3 week old Jersey heifer coming on friday! =) She's here ***PICS

[jhm47]

Of course, whole milk is the most natural, and your calf will possibly do better on it, but it's VERY expensive. At least twice as expensive as replacer. I'd go with the replacer and use the $$$$ saved to buy the premium hay and starters. JMHO!

 

[redtailgal]

If you are asking what I would recommend for the absolute best for the calf, I would say raw milk from the cow or if you cant do that then the whole milk from the grocery store.

If you are asking me what I would do?

I'd switch her on over to a non soy replacer, and stick the best calf starter I could get right under her nose. I'd get her on a bucket as soon as possible, because I have found that calves that are started on a bucket earlier start nibbling grain sooner....... and grow better as a result. I'd give her as much pasture as she wants, and the same with a good quality hay.

BUT, dont throw it all at her at once. First step, ease her onto that milk replacer. Did I mention that I dont like the soy base replacer?

 

[codymax2]

Soy is also an enemy of mine so I hear you there!! hahaha I think I'll stick with the replacer and gently!. I think I;ll buy a bunch of whole milk to get her switched easier for her. I'm so excited and nervous all in the same Thanks for helping! And pics friday night after I get to oogle her and smell her lovely calf breath!! hehe

If you are asking what I would recommend for the absolute best for the calf, I would say raw milk from the cow or if you cant do that then the whole milk from the grocery store.

If you are asking me what I would do?

I'd switch her on over to a non soy replacer, and stick the best calf starter I could get right under her nose. I'd get her on a bucket as soon as possible, because I have found that calves that are started on a bucket earlier start nibbling grain sooner....... and grow better as a result. I'd give her as much pasture as she wants, and the same with a good quality hay.

BUT, dont throw it all at her at once. First step, ease her onto that milk replacer. Did I mention that I dont like the soy base replacer?

 

[redtailgal]

There is a lot of help and advice on this board, dont be shy about asking for opinions (lol, you will surely get them) and advice!

waiting for those pics...........

 

[codymax2]

Thanks sooo much for all your help! Here is payment in picture form

 

[codymax2]

She is doing great! She had a bottle and no diahrea as of yet, she drinking water and eating her starter. She is soooo friendly and just plain fun to be around!

 

[jhm47]

She's at the perfect size to dehorn. The earlier the better for both her and you. Be safe and do it.

 

[codymax2]

Ok so now she has the runs I gave her and electrolite bottle and she gobbled it up, she's still very playful and happy. Also gave her a sulfa pill was told to do so 2x a day for 7 days and do switch on and off with milk and elect. bottle 2x each a day. Any other suggestions?

 

[Ms. Research]

Ok so now she has the runs I gave her and electrolite bottle and she gobbled it up, she's still very playful and happy. Also gave her a sulfa pill was told to do so 2x a day for 7 days and do switch on and off with milk and elect. bottle 2x each a day. Any other suggestions?

She is sweet. Sorry to hear she has the runs. The only suggestion I can say is maybe PM Redtailgal. She's a really "Cattle" Lady and right now is taking care of one for a forum member. Very helpful and will give you good directions. Also how about a vet? Do you have one near or know one who can help?

Hoping you find your answers for your sweetie. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

[redtailgal]

Look at the first pic of her standing........she had the runs before that picture.

Here is my routine:

follow the sulfa pill routine as you said


day one:
at the onset of the runs, I stop feeding milk at all. We do 24 hours of electrolytes, at 1 quart three times (am noon and pm) a day. (you can use pedialyte, too)

Day 2:
two feedings (am and pm) of the following mixture:

make one quart of your normal powdered milk as you normal would, and then add one quart of electrolyte to it.

Day three or when bowels return to puddiny:

one quart am and pm of full strength milk, and move up to regular feeding the next day IF AND ONLY IF the bowels stay good. If the runs return, I go back to day 2.

Keep her warm and dry and calm. Let the poop dry and brush it off, watch the she doesnt end up with dried on poop "sealing" her butthole shut.
Dont dehorn until she is better. Keep her off grass until her bowels are good.

(she is adorable!)