Calf Weaning Ring

[Star Creek Dexters]

Has anyone ever used these? What are your thoughts on them?

I have Glory, 4 months old heifer, who has been fostered by my milk cow for the past 3.5 months. I am weaning her off, and she has started trying to nurse off of my 9 month old heifer, Leah. =/ Can't separate them, because the only other place to put Leah right now is in with the rest of the herd which includes the bull. I do not want her bred yet.

Have any of you dealt with this? What do you do. I have heard both good and bad things about the weaner rings, but I'm curious of anyone on here's opinions.

Thanks!

[marion]

I have used them and they work quite well. It's easier on the animals than separation. I buy the plastic (nylon) ones, as they are smaller than the metal kind, and better suited to Dexters. They have a wing-nut to draw the nose clip together, and it's a bit hard to gauge how many turns to get it to stay in place without hurting the animal..although I dont think there is much sensation in the nasal septum... Some animals are clever at removing them. Good thing they are made in white, or bright colours, not usually hard to find on the ground.
I had one heifer recently, the oldest of the bunch, who (even tho' her mom has plenty of milk) was snacking on a couple of first time moms and one of the littlest calves might have been getting gyped. It did stop her nursing the young moms, but her own mom was patient enough to put up with the weaning ring long enough for her to be able to draw the teat through the ring and nurse! ..marion

[Star Creek Dexters]

Thanks, Marion!! This is wonderful help!