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 Practical Advice on Transporting your Cow
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  10:01:12 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
We have a three horse slant horse trailer that Betsy will be traveling in. MaryJane suggested that we enclose her in the front section, so Betsy can still lay down up there but she won't go far if she loses her balance or if we have to stop quickly. I will put lots of pine shavings/sawdust in the trailer.

MaryJane also suggested keeping some 5 gallon containers of water and hay in the back compartment and feed her over the top. She reaches a water bucket over the top with a rope on the handle.

Another suggestion was to have Ron give me some of his hay and his treats so Betsy isn't changing food on the way home. But MaryJane warned that Betsy might not eat or drink much on the trip and that was okay.

If my guys return home when it is dark (high probability) then my plan is to leave Betsy in the trailer until it is light. The trailer at that point would be the safest place for her and the least stressful.

Does anyone else have any tips for practical suggestions when moving a cow?

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens

Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  10:18:25 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Good news! Vet just called and said if Betsy goes before She is 6 months old the State of ID will not require TB test. Bangs shot, ID tag and paperwork all can be done on thevway out with the calf!

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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Sydney2015

1156 Posts


Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  10:18:29 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I don't have any tips, but the ones you said are very helpful.

A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing - Laura Ingalls Wilder

I live on a small farm of seventy acres called Green Forest Farm, with 10 horses, a donkey, 5 beef cows, 2 beef heifers, 3 Hereford heifers, around 60 chickens, 8 dogs, my amazing cow, AppleButter, and her little Jersey calf HoneyButter!
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Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  12:51:28 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Calf blanket if availble if it gets windy in the trailer?

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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maryjane

7072 Posts


Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  1:03:56 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have a calf blanket I can send but her trailer is enclosed like mine, with windows. You're thinking stock trailer when you mention wind, right Ron?

MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  1:23:55 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Yes. Stock trailer. That's what I have. I always wrapped my cows if I had to move them in winter. The Cowboys out here never bothered with the beef critters but I always worried about my cows. But enclosed Betsy will fine. She lives out side and has a thick coat.

Getting closer to bye bye Betsy Boopsy...I'll miss the little critter. Waited many years to get one like Her. Things are turning out better than I ever hoped for.

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  3:37:39 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Well Ron...you'll always know where Betsy lives and can come see her any time. And, MaryJane is loaning me a blanket for Betsy if we need one. And she's right, our trailer is enclosed with windows. Thanks for the idea. I sure want this adventure to be as easy as possible on Betsy.

Plans and details are coming together...amazing. I know you'll miss Betsy...I miss Clover whenever she goes visiting at MaryJane's farm.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  4:58:38 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Actually I won't miss Her that much. I don't get too attached to the calves if I have an inkling they are going to go. Not to mention where She is going. The welfare is concern #1 and in this case the concern is gone. Harriet is giving you a good calf. We know you guys will care for Her better than I can!

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  7:54:05 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I do have some great resources here and I am grateful for that as I am still learning so much. You have experience that cannot be replaced with any location! And, this chat room is also a great resource and help to me, as well.

I am getting excited...just like I was when waiting to hear whether or not Clover was pregnant! BTW, that pregnant cow of mine was literally jumping about the pasture today when I went out to see her! Crazy girl and still so young at heart!

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 20 2015 :  8:05:21 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Oh boy, 2 young cows frolicking in your pasture. I can see it now! And if you have a bull calf it will be unrelated to Betsy! Keep in mind for what it is worth She is of show quality as well. Might be a nice shower at a County fair.

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 21 2015 :  08:53:31 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Perhaps a 4-H project for my son??

Yes, I think Clover and Betsy will have fun together.

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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Ron

4666 Posts
Ronnie
Peever SD
USA

Posted - Jan 21 2015 :  10:07:27 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
She would be a good one Charlene. Conforms nicely. Registration should be here by thevtime the boys make it. I would recommend joking the American Guernsey Association if the Boy plans on showing Her. Lots of good resources and information. I will warn you, Guernseys are habit forming and you will have a novelty as one of few if any in the area with them. Good solid breed. Good milk. Easy calving. Usually a breeze to breed. I think you guys will enjoy Bratsy.

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.
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CloversMum

3486 Posts


Posted - Jan 23 2015 :  9:21:52 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
We learned tonight one more tip as we were preparing the trailer for Betsy's move to Idaho. And that was to be sure that the dividers in our trailer were solid down to the floor of the trailer. Our slant trailer is set up for horses (24" open space below the dividers) and MaryJane advised that we create a solid barrier. So, we took one divider out to give Betsy a safe area/enough room to lay down and then combined two dividers to create a solid wall. Now, Betsy will have a safe area to ride, no chance of feet or legs sliding under a divider. Here we come, Betsy!

Loving life and family on our Idaho farm, Meadowlark Heritage Farm; A few Jersey cows; a few alpacas; a few more goats, and even more ducks and chickens
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