OT: Bottle calf question.

But that leaves me one calf short. Wife and I were talking and came to the conclusion that a bottle calf might be a workable option to replace the blackie.

I remember doing this when I was a kid, but I was just doing what I was told. Dont really remember any details as to what, why and when.

From what I gather so far. I should be able to pick up the supplies from the Fleet store.

I have heard I need to feed them twice a day for about a month.

Should I be looking for bottles or one of those buckets with the nipple on it?

What is the stuff you feed? Is that at Fleet also?

Any other info would be of help.

I never heard what your intentions were with the calves. Are you raising them to keep and breed or to butcher or just to sell?

Makes a lot of difference as to what you buy. I've always thought a good calf was always, always cheaper in the end no matter what you were doing with it. Remember a poor calf will eat just as much as a good calf and not gain near as well.

Jim

I never heard what your intentions were with the calves. Are you raising them to keep and breed or to butcher or just to sell?

Makes a lot of difference as to what you buy. I've always thought a good calf was always, always cheaper in the end no matter what you were doing with it.

Jim

Clint

3 or 4 Herford and one black bull calf. About the same size. They went for about $75 head.

Then the rest was Charleys. Pretty looking things but no one would bid on them. Guy next to me said they were just grass burners. feed them and feed them and they just dont gain pounds.
I think they got $35 a head on them.

We didn't use bottles or special buckets for them. I'd just put my hand on the nose, 2 middle fingers in the mouth, and push the calves head into the bucket. He'd suck on my fingers and get his milk (replacer) and after a day or 2 would learn to drink on his own.

THIS LITTLE GUY IS ABOUT 2 DAYS OLD.

At the auctions out here on the West Coast you can't give a white cow away. I raise Limousin (tame ones mostly) and I get about 10 cents a lb more for a black than a red one. Funny thing is they are from the same bull an look like twins except for the color.
Your best bet right now is Black Angus or a cross between Angus an Limousin (called Limoflex) Start with a good breed and good stock or you will be selling trash for nothing. My limousins are from the best Limo stock in the country I payed good money for them but I have very good herd stock now. Papered animals will cost you more but its worth it if you want to build a good herd stock for later use. If you just want to play around an don't care if you make anything then just buy what's cheap. I get $600 to $800 for wieners and that's selling then cheap to good friends. They should bring around $1200 to $1500 with papers but I don't have the means to take them to a good Limo sale. There are none in my area and with my bum ticker I can't take them to Washington to the big sale.
One thing my grandfather taught me was look at the animal it should square that is from down the legs to the ground and across the back to the rear. Look also for a barrel chest and a good full haunch. a short neck is also helpful. You want the animal to carry good weight when its about 6 to 8 months. Don't keep them for a yearly an then sell at the auction as you will not get any more for them. If you want to make better profit then grass feed with Alfalfa about 2 to 1 mix this will put on muscle not fat. I don't waste my money on those fancy feeds they just don't put on the weight for the cost. When I showed my animals at the state fair I got 1st and 2nd place so I know I'm doing something right. I also get top dollar at the sale barn and that's always nice. Walt

Sounds like you're having some fun with your new venture.

Just a question - by Charleys are you referring to Charolais cattle? That breed is very popular around here. I'd take every $35.00 calf I could get my hands on no matter what breed.

Good luck.

Tom in TN