:05:01 GMT -5
Hi all,
I contacted a dairy (can't say nearby, as none are!) and discussed with them what I wanted a cow for, that I had 5 children, 3 that are 6yrs and under and, I am a newbie to milking cows and I would be looking for one but was not in a rush, that I wanted to get one that would fit and let them know I would be patient and open to a time frame so they could keep me in consideration.....they called me back yesterday and said they believe the have a cow that will fit me. I plan on going to meet them and the cow after we return from FL next weekend (I wish I could go sooner, but can't.....the wait is going to kill me! LOL) I certainly hope we all "click" and they and the cow like me!!!!
So far these are the particulars I have:
She is 13
a former show cow
she is bred and will be confirmed before leaving
is due in December
so I can milk her until October
she is gentle
they asked me about if I knew how to treat milk fever
her price is very reasonable
So.....what do you guys think?
Is there a list of things I need to ask when I get there? I am going on instinct with the owners, they have been very friendly and straight forward, so I am assuming they will be forthcoming with anything important regarding her health, etc. But, I am not afraid to ask questions either. They weren't willing to just sell me anything, so that made me feel pretty good, that they are conscientious about where she is going and that I am not in over my head.....well, that's what I think anyway!
Now, my other particulars:
I have not dealt with milk fever with a cow, but did have a heavily milking older ewe who did when she lambed with quads, so I think I can handle it. I know how to do SQ; just have not done it with an IV set up, but the posting on the Tree of Knowledge makes it seem fairly straight forward.
Will it be okay to transport her while she is pregnant? I plan on using a 2 horse trailer with the divider removed and good layer of shavings and straw for traction.
I don't have KFC......but my library does and I can borrow it for a while and look for a copy for myself......
I am so excited by the prospect......but I don't know exactly what I need to get. I milked my goats into a large SS pot that had a lid, do I need a pail from the dairy supply for a cow? What else do I need in preparation for her arrival? Do I need to get anything other than supplies for treating possible milk fever?
Do you clip more than the long hairs on the udder? I never did more than that with my does, but I didn't show them or anything.....
When she calves, will it be easier to separate them immediately, or even advisable? Should I freeze the colostrum? How long can I freeze it?
Will I be able to breed her again, or will she soon be a pasture cow, which is fine, as I am not opposed to having cow company for my next milker!
How much ice cream can one family make and eat before they hate it?
BTW, I am assuming you will say "Oh, yes, do get her!" (Ok, I have my fingers crossed and am praying heavily, too!) as I value your input......between Liz and reading some posts I decided starting with a heifer was not really the wisest choice.....so your input will carry tremendous weight. I am anxious to have a FMC, but not to the point I want to rush into a bad situation for me or the cow.
Sorry for being so long winded, I am sooooo excited, if I didn't mention that already!
Thanks,
Anna
I contacted a dairy (can't say nearby, as none are!) and discussed with them what I wanted a cow for, that I had 5 children, 3 that are 6yrs and under and, I am a newbie to milking cows and I would be looking for one but was not in a rush, that I wanted to get one that would fit and let them know I would be patient and open to a time frame so they could keep me in consideration.....they called me back yesterday and said they believe the have a cow that will fit me. I plan on going to meet them and the cow after we return from FL next weekend (I wish I could go sooner, but can't.....the wait is going to kill me! LOL) I certainly hope we all "click" and they and the cow like me!!!!
So far these are the particulars I have:
She is 13
a former show cow
she is bred and will be confirmed before leaving
is due in December
so I can milk her until October
she is gentle
they asked me about if I knew how to treat milk fever
her price is very reasonable
So.....what do you guys think?
Is there a list of things I need to ask when I get there? I am going on instinct with the owners, they have been very friendly and straight forward, so I am assuming they will be forthcoming with anything important regarding her health, etc. But, I am not afraid to ask questions either. They weren't willing to just sell me anything, so that made me feel pretty good, that they are conscientious about where she is going and that I am not in over my head.....well, that's what I think anyway!
Now, my other particulars:
I have not dealt with milk fever with a cow, but did have a heavily milking older ewe who did when she lambed with quads, so I think I can handle it. I know how to do SQ; just have not done it with an IV set up, but the posting on the Tree of Knowledge makes it seem fairly straight forward.
Will it be okay to transport her while she is pregnant? I plan on using a 2 horse trailer with the divider removed and good layer of shavings and straw for traction.
I don't have KFC......but my library does and I can borrow it for a while and look for a copy for myself......
I am so excited by the prospect......but I don't know exactly what I need to get. I milked my goats into a large SS pot that had a lid, do I need a pail from the dairy supply for a cow? What else do I need in preparation for her arrival? Do I need to get anything other than supplies for treating possible milk fever?
Do you clip more than the long hairs on the udder? I never did more than that with my does, but I didn't show them or anything.....
When she calves, will it be easier to separate them immediately, or even advisable? Should I freeze the colostrum? How long can I freeze it?
Will I be able to breed her again, or will she soon be a pasture cow, which is fine, as I am not opposed to having cow company for my next milker!
How much ice cream can one family make and eat before they hate it?
BTW, I am assuming you will say "Oh, yes, do get her!" (Ok, I have my fingers crossed and am praying heavily, too!) as I value your input......between Liz and reading some posts I decided starting with a heifer was not really the wisest choice.....so your input will carry tremendous weight. I am anxious to have a FMC, but not to the point I want to rush into a bad situation for me or the cow.
Sorry for being so long winded, I am sooooo excited, if I didn't mention that already!
Thanks,
Anna