Training a 7 Month Old Heifer

[mamatomany]

I have a brat in a half on my hands. She has horns too All my cow's other calves were polled, but not this one. She loves alfalfa cubes and to be brushed but she wants to ram me with her head how do I teach her that is not a good idea? Thanks for your time!

[kansasdexters]

You don't give her the opportunity to ram you. Put her in the chute, put her halter on, and have control of her head. Don't give her treats unless she is tied or being led to a bucket with treats in it. If you control her head, you control her - so work on the halter and lead training. Do not hand feed her, do not allow her to invade your personal space uninvited. Use a show stick to maintain safe distance apart from her. Do not stand where she can ram you; instead, be next to her, and not in front of her.


Patti

[zephyrhillsusan]

And if she tries to butt you, bop her on the nose with your show stick or a piece of PVC pipe. It sounds mean, but it's going to save her life in the long run. If she gets aggressive she'll end up as beef. Yes, it will make her keep away from you for awhile, but that's what you want--respect and distance. Personally, I would dehorn her yesterday! Horns are fine on an animal that doesn't try to use them and if you know how to train her not to. But if I read your name correctly, Mama to Many, it sounds like you already have a lot on your plate and young kids around that you want to be safe.

[Dahdo]

Good advice from Susan and Patti. I have a 4 ft length of closet rod I carry when there is a young one that is getting too pushy. I start by jabbing them in the neck with the end and if that doesn't work I give them a light rap across the nose. That's usually all it takes.

[kansasdexters]

A rattle paddle is also very effective and it just makes noises, not bruises:
www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=eab3a7ec-7ac9-441f-b763-8f0c77936c97&gas=sorting%20paddle

I also use a sorting panel, to provide separation and direction, when working with an untrained animal:
www.qcsupply.com/30-x-36-two-way-sorting-panel.html?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CMjUrsWLwMUCFQgxaQodOhYABg