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Post by LizMO on Mar 1, 2011 21:42:30 GMT -5
Since this thread is about horns, has anyone ever cut the tips off of their Dexter's horns? I really like their horns, they are very pretty but they are very pointy and I would like to blunt them a bit. I have a squeeze chute. What tools did you use and how far down can you cut? An inch?'Thanks
LIZMO
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Post by marion on Mar 1, 2011 22:33:22 GMT -5
I have found that horn removal on an animal that used them as weapons to enforce her position, makes a definite difference to her place in the herd. She must renegotiate her position and may not be the boss.
I dont know if 'tipping' would make much difference and favour total removal..marion
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Post by LizMO on Mar 1, 2011 22:38:03 GMT -5
Actually I had just found those sites and read them but was curious if any of the Dexter breeders had done it. My little cows aren't pushy with me , I just don't allow it, but just the same, I am very wary of those sharp points  I enjoy reading your comments, I learn a lot. LIZMO |
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Post by otf on Mar 2, 2011 9:17:15 GMT -5
LizMO, we tipped a cow's horns...9 years of age and her horns were set low, moving lower with time, and headed into her forehead. Used OB wire saw (vet has it) and sawed off a couple of inches on both sides. No blood, no trauma, easy to do, but the smell was obnoxious. Tipping can be useful. Wouldn't want to dehorn a cow of this age anyway. Genebo, I don't know if you ever saw this photo, a magnificent set of horns, wouldn't you say?  |
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Post by wdd on Mar 2, 2011 10:07:49 GMT -5
Gene, It is good you like horns. For any species to survive there needs to be at least one horney male.  |
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Post by LizMO on Mar 2, 2011 10:28:28 GMT -5
My cows use their horns as tools, they scratch their backs, flip their feed pans over, go through bales of hay looking for just the tastiest morsel. I'm really enjoying these little cows. They are entertaining ;D
LIZMO
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Post by otf on Mar 2, 2011 10:41:57 GMT -5
Genebo, actually, that was Storm's Puddle of Dog Run (Pixie's half sister)...a most wonderful cow. Whenever she calved, she would moo loudly to the North, South, East, and West announcing it to the world. Visitors were able to approach and give her cookies; she was never shy. We could never get her through the chute for vaccinations (like moving the Great Wall of China) so we'd throw a rope over her horns and snug her to a sturdy post for her shots, though the rope was hardly needed.
She developed arthritis and was euthanized last fall; how glad I am that she didn't have to suffer this year's cold. We miss her, but have a daughter of hers.
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Post by ctownson on Mar 3, 2011 6:36:35 GMT -5
In our experience a mature horned cow when de-horned has to alter their disposition. We have had a number of horned cows that used their horns to their advantage against polled and dehorned animals. Once they were dehorned, an entirely new pecking order emerged and the dehorned animal had to comply with the herd's wishes instead of using her horns to enforce her will.
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Post by Star Creek Dexters on Mar 3, 2011 7:12:07 GMT -5
Yes, Charles, my experience, too. And also in the milk room. Totally different personality with and without horns.
I think this is a very interesting thread, and I have learned from it. Can't judge any of my cows, as they have all been dehorned. With little ones running around, it sure makes a mama breath easier!
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