Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Posted: **Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:30 pm**

I have obviously been very lucky in the past. The cattle I have bought have been used to being handled and within a couple of weeks are reasonably calm.

My latest two have been with me 6 weeks and will now eat from a bucket whilst my hand is in it and will go on to the trailer provided I am out of sight. But as soon as I try to touch them they run a mile.

My question is should I continue as I am being patient, or should I just go fot it shut them in the trailer, get the halters on. Or is that likely to to do more harm than good?

One is in calf and due before the end of the month. I would like to get her less jumpy before the calf is born.

Posted: **Thu Jul 02, 2009 4:02 pm**

I've found the easiest way to make contact is while the head is in the bucket gentle brushing,starting just infront of the tail head and brushing down over the bum,they seem to enjoy that, then gradually as their trust in you grows you , you can work your way forward, it could take a couple of weeks ,but it's far less stressful for your girls and yourself than shutting them in a trailer and putting halters on them

Posted: **Thu Jul 02, 2009 4:04 pm**

OOPS forgot to sign my comment

Sue Castlemears herd

Posted: **Fri Jul 03, 2009 2:52 pm**

Agree with Sue. Be patient, and you certainly don't want to stress them out close to calving. They often do get a bit more " cuddly" in the week before calving, so just take it slowly and steadily and they will learn to trust you.

Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Nervous Cattle