getting cows and calves in from a field

natmadaboutdexters · Post by **natmadaboutdexters** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:21 pm

Hi, We have decided to bring our Dexters in for the winter but they are reluctant to go into the field shelter and if the cows go in then the calves do not follow. They would rather run round field and let us chase them. Our field is away from our winter housing so they need to go in the trailer for transporting. Does anyone have any tips on getting calves to follow their mothers? Could end up being outwintered otherwise, and calves will be even wilder and bigger!
Natasha

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:31 pm

Small calves especially will be reluctant to go too close when cows are feeding, but they will not want to go too far away - hence the running around when you get the cows in. If posible divide the enclossed shed or make another pen outside, get the cows in feeding for a few days then quietly close the pen. If you stand by and just watch very quietly the calves will probably go close to the penned cows. Try to have a second pen which they can go into next the cowss, or arrange gates parallel to pen to make a passage open at both ends and let them go back and forward. Then when they are confident of doing that close one end and let them go in the open one. All takes a bit of time but if you are patient you will win. Do not chase them at all - they will beat you, and get wilder.

Duncan

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:19 pm

...and then you'll get all the calves in....except one. No matter how big or small the group, there's always the one that goes the other way. But then at least you've only got one to chase around the field :D

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:54 pm

How right that is Clive. We got everyone in this morning. No problem except that the youngest calf who was following mum very nicely indeed managed to go the wrong side of the open field gate and into the V. Took the gate off the hinges PDQ and calf continued trotting after mum. But on the other occasions when we have had a wayward one, would it go anywhere that it could be caught? No chance.

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:40 pm

If you are still trying to get them in you could try feeding them out on the field to start then after a couple of days they will know what is in the bag and be after you faster than you can run. Then when they follow you into the shed put the feed down, walk casually to the door and close it. You must remember to have the gates loose, ready to swing around cos' someone will see you shutting them and lead the cavalry charge to freedom. :D good luck but don't bother chasing them if you have a young athletic son like me send him instead :laugh:

rodmet · Post by **rodmet** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:36 pm

We used to struggle with bringing the herd in especially as they range over a fairly large open area but now we struggle less because we have got them used to following the pick up with Mary in the back rattling nuts. It works pretty well providing you regulate speed to that last b****y calf that dawdles!

Whilst I am posting I would add to the discussion on diet by agreeing with the worries about the feed value of this year's hay and haylage and recommend using feed blocks( like Rumenvite Protein and Energy). You get 25% protein, vitamins and minerals in a block costing £7.20. The usage rate is not excessive and in part regulated by the quality of your feed. We have been happy with the results for those both inside and out and the peace of mind re health problems the blocks have brought.

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 2:53 am

Doesn't anyone have a dog anymore? :laugh:

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 9:25 am

Have you not seen a Dexter chase a dog?
???

Stephanie

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:40 pm

Inger,

most suckler beef herds in UK will be worked by dogs or by men on quad bikes. But for the most part Dexters are kept on a small scale and handled with a lot less equipment and space - it is important for most of us to be able to get the cattle to move to where we want them quietly and gently - may seem like a wimp approach to hardened antipodeans, it is just the way we are. Some of my grazing for example is a paddock in front of a very fancy big house now used as five star holiday accommodation and neither the proprieters or guests would like to see the cattle chased by dogs, running into and damaging the old iron railings or escaping in a panic and damaging the croquet lawn, just over the rail from the paddock. In my professional life I handle large herds on a daily basis, limousin, charolais or simmental crosses for the most part, and would not wish my dexters to behave in the same way when they see a human being approach. But for someone keeping Dexters on a large scale, yes the dog and bike might be necessary.

Duncan

wagra dexters · Post by **wagra dexters** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:42 pm

Inger, we recently had cows & calves going in every direction because there is so much feed that no-one was interested in following a bucket any more. In desperation we went home and got the deaf old Kelpie, who we had inherited from a Murray Grey person when he retired from farming.

We had never tried the Kelpie before, but when Graham clapped his hands Sally barked, and that is all she had to do. When she barked the cows herded, and the calves stuck with the mums. We have used her a few times since with the same excellent results, so let's hope the cows don't learn that she is only a noise.

Stephanie, we don't let either dog off the ute when we go into the paddock with the red lot, because one of those cows in there would disembowel the dogs, calf or no calf, yet she is a quiet easy cow around people.

Margaret

Edited By wagra dexters on 1196509977

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 1:22 pm

Yes Margaret I warned my rather bone headed old Chesapeake about Dexters but he wouldn't listen to me. I kept shouting, he carried on taking his time as the dun cow, (sadly now dead,) advanced on him, with her head down in readiness!

He lived to learn the lesson, that they aren't fond of dogs when they have a calf with them but he probably had a couple of bruises to show for it.

Stephanie

welshdexterboy · Post by **welshdexterboy** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 8:38 pm

My sister and her husband had sucklers and their method was let the cattle see the dog then call the dog to them--- she runs in the yard and the cows followed. You had to time it right or the cows would stop coming as they would think they had seen off the enemy.

natmadaboutdexters · Post by **natmadaboutdexters** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:01 pm

We finally got the cows and calves in last weekend! A little patience is a wonderful thing. I had been feeding them and gradually putting the bucket further and further into the pen until I could get behind the calves and close the gate behind them. They all walked onto the trailer beautifully! Why they didn't do this 3 weeks ago is a mystery to me but I guess that's just Dexters for you.

from Natasha
thanks for everyones suggestions.

SueH · Post by **SueH** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:06 pm

Hi all, this is the first time I have put anything on the discussion board, but I do try to look at it on a regular basis.

We have only had dexters for about a year, we currently have 17 animals which includes cows and calves. On the whole we think we are getting along well with them, taking time to walk amongst them twice a day, we have found they are partial to apple and we generally get mobbed when we have one.

On the subject of getting them in, we are lucky enough to have our barn next to one of the fields they run in and we have allowed them to run in and out at will, whilst feeding them indoors. when the time comes that they are shut in for the winter we just need to shut the door!!! :D

Sylvia · Post by **Sylvia** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:17 pm

Welcome SueH, now that wasn't so difficult, was it?