Show calf

Madden171

Hi
Just wondering If any one knew the story with showing calves this summer at agricultural shows, I have a young pedigree calf that is showing great potential so I have decided to show him but not sure how these things go, he 10 weeks old, also how would you halter train him I've been told to tie him up over 3 days for a few hours
Thanks for any help giving

whelan1

put halter on him in crush and tie it loosely to crush, leave animal in crush, only for 10-15 minutes first day... do this for a few days , make sure halter tightens under his mouth- thats how you know halter is on right way. Then put halter on and let it out of crush , see what it is like you will most likely either have a racehorse or an animal that wont walk. Dont loose your temper and talk to the animal dont frighten it and dont leave it tied up too long, its a slow process, good luck

Madden171

Hi
Thanks for the quick response, I tried him today with the halter he was mad for a minute or two but calmed down fairly quickly, I got calf crunch for him Ill start him on that in the morning, do you know what age can I enter him in to shows at,I know that a bit off yet but I'm just curious
Thank you

whelan1

in most shows there are classes for all ages, youngest calf we brought was 2 weeks old , walked round after the cow, also major tip never ever wrap the halter rope around your hand have seen lads hands crushed when the animal runs . When taking halter off always loosen the rope first saw another lad loose his finger when taking a halter off a bull

ordinary farmer

if they get abit strong for the handler tie him between the prongs of a bale carrier and take it very steady.

essgee268

be buddy's with the judge:D

Madden171

Thanks for those tips, because I do wrap the rope in my hand, ill not be doing that again haha, ya was hoping on showing him at some shows this summer if things go to plan, would I want him eating a bucket of meal per day aswel?? Thanks for your help and sorry for all the question it's my first pedigree calf so want to do the best by him

whelan1

realistically you should have had him on meal a good while, alot of the competiton have them on meal from a very young age. When leading him have a hold of the halter as close to his head as possible and walk along side him, i never liked those halters that have a ring in them. In a few days maybe wash him to get him used to that too, just use washing up liquid- not too much

Dampintheattic

Is he potty trained?

Madden171

Thanks whelan
Just a quick question I have the calf in my slatted shed, he's in for the past few days, is there anyway I could let him out to the grass again and feed him meal, I feel bad leaving him in so long
Any suggestions please
Thanks

whelan1

is he still on a cow? Do you have a field where he could eat meal on his own, you need to be building him up asap

Madden171

Thanks for quick reply ya i let in the cow twice a day to him. I have a back field at the house but it will be a month til after I cut silage off it, he's not gone on the nuts, he won't eat much nuts, anyway of getting him used to them, the calf lets me but the halter on him but he won't move when it's on but he is a quite calf

whelan1

start him on calf crunch. crows wil b after it this time of year but it is sweeter to start with

Madden171

Ya I'm trying to make him eat the meal I'm hand feeding a bit of meal, so he'll get used to eating the meal, so will I leave him in, I don't know what to do, the weather is giving ok this week I hate leaving him in on his own all day,

whelan1

hes going to have to get used to being away from the cow when you are bringing him to the show, he will be cleaner if you leave him out

Madden171

Here is a pic of my calf at 8 weeks, yes that's us true he will be away from the cow, if I could get him eating meal and able to halter him out doors I'd be happy

Madden171

Here is a pic of my calf at 8 weeks, yes that's us true he will be away from the cow, if I could get him eating meal and able to halter him out doors I'd be happy

Madden171

H

Madden171

Sorry the file won't let me show the picture

Muckit

ordinary farmer wrote: »

if they get abit strong for the handler tie him between the prongs of a bale carrier and take it very steady.

I tried this before but had a lad try jump out over the sides of it,not great in my opinion. If he land ed or twisted funny, you could do for him. But ya a small tractor and tie to something on tractor and then have another lead rope that you bring into tractor seat and hold yourself. He'I think it's you that's holding him and he won't be able to get away. Plus it gets him used to noise of tractors etc