update on 8 mnth old calf that is STILL OUT..

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The cow whisperer didn't get a chance to come out because I can't locate her. Do Calves move far every night? I just can't believe this. We're surrounded by water on three sides. 1200 acres between us and the DNR. There's only 4 nieghbors but I just don't want this thing out of sight. I'm just worried that it'll travel far in the night and come across to a 4 lane highway. People are telling me that this is highly unlikely because they don't like noise. but knowing my luck it will.. Today is the last day of duck hunting season which will help on the noise. We don't try to run this calf why isn't staying where we see it? There's plenty of water in the brooks and streams. it doesn't have to go far for that.. There's corn stuble all over for acres and acres. So it's not eating our feed we leave out. So now what?? Tomorrow is church so I'll have to say a prray to the cow goddess. Maybe that'll help.. Well until then I'll keep trying.. We had 3" of snow and we're going to try to track her tom.. Have a good night.. James

-- James (onemaur@yahoo.com), January 19, 2002

Answers

Man, I cannot believe that you guys haven't caught that heifer yet!! Isn't there someone in your neighborhood that can rope the thing for you? If not, I think George's response to your last post was the best idea I have heard. Borrow some cattle panels (or buy a roll of field fencing wire) amd build a temporary fence around the thing- at least that will ensure her safety and keep her off the road at night. Then, start closing in on her. How far is she from your property? Where do you live, anyway? Or, get some tranquilizer from the vet- either shoot her wirh a dart, or put it in her feed water. Not enough to knock her out, just enough to slow her down so that you can get a rope on her. And, if you ever do get her back, might be a good idea to halter train her!! Good luck.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), January 19, 2002.

James, what about the borrowed cow method? Do you know how they catch gorillas? It involves dry salty food with water present which happens to have alcohol which is increased day by day until staggering critter can"t run or does not care any longer.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 19, 2002.

Mitch, How funny! It sounds like you are describing a singles bar! (beer and pretzels) LOL Thanks!

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 19, 2002.

You said that the heifer has ample food (corn stuble) and water, but what about salt? You could try putting a salt block out as bait. If she comes for that, maybe she'll start taking food offered in the same place. Now that snow is starting to be an issue, she may be more willing to come to food that is more accessible. I wasn't sure from this post if you were even sure she was still where she had been. I also don't know how accessible that area is, but if you can't get a cow to the spot, maybe a calf would work. She may find any company reassuring in this totally stressful and scary situation that she is in. If you use a calf, you can stake it out with a crate for shelter during the day and shut it in the crate at night. I wish you luck.

-- Sheryl in ME (radams@sacoriver.net), January 19, 2002.

Is this calf the only one around? If so, she is probably looking for company. They are herd animals and do not like to be alone. If you can't catch her soon, may I suggest you call the local sale barn? They usually have a crew or know of a crew to catch cattle to take to the sale barn..... she has obviously figured out how to get out and stay out so it may be time for her to find a new home. There are too many cows out there that don't cause this much trouble. Borrowing a cow to bait her back home is a good idea,too.

-- Tana Mc (mcfarm@totelcsi.net), January 19, 2002.


I think when your at church you should talk to some of the ranchers there tell them your problem and see if anyone could come over with a trained cattle dog!! A dog that knows what it's doing could get it back in I would think.

-- Teresa (c3ranch@socket.net), January 19, 2002.

try range pellets. i've not seen a cow that wouldn't take anything or anyone down for one, including me.

-- sisssy schneider (canyonkaty@hctc.net), January 20, 2002.

James, Cow goddess in church? Have you talked with your pastor about this? LOL. I have a crazy Aussie bitch that would love to chase that heifer for a while. Tire her out till she would appreciate a rescue.

Seriously tho, I wish you luck and there are some good ideas in the answers here. Hope you can get her! Good luck -- or should I say Good grief?

-- Susan in Northern Michigan (cobwoman@yahoo.com), January 20, 2002.


Seriously. Quit wasting your time; it's too valuable. Either get a vet there with a tranquilzer or shoot her. She is only going to end up tearing up someones property or getting hurt. You are spending more time chasing and worrying then it will probably cost to have the vet visit. Wish the best of luck to you on this issue--we used to have this problem with a horse. Always found him at the neighbors--- he was looking for company and they had 8.

-- (stephanie.wilkerson@experian.com), January 21, 2002.

Load some apples with Acepromazine, available from your vet over the counter, and then put a halter on her and lead her home, use at least three stout people to lead her home, but the Ace will really help to make her quite managable, the vet can help you figure out how much to use.

I have used this method to load horses into horse trailers when ALL else has failed!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 24, 2002.



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