First Zebu, Need Advice

[CatCow]

We just got him home (it was a 2.5 hour ride). He still has his horns and is still intact. He was bottle fed and lets us pet him. But when we got him home, he just laid down in a corner, out of sight. We tried feeding treats like carrots but he won't take them. I figure he'll come around when he'e ready. For now I put some water near him and am letting him be. Is it correct to think that this shyness is because of the shock of being transported and in a new location? What can I do to make the transition easier on him? Also, the man we bought him from gave me a syringe and told me that it was in case he got "Shipping" fever. I know that it's a respiratory issue from transportation, but what are the signs I can look for? How will I know if I have to use the syringe? Any and all advice/ suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

 

[greybeard]

Recognition and treatment of BRD:
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/400/400-008/400-008.html

Did the man tell you what was in the syringe?

 

[M.L. McKnight]

As you spend time with him and he gets to feeling more at home you'll notice a big difference in him. If he isn't halter broke, I'd suggest that you take advantage of his inactivity and get one on him. Teaching him to lead will be some good hands on time. I'd opt for a bottle or two of electrolytes before using a syringe of anything on him, and speaking of said syringe- call the fella you got him from and ask for the name of what is in it.

 

[CatCow]

M.L. McKnight He had a bridle on when we brought him home. I took it off thinking it would feel better and I'm glad I did, as it looks like it hadn't been off in a while. But I will take a lead and get him used to being lead around.

 

[M.L. McKnight]

I'm not one for leaving bridles or halters on any of my critters. I will leave one on my milk cow when she is in heat because sometimes she decides she wants to go visiting and is easier to catch that way. AND I leave a halter (used as a harness) on my bucks when I am working on training them.
If your little bull has any sores or rubbed areas from having that bridle on him for so long, I recommend good old bag balm!

 

[CatCow]

The syringe says Banamine? It's been handwritten, so my spelling may be a little off..

 

[M.L. McKnight]

If your little bull is doing alright, I believe I would toss that syringe right in the trash.

 

[CatCow]

He seems to be doing all right & it sounds like he's breathing ok. He's slowly coming around. I'll get rid of it right away. Thanks M.L. McKnight Oh, also I took his halter off and now he shys away when I try to put it on. What are some ways I can make him more comfortable with me?

 

[M.L. McKnight]

Hop in the pen with him, sit on a bucket and scratch him. Behind the ear, on the neck and under the chin. Cattle have a skiddish streak in them but if you take the time you can turn any one of them into a puppy that'd follow you to hell.

 

[SillyChicken]

This post is no good without a photo......... seriously...