animalfarm
Chillin' with the herd
I own 2 bulls.
One a 1700 lb Belted Galloway, the other a 2200. lb Black Angus. Both are mellow sweet hearts. I will not touch them, or encourage them to be social in any way. I have no fear of herding them, getting up close, or going in their pasture, but I know where they are at all times before I do, and I have my eye on them always and have an escape route on stand by. Do not assume that diving over the fence is an escape route. I have to go out and replace a whole line of fencing today, because the Angus was playing and snapped the posts like spaghetti. Bulls are for experienced people; not beginners. If you do not know cow language and treat them like lap dogs (another problem) you will get hurt. Take a look at a ranchers pasture truck and see what kind of damage a regular momma cow can do and multiple that out. Think mad Rhino in Bull's clothing charging or an Elephant stepping on your toes.
I have never had cause for concern, until the Galloway took exception to my adult son. He gave him plenty of warnings to leave, and I my son did with out ever doubting the outcome of staying or ever again assuming the Bull is a good ole boy. If ever a warning wasn't issued or you didn't know how to read the signs, you would be in deep doodoo.
I also had a proud cut yearling Jersey bull with horns, show up and if you ever saw how he treated my herd, you would cringe. He was a pet that made his way here from a neighbour, and he was dangerous. He made a quick trip to the auction and we were pleased to help him get there; they got the proceeds minus the transport fee and no, the law did not object.
Has this issue been over emphasized? Not nearly. I don't advocate not owning a bull, but you owe it to yourself and your family to not put your guard down for even the 2 seconds you put that child down to take a picture. You got lucky, when the luck runs out there is no going back.
One a 1700 lb Belted Galloway, the other a 2200. lb Black Angus. Both are mellow sweet hearts. I will not touch them, or encourage them to be social in any way. I have no fear of herding them, getting up close, or going in their pasture, but I know where they are at all times before I do, and I have my eye on them always and have an escape route on stand by. Do not assume that diving over the fence is an escape route. I have to go out and replace a whole line of fencing today, because the Angus was playing and snapped the posts like spaghetti. Bulls are for experienced people; not beginners. If you do not know cow language and treat them like lap dogs (another problem) you will get hurt. Take a look at a ranchers pasture truck and see what kind of damage a regular momma cow can do and multiple that out. Think mad Rhino in Bull's clothing charging or an Elephant stepping on your toes.
I have never had cause for concern, until the Galloway took exception to my adult son. He gave him plenty of warnings to leave, and I my son did with out ever doubting the outcome of staying or ever again assuming the Bull is a good ole boy. If ever a warning wasn't issued or you didn't know how to read the signs, you would be in deep doodoo.
I also had a proud cut yearling Jersey bull with horns, show up and if you ever saw how he treated my herd, you would cringe. He was a pet that made his way here from a neighbour, and he was dangerous. He made a quick trip to the auction and we were pleased to help him get there; they got the proceeds minus the transport fee and no, the law did not object.
Has this issue been over emphasized? Not nearly. I don't advocate not owning a bull, but you owe it to yourself and your family to not put your guard down for even the 2 seconds you put that child down to take a picture. You got lucky, when the luck runs out there is no going back.
