Post by EchotheSteerGirl on Feb 29, 2016 23:36:40 GMT -5
Hello! My eight to nine month old steer has been in my custody for about five months, and I want to raise him the best way possible for safe and good behavior on his half. I have done a lot of research on the best environment to raise the safest steer possible and was able to get him what I believe are decent living conditions...
He lives with two other steers (jersey) somewhat close to his age (the oldest making his claim as alpha) where he gets plenty of food, water, and care. His area is surrounded by trees for wind protection, and a shed is built for them for when it gets cold. Every two weeks, me and a second hand or two help to give him treats, pet him, and lead him from one place to another, a large arena. He has gotten much better on a lead since the first few times, allowing us for the most part to slide it on him without real issues. He is usually taken to a large space to run around in for play time and get's good attention from us (mostly neck scratches as he LOVES those.)
He first had a habit of jumping on people almost like a dog, but after one or two times of elbowing him off he has gotten better, but still jumping and "bopping" people's shoulders with his nose who he seems to like. We decided to stop giving him attention when he does this, and try to limit negative enforcement until it is really needed. Overall though he is a very sweet boy and I want to keep him that way.
He was castrated when he was very little (so way back before 7 weeks), horns are removed, and he is a Jersey and Ayrshire mix.
Any further advice? Or anything you might think could lead to future problems?
Thanks! I'm new at this pet-cow thing. <3
He lives with two other steers (jersey) somewhat close to his age (the oldest making his claim as alpha) where he gets plenty of food, water, and care. His area is surrounded by trees for wind protection, and a shed is built for them for when it gets cold. Every two weeks, me and a second hand or two help to give him treats, pet him, and lead him from one place to another, a large arena. He has gotten much better on a lead since the first few times, allowing us for the most part to slide it on him without real issues. He is usually taken to a large space to run around in for play time and get's good attention from us (mostly neck scratches as he LOVES those.)
He first had a habit of jumping on people almost like a dog, but after one or two times of elbowing him off he has gotten better, but still jumping and "bopping" people's shoulders with his nose who he seems to like. We decided to stop giving him attention when he does this, and try to limit negative enforcement until it is really needed. Overall though he is a very sweet boy and I want to keep him that way.
He was castrated when he was very little (so way back before 7 weeks), horns are removed, and he is a Jersey and Ayrshire mix.
Any further advice? Or anything you might think could lead to future problems?
Thanks! I'm new at this pet-cow thing. <3