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Post by sixpencefarm on Nov 2, 2012 8:31:45 GMT -5
We're considering starting a small Dexter herd. Not sure how to get started, what to consider, etc. There is a possibility this could expand to a neighborhood project, i.e. a neighborhood herd that will provide milk and meat for about 7 families who live in the Goldvein, VA, area. All that is over time, obviously. We expect to start small, determine if the plan is workable and, if so, expand when appropriate. There are a number of older folks and families with small children involved, so Dexters seem right - friendly and smaller. Any thoughts for us, anyone?
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Post by lakeportfarms on Nov 2, 2012 13:13:35 GMT -5
Sixpence, Dexters would be an excellent choice, and this is a good place to start your process. There are a number of excellent Dexter owners and breeders in your area that are frequent visitors to the boards here, and all of them would be happy to help you get off on the right foot. I'd suggest to start that you review a number of the threads on here to get some background and familiarity with the terms, including the genetic conditions that are somewhat unique to Dexters. Ask questions on some of them if you'd like more clarification. Hopefully you won't be turned off by some of the disagreements that take place from time to time here  . Following that, contact some of the people here (who will probably follow up with you) that are close by and schedule a visit to their farms. You'll gain a lot of knowledge from those visits, as well as some familiarity with the size and temperament of the Dexter breed. I'd also suggest you find one or two other farms nearby that might carry a different breed than the Dexter so you can readily compare the differences between those breeds and Dexters. I'd be pretty certain, as will you following those visits, that you will find that you are more confident and comfortable with the Dexters as your choice. There really is that much of a difference. I'll turn it over to the others from here....good luck! |
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Post by Maple View Farm on Nov 2, 2012 13:17:21 GMT -5
Welcome. So cool the like minded group you have. If no one has had a milk cow before, there is alot to the feed and care of these, so start with steer calves. They are easy and done in 2 years if you grass raise them. If you go the dairy route, the feed requirements need to be researched and there is alot to learn on udder health. I would pay the money and buy a dairy cow already trained to milk.
Good luck and when you are ready to find animals, there are people on here that are close to you that can help.
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Post by rezzfullacres on Nov 5, 2012 9:14:54 GMT -5
We're considering starting a small Dexter herd. Not sure how to get started, what to consider, etc. There is a possibility this could expand to a neighborhood project, i.e. a neighborhood herd that will provide milk and meat for about 7 families who live in the Goldvein, VA, area. All that is over time, obviously. We expect to start small, determine if the plan is workable and, if so, expand when appropriate. There are a number of older folks and families with small children involved, so Dexters seem right - friendly and smaller. Any thoughts for us, anyone? Couple of thoughts....In order to provide milk for 7 families you will need to be milking several cows...You may be better off with a more traditional dairy breed for that many families to start with...After awhile you can select your Dexters for heavier milk production, buying a family milk cow, trained to milk would be a great starting point, those types of cows can teach you alot about the dairy side of the equation......Depending on how big these families are the quantity of meat needed will dictate how many brood cows you will need. We are a family of 7 and go through 1 dexter, 4 pigs, 75 chickens, 5 lambs plus game animals in a years time. In your position I would start with a couple of steers and perhaps a bred cow or 2. That way you would have 4 animals to start, calves for the next generation and the start of your herd. You would not need a bull for awhile as there are many options available for the small herd owner...Good luck to you |
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