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Post by medic75 on Apr 4, 2014 13:15:06 GMT -5
Hello everyone
New to the dexter cows. We got two breed heifers in feb. Had vet out last month to preg check and give a est birth date. They were free run with bull. We have one due now and one due in June. So question is about the one that is due now. She is in barn now and has been for a week. Weather is starting to stay above 0c mostly. Nights a little cooler. Lots of snow still and some water puddles starting in paddock. Should we just leave her in the barn or let her out to have it where ever. Wife and I both work full time off farm but animals get checked 3 times a day. We also have a horse and miny donkey in paddock but they are good with the cows. Oh yes udder looked full and all puffy out back. This is why we put her inside and at that time it was -25c Thank you in advance
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Post by emgiger on Apr 4, 2014 13:39:24 GMT -5
Hi medic75,
I believe I would err on the side of caution and keep her inside with those temps. You certainly don't want the calf to get frostbitten. Where are y'all from? I am most likely from a warmer climate, but we had our share of very cold nights here in TN. I recently pulled a cow in the barn to calf with temps in the teens. She calved that evening and all went well. I know several folks have had issues with frostbite this year, it's just been nasty. Maybe Lakeport can chime in…..he has a lot of experience with colder climates. The best of luck to you and please let us know how the calving goes!
Eileen
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zephyrhillsusan
member
Caught Dexteritis in Dec. 2009. Member of this forum since Oct. 2013.
Posts: 1,502
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Post by zephyrhillsusan on Apr 4, 2014 13:53:41 GMT -5
Welcome to the wonderful world of Dexters. Ditto to what Eileen said, especially if your cow is calm and relaxed in the barn and not trying to break out. . We mix our horses and cows, too, but I separate the cows who are due to calve. Horses are just WAY too much bigger than a tiny calf, and there's no sense risking an accident. Also, some cows get very protective and even hyper when they have a new calf. You don't want the presence of the other animals to make her uptight or have her get aggressive with them if she perceives them as a threat. Do you have a way to separate them to an adjoining area when you let her and the calf out so that they can meet through a fence first? If she has a couple weeks to settle into motherhood and the calf has time to get stronger and more nimble, I would prefer to delay the meet-and-greet till then.
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Post by lakeportfarms on Apr 4, 2014 14:23:14 GMT -5
Since she's been inside I'd leave her in. If you're anything like us and it sounds like you are, the ground is still cold and wet with melting snow and probably some mud starting in areas. That's worse than snow covered because they don't dry off like they do in colder but dryer conditions. I don't think frostbite is a big concern, but this time of year (along with fall) is bad for the cold rain with a following cold front which can drop temperatures quickly and chill a wet calf in the critical first 12 hours so I'd leave them in the barn for a couple of days following calving too.
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Post by lakeportfarms on Apr 4, 2014 14:32:01 GMT -5
And as Susan said, horses and calves don't always mix well. We had a 6 month old Dexter heifer tossed by a horse a number of years ago, and her back was broken. Be careful about that.
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Post by medic75 on Apr 4, 2014 14:35:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the great advice. With all the snow and water this is why I was hesitant to put her back out. She is very calm inside, I give her some good brushing every day and the odd treat now and then. As for splitting them up after calf come I will run a temp fence so they can meet that way. I had not thought about that but is a good idea. This will be our first baby on the farm so don't want anything to happen.
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Post by lakeportfarms on Apr 4, 2014 22:21:54 GMT -5
Good luck and keep us posted on how your first calf goes. Hope you get to see the calving in process! Basically look for her to go off her feed a bit, kicking at her belly, and getting up and down a lot. Other than that there is a bit of luck involved to catch it.
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Post by midhilldexters on Apr 5, 2014 6:55:52 GMT -5
I would also be concerned with how the mini donkey will react to the calf. I've read stories where they have stomped newborns to death, so not worth the risk in my mind.
Good luck, Carol K
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Post by medic75 on Apr 5, 2014 9:17:36 GMT -5
Wow hope mini donkey is fine or he will be put in stall. lol He does have a very calm nature and have had my little nieces ride him with me leading him. As for horse he is a old fellow at 22yo but still runs barrels every year with wife. Yes i will put up pics as soon as i get a new calf.
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Post by medic75 on Apr 5, 2014 9:18:42 GMT -5
Oh yes btw its the black one in profile pic that is due.
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