mother katherine

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Viewing 12 posts - 106 through 117 (of 117 total)
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  • in reply to: Pairing of animals #54267
    mother katherine
    Participant

    I’ve heard and read that, as well. I believe it would depend on the individual steer. At a symposium I attended there were a couple of pair whose partners had died. One steer actually switched position as well as accepting a new partner. These guys were quite mature when the changes were made.
    I had 4 calves, all brothers born within 2 weeks of each other and brought collectively to the monastery as newborns, that I was starting and, at the beginning, switched them out in training to see who worked best together. In a couple of months, bRod would accept only Bright as his partner in the yoke.
    Question of curiosity: why “Ixy”?
    oxnun

    in reply to: New Oxen Owner #54060
    mother katherine
    Participant

    I agree, yokes aren’t cheap, but there are ways around buying new ones.
    If you have Drew Conroy’s book, there is a chapter on making yokes. He also put out a video available from Rural Heritage.
    Depending on where you live, you might get an older teamster to help you make yokes. It might fit in well with your 4 H program.
    Also, check around someone may have a used yoke for sale. Check out New England Ox Supply website; Alyson deals in used yokes when she can get them.
    Oxnun

    in reply to: a little film #54124
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Anne, sehr gut!! I loved your little film. At what age did you start riding the cattle? I’ve just started leaning on and over my six month old calves as they lie down chewing cud.. So far, they don’t mind.
    oxnun

    in reply to: what would be the best breed to start with? #53925
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Thanks, Howie. I would dearly like to meet you sometime. I’ve lots about you – all good.
    If you ever get to Singletarys’ again for calves, let me know; we’re only 30 minutes away.
    I know a guy who can tell me where to get a Devon/Holstein cross in our area. Of course, I could get pure Devons from Singletarys.
    oxnun

    in reply to: Trailer safety #53978
    mother katherine
    Participant

    I’d give an “educated”(read my moniker) reply: Yes, you were/are being looked after
    hmmm Rockingham,Vt. Anywhere near Bellows Falls? I spent a school year in Bellows Falls a lifetime ago.
    oxnun

    in reply to: cost of bull calves #53861
    mother katherine
    Participant

    I would like to get some Devons again, for the reasons you stated: smart and quick. This was a “problem” team at 6 years old when I got them. Bottle calves would have been a different story altogether. For my first team to train, I wanted something a little slower on the uptake. These Jersey crosses are certainly bright, but willing – and that has made all the difference.
    Once I’ve gotten some more experience and need to get another tream started, I know a guy who has Devons nearby and will consider getting a pair of newborn calves. I think I’ll do what I did with bRod and Bright – kept them on the bottle until weaning. It’s a little more work, but kept that bond and dependence/dominance thing going without conflict or open battle of wills.
    oxnun

    in reply to: pigs pulling carts #53917
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Once upon a time I came across a site where the people had trained a ram to pull a cart. I can’t seem to find it again.
    Has anyone ever heard of, or know where I could find this kind of information?
    oxnun

    in reply to: what would be the best breed to start with? #53924
    mother katherine
    Participant

    It’s me again.
    I just noticed you want Jerseys. The farmer I mentioned earlier has or had some Jersey cross calves. I’ll check to see who he’s using as a sire. I got 4 calves from him out of the same black Jersey sire. They’re handsome, smart and willing. You could have one one who’s about 3 or 4 months now. I haven’t worked with him a lot, I think he’d come along all right.
    It’s fun to start them as little ones, though.
    oxnun

    in reply to: cost of bull calves #53860
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Country Boy
    Trust me, you don’t want Devons as a first team, unless you have somebody right there who’s experienced with you. They’re not a “bad” breed, just smart and head strong; better for an experienced teamster – this is personal experience and Drew’s book talking.
    They also go for $900 a calf in this area. A Devon/Holstein cross might be a different story in both departments.
    Where are you in New York? If you’re anywhere around Otego, I know a farm where you can pick up some calves reasonably with full assurance they’ll get their colostrum. The farmer will also give them the nasal innoculation for pneumonia for an extra small fee.
    Let me know.
    oxnun

    in reply to: what would be the best breed to start with? #53923
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Depending on what’s available in your area. Brown Swiss are supposed to be slow and easy going and a good first team. Holsteins are pretty mild and usually plentiful and cheap.
    oxnun

    in reply to: cost of bull calves #53859
    mother katherine
    Participant

    Depends on what you want. As a novice teamster, I wanted not to spend too money on my first team to train. So, I went to the dairyman up the hill and picked up calves at $20 apiece. I got to choose breed, mother and markings. Bonded with them as newborns and took them home at less than a week old.
    If you want registered breeds, such as Devons, you can pay as much as $900 a calf.
    oxnun

    in reply to: Age of castration #53840
    mother katherine
    Participant

    We just had our boys “crimped” at 6 months. Vet estimated them at 400 lbs. As I’ve been working with them since birth, I just led them to a clean spot, she premedicated them, tied them to a post, and they went down when the med caught up with them. She crushed the cords, etc while they were snoring. They slept the rest of the afternoon and I led them back to the paddock once they came to enough to be ambulatory and alert.
    As far as they know, nothing really happened and they were able to go back to work in about 5 days.
    Oxnun

Viewing 12 posts - 106 through 117 (of 117 total)