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Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:26 pm
by Tricky
Hi All,
Thought a Dexter would be good to eat some surplus grass not used by my sheep and horses, so i looked on here and went and bought.
But then i caught the bug, I didn't realise it was so infectious so went and looked some more and came away with
.
She who must be obeyed isn't letting me out this weekend 
Cheers Richard
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:44 pm
by Duncan MacIntyre
Don't feel alone, Tricky. I used to have one Dexter house cow. I went to the RBST show and sale in Stoneleigh in Sept 1989. During the sale I sat next a well known Cumbrian breeder who we shall refer to as V. (No, not X, V) The breed champion at the show came into the ring. The bidding stuck at £380, she (V) told me I would never get a better bull cheaper. So up went my arm, with a bit of assistance. The bidding stuck again, and Ilsington Bramble was mine for 400gns. Iain, who accompanied me to several Stoneleigh sales, would not get out of the land rover when we got home.She who must be obeyed has tried not to let me out for the last 18yrs, but I do get out now and then. I now have 17 Dexters. Bramble went on to AI, I got much more involved in DCS affairs, did a spell on Council, now Field Advisor and Bull Inspector. So I do not regret my unexpected purchase, I hope you enjoy yours.
Duncan
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:49 pm
by Mark Bowles
Welcome aboard Richard, i told you they were infectious!
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 10:06 pm
by moomin
Way back in 1975 I bought a little black Dexter cross cow, planned to have just one! How ones plans can go awry.
I bid you beware of giving your heart to a Dexter to tear.
Welcome to the world of Dexter Richard.
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:41 pm
by happy hollidays
Hello moomin, once we had decided to enter dexterworld, you were the first one I spoke to, what a lovely lady full of advice and care, sealed my mind, thank you very much. We have an older cow, we are all in love with her, she is simply the best. Its nice to have something pleasant to read, best of luck with your new herd tricky.
Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 11:54 pm
by welshdexterboy
Hi Tricky-Welcome We had Dexters for the same reason. We used to have ordinary cows but the land is wet during Winter and they made a mess so they went down the road. the horses were too fussy so I looked at Dexters for about two years before taking the plunge and I bought two fresh calved heifers and an older third calver. Since then I have kept all four heifer calves born to breed from and sell the steers in 20lb boxes. Best thing I have done and I am hoping to expand a little more again over time.:laugh:
Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 11:57 am
by Issy
Well you shouldn't keep one of any animal (thats what I tell my hubby and I think he almost believes me now :D ). Beautiful animals, they will give you endless pleasure.
Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:28 am
by Saffy
Hello Richard,
It is lovely to see another new herd, especially when you treat us to some pictures of them as well!
Stephanie
Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:10 pm
by richmonds dun dexters
the bug seems contagous, we decide to buy some last november.By december wed bought a dozen, with all our calves and a new bull we are up2 23 it was supposed to be a small hobby but they are not much bother. i just wish our fences were better there nearly as bad as sheep to keep in :p
Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:27 pm
by Tricky
i just wish our fences were better there nearly as bad as sheep to keep in
had to go round all my eletric fences and put another strand lower down ??? the short cow just thought the electric tickled as she walked under it, emptied the horses haylage feeder and then wandered back again, like butter wouldn't melt :D :D
Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:44 pm
by welshdexterboy
Hi Tricky --What I did was put the electric fence at an angle \ to lower it slightly and it gave a second row of shock which seemed to work. The problem then came that they decided to go through the hedge instead. Not that bad a hedge but it did have a tiny wee hole that the bull thought he could easily fit through. So it is a case of parry and counter parry sometimes 
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:04 am
by Duncan MacIntyre
I suspect that escapism is both contagious and addictive in both sheep and cattle. If they see others going, they will follow, very quick to learn the methods. A jumper is the worst, since the others see it very conspicuosly, and follw suit. Creeping under or through is not quite so easily immitated but it happens. And once they have got used to getting out they definitly are more difficult to stop. Electric fence can be a wonderful help, expecially the mobile sorts which can move from field to field - try not to let habits form.
Duncan
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 5:41 am
by Peter thornton
Duncan is right. Sheep can learn to climb stone walls, they kind of run sideways at them and scramble over. Once they learn this then there's only one way to stop them - Lamb chops!
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:01 am
by welshdexterboy
Quite right Peter. At home we used to have stone walls on the hill and then netting on top and we still had welsh mountain sheep get out If I could cross that with a Sport Horse I would have the next Olympic gold medal winner in show-jumping :D I agree the freezer definately puts a stop to them.