The Care and Love of Bottle Calves
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- Bottle calves are inevitable, we deal with them but are they worth it? Today we look at how much a bottle calf costs, how to care for a bottle calf and if that cost is justifiable.
Please comment, subscribe and share!
Become a supporter on Patreon : / ourwyominglife
Subscribe Now → goo.gl/5HfhGj
Facebook → / ourwyominglife
Twitter → / ourwyominglife
CZcams → / ourwyominglife
Reddit → / ourwyominglife
Website→ ourwyominglife...
Business Inquiries: For sponsorship requests or business opportunities please contact us directly:
ourwylife@gmail.com
Our Wyoming Life
PO Box 667
Gillette WY 82717
Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.
Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.
Life is short for most livestock. I'm glad the ones on your ranch get to enjoy the the time they have here. You guys are model ranchers in my opinion.
Yes, they are! I am learning with them!!
Right as you said "Somebody's gonna say we need a milk cow" that exact thought popped into my head lol
hahaha, thanks - Mike
Our Wyoming Life
Have you seen what Sandi Brock of Sheepishly Me does for her bottle lambs???
You might contact her to figure out how it would work for calves...
I’m very sick but you make my day thank you for your videos and thank you for your cows you make me happy if I’m sad because you have cows you make me happy 😊
Was fun watching you feeding the calves. Brought back pleasant memories of when that was my job.. when I was still at home with my parents
Wishing you all the best
We are getting a bottle calf this weekend and this video was awesome and so informative, thank you
enjoyed watching you 2 feed calfs...have a great night
Thanks Jody - Mike
Lovely! Simply lovely. I miss that lifestyle. It was the best way to live and God bless you on your journey.
This is absolutely my favorite video of yours!!! Growing up my parents had a few black angus cross at all times. We would get the calves out in Amish country or local farm. I'd get to bottle feed them! I can still smell the 'formula'! Watching your videos brings back so many wonderful memories.
Very cool, glad we can help :) - Mike
Mike and Erin, I love watching your adventures and am always impressed with the professionalism of your videos. Kudos!!!
Thank you very much - Mike
The beginning with the two calves and the kitty coming up to you was sweet.
They are very sweet :) - Mike
Love how the cat is coming out with the calves. He smells the milk and wants his share. No need for a gym membership with bottle calves. You are going to get a workout! Good that you have Erin to help on this project.
We always enjoy your videos. What happened to the "bottle rack" you built last year for feeding bottle calves?
Hello from Canada, realy appreciate the inside view on the day to day farm life. Cheers :)
Thank you very much - Mike
Hi again! A bummer to see you did get that storm we chatted about last vid! Darn! Hoping it's short lived cause you don't need that aggravation! Must of been that night I forgot to include that part in my prayers! Lol lol! Gosh even cattle are cute when they'll little. A fun experience to feed the little ones though. Hoping spring springs and stays that way for you. Hang in and safe travels Mike. That's a really neat convention...
The storm isnt bad, although Grace thinks we skipped summer and its winter again. the moisture is good. Thank you very much - Mike
I was laughing when I heard the calf pee, you got tickled too!!😂😂
I sure did. They have no Shame lol. Thank you very much -Mike
My younger brother always had the job of bottle feeding the calves and my other brother and l we always had to clean the stalls and water....miss it at times! Thanks for your vlog.
Thank you very much - Mike
Everything about this vlog is so professional. Those calves are so twee.
Such hard work, but it looks like satisfying work. Loved watching this one!
Thank you veyr much - Mike
I love all of your videos keep on making them
Will do, thanks Drake - Mike
@@OurWyomingLife k
Another great video Mike and Erin feeding the bottle calves and taking care of them and explaining how much milk supplement it takes to raise them and how much it cost thanks for sharing that info have a great rest of the week be safe let the ranch continue to grow
That was fun to watch. We have a Jersey cow that we bought to be a second milk cow(to replace the old cow)....she kicks like a mule so she is a nurse cow now. She loves calves so she is excellent at her job
Thank you Fiona - Mike
Mike we use "calf starter" type feed for our bottle calves as well. Usually we start their bottle feeding with a couple hand fulls of the feed before each bottle. This seems to really help kickstart their rumen production. It takes about 28 days of feed to get the rumen functioning. Within 45 days or so they usually "get it" and will eat feed on their own. We do continue the bottles a bit longer too. Just an idea.
We will get them some calf starter too. I just happened to have the creep handy and its pretty close. Thanks - Mike
@@OurWyomingLife We've also put out 2 or 3 other feeds with it, just to try to get them to pick at and play with it. Around here the local feed mill type cottonseed based calf starters seem to work really well. Best of luck!
Awesome, the sooner we can get them nosing into other foods the faster the price of milk replacer comes down :)
@@OurWyomingLife yes it expensive, that is the same all over the country! :)
Sure is. We aren't special lol
Great video and love the baby calfs there so beautiful.. u do an amazing job with the cows.
I've had Angus cattle for over 30 years. The only time we took away a twin was from a first calf heifer or if the cow only claimed one (rare). We had one cow that had 5 sets of twins, lived to be 16 years old. We've also never fed a bottle calf more than one 2 qt bottle at each feeding. A small bit of Calf Manna with a small amount of calf feed. Over feeding can cause problems!
Well, these guys are pretty young yet, they will eat the creep like I said. Thanks - Mike
Over feeding can cause problems like being big
I see you got blessed with the white stuff again. This winter doesn’t want to let go. The joys!!
Fed a calf last year; bought at sale yard when mother and calf were split off. The calf was about five weeks and I bottle Fed till her was 4 months old, then it Fed calf started/creep feed.
Great time to align with the creation. If your bottle calf is heifer , keep to build herd.
Jellybean is, Thanks - Mike
Our new three day old calves in which we purchased..we taught them to drink from a bucket..all you do is have the warm milk replacer with colostrum in the pail..hop over their neck, place two of your fingers in the mouth they will start the sucking on the fingers. .gently guide the head down into the bucket towards the milk.with your other hand until they start slurping up the milk..keep your fingers in the front of their mouth until they catch on how to suck up the milk..most of our calves caught on after the third feeding, sometimes we had to do this five times. .but they catch on very quick. .this way we never used any bottles with nipple....then when done the pails washed out..ready for the next feeding...this really helped us out on the times we couldn't make it home ..the children could go out with the warm milk and get them fed....but you have to hang on to the pail until they are finished. ..the calves already knew how to suck up the milk....so much easier. ..
cool thanks - Mike
We use to teach them to drink from a pail. Alttile work from the beginning but easier over all.
I tried that gallon per calf and it wasn’t vary hungry that night but next morning was a different story 👍
Great video!
It definately depends on what time of day it is. Thanks - Mike
Thanks for taking us along with you Mike. Always loved having at least 2 or 3 bottle calves around growing up one for me and one for my sister. lol. God Speed & God Bless
Shalom! Mike, Erin, children and g-mom! I enjoyed the calf video and sent it on to my son and grandson to view. We hope to be very soon be a calf operation. Thank you and blessings!
Great video as always! I will be at the FFA Banquet so I will see you there!
Mike and Erin, Thanks again for sharing with us the many different experiences on the Ranch.
That one follwing Erin around like a puppy made me laugh. Thanks for putting the videos up Mike.
I enjoy your shows and the animals, grew up on Aunts and Uncles ranches, some awesome memories!
At two weeks, why aren’t they bucket trained? We always trained them with in a week, much quicker to mix feed and clean up.
We watch all the episodes we can.
Thank you for your work.
We dont do buckets. Thanks for watching - Mike
Great show. Wanted to say from the sunny west coast that spring is here and will see you soon!
those calves are getting big. Looks like the cat wanted some attention also. Thank you for the video
Thank you Linda - Mike
Always look forward to the notification popping up
Me too, thanks Matthew - Mike
I've never raised a bottle calf really never had to. If I had to I would. Nice job Mike and Erin
We don't get that many out of 100 (shorthorn) breeding cows, but when we do, our bottle calves are rarely worth the money spent. I guess we pay extra for the joy of raising them...even if having a tame cow around the place is often a pain. However, our bottle calves are converted to bucket calves very early in life...makes it a lot easier. Cheers from Australia where seeing you having to deal with the strange white stuff you have falling from the sky in winter makes me shake my head and wonder how you do it!
8:05 "Excuse me, fuzzy thing, are you a teat?"
hahaha, he would love that ! - Mike
Hi Mike, its always fun getting a work out feeding bottles! Hope you don't have many more. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Thank you sir!! -Mike
Thanks for the advice on calving. As always a great vlog
You'll be a half hour away from us when you come to the Hosier state! We have a wedding that day. Hope you enjoy your time in Indiana! I recommend Old Chicago pizza if you get the chance!
I love when calf running after you 2:13
I want that cat!!! She’s so sweet💗💗💗
Thank you for another great video and thank you for the info as well!!
Thank you and thanks for watching - Mike
With my bottle calves they get one bottle in the morning and and one at night. Weaned at 8-10 weeks. Try a grain bottle for the calf starter. Cuts way down on waste. Great video!
Awesome video 👍
I enjoy learning the little things from you & your wife about cows .
Good luck with the rest of calving season.
I should have 5 calf’s in the next 7/10 days I hope my dates are right 🤣
Very cool. Thanks Jason - MIke
Should I watch the commercials to help with the financial aspect? I went back and checked likes on all your videos after you told me it made a difference.
Yes Susan the only way we make money from CZcams is by people watching the ads. That being said, we dont expect you to, especially the long ones :) Thanks - MIke
Our Wyoming Life I don't mind. I don't pay attention to them any way. If it helps the different people I follow I am happy to do that. I did not understand how tube works and appreciate your explanation.
I enjoy bottle calves. I have a milk cow, so I always bottle feed my calves so they will be really gentle, and make good replacer calves. But I also enjoy having a baby around. It's hard work, though. Most consumers really don't appreciate how much work goes into a calf. I do it anyway. It makes me happy.
There ya go, makes us happy too :) - MIke
If you can find one, I suggest you get an Ayrshire cow. Great milk A2/A2 and the products that can be made from the milk are excellent. They have a nice tight bag and are mellow tempered. Good mons, so would make a good nanny cow.
Darn. I'm near Ft Wayne IN. But you should grab some calves while you're here. They're practically giving them away right now. Some sale barns are putting them down. Good time to start....like me.
Learning so much !
Thank you for your production.
Enjoyed watching you feed the calves it's been awhile since I did that
Another awesome video Mike. It would be super wonderful to pop in on you in Vincennes.. Didn’t you make a bottle feeder?? 👍
I did and its out on the fence, just havent gotten it up for these guys, plus its fun watching Erin feed them :) - Mike
I will say everything costs more where you are Mike milk replacer is 38 at the coop here 45 at tsc hay round bales 25 to 35 this is based on quality and I know you have limited supplies up there and a bottle calf 125 to 225 tops most are 75 if I could just figure out how to send 2000 bales up there I'd be in business but by the time I drive 24 bales up there the cost of moving out weighs the cost of the hay great video Mike
One of my uncles cows last night didn’t take her calf so we got a bottle calf. And it’s the funniest thing watching her run around her little pen and attacking my uncle for milk. 😂
they can be vicious! Thanks - Mike
Wow good video Mike ... I didn't know they could have twins u & Errin are great👍👍
You read my mind because I was going to suggest about getting a nursing cow/milk cow.
yup, thanks for watching - Mike
Everyone talks about a nursing cow . Does no one know what happens on a dairy farm? After calves are born they are separated from their mothers. The cows produce milk that we consume. The bulls are quarantined into small enclosures and fed high protein feeds until he is ready for slaughter as veal.@@OurWyomingLifeIt is an ongoing part of life.
Well this isn't a dairy farm. Thanks for watching -Mike
@@timengland3649 Sounds like you dont know what happens on a dairy farm other than what you have read.
Erin didn’t look like she needed help ... she was doing a great job!
Was wondering if you have used that beer kit on the top of that cabinet ?? 🍻
Also how is momma #78 doing?
Thanks again for your time and video !!!
Enjoy watching your laid back life style while I live a busy life style in Las Vegas !!!! 🤣
Do a video about the barn cats!
Loved this video...had to watch the toddler head butt several times, he almost got ya good.
Hey guys really enjoyed video...i know bottle calf are a pain, but they sure beat the the other. At least you and they have a chance for brighter days ahead, a sence of optimism. And well im a goliath fan now...i can't belive im rooting for a calf, and his mom. Ps if you'd like to do a video on chichens...its ok, ok how about peacock chicks? I like your show....Steveb
I want the old beginning back.
Thanks for the tips. I have a bottle baby of my own
I’m glad you don’t sell them for veil cutlets..there so adorable 💕🇺🇸
Stay warm
Thanks Todd - Mike
I have bottle hangers works good. One calf likes starter. I pick up Jersey bull Calfs next to nothing. Enjoy them.
Ah someone has been to Wisconsin, I know that beer new galarus 3:02
If it doesn't work out in ranching, Mike can always work for audible.
We use bottle calves to make veal. Veal goes for 9.00 to 23.00 lb so the cost of a bottle calf and feed is cheaper including the kill fee for a freezer full of home kill veal. We slaughter at 350 lbs live.
We often have bottle babies and they are always worth the cost. They are tamer and healthier, cause they a watched more than the ones who stay with mom in the field.
love the calves. cat loves the camera too!!
that they do, thanks - Mike
Erin is such a hands on type wife, does everything n helps everyone even farm animals lol...
When you do get a milk cow, Get a cream seperater. Give the skim milk to the pigs in their food. Keep the cream for yourselves. Make cultured cream and yogurt.
Hey Mike when do you come to Dallas Texas?
Those calves are much better mannered on the bottles than the baby goats I had many years ago ... my husband lost his thumbnail when one butted the bottle (with my husbands thumb in the way)!!!
You can clearly tell Mike is pretty new at this goofing off thing!
We never had a electric blender to mix milk replacer. Our blender was our five fingers.
Well it works really good and only cost 5 bucks Thanks - Mike
We used a hand wisk in the 60's and 70's.. Wish my folks would have invested in a barn blender would have made mixing formula a lot faster for sure.
Do you feed them during the night as well?
I’m excited about the milking cow!
Oh what will Erin do with all that milk?
Fresh buttermilk!!!!
As are we, gonna be more work thats for sure :) - Mike
Where did the names for the bottle calf’s name come from, they are both good names. Thank you Mike.
Vincennes in. My hometown
Awesome! Thanks Steve - Mike
I think I will be passing right by your ranch around may 10th for a summer job in North Dakota will your farm store be open by then?
I love your theme music
I see our local beer!
Hi this is earl all the way from belize central America I will love to ask u some questions on small calves if possible
You need to have a close look your rearing costs. Wean at 6/8 weeks more ration, more roughage less powder and don't understand why veterinary costs are so high.
Hey Jim. Bottle calves lots of time come from sick calves. It sometimes takes money to get them back to health. This is more of an average our worst case scenario. Thanks for watching -Mike
Can you do a video explaining how operate a swather
Well I would if I had one . Thanks for watching - Mike
He sold it last year to take the profits and use to pay for the hay he had to buy and is now using a sickle mower
Great lifestyle. Country living at its best. ✌
Did Gilbert get that bobcat? and what about coyote control for the pasture calfs..do you lose some to these predators (those bottle calfs don,t know how lucky they are)
Long story with the bobcat, but Gilbert shot it eating chickens, then took it to get mounted and got a big old ticket. Then he went to court and won. He called it his 1000 dollar bobcat, because of the lawyer fees. Thanks Peter - MIke
@@OurWyomingLifeunny thanks Mike
When we bottle feed calves we wean them in about 6 weeks most guys in our area do 4-5 though
Lol,waiting for Erin 👍😁
Story of my life :) Thanks - Mike
Have you thought about getting a couple Braden bottles.
I want to help bottle feed calves, lambs or goat kids!! I want to play with them and hug them!!
Sure, they are livestock..food..but they should be given good, comfortable life.
Dang 450 for a bottle calf at our local sale barn they're practically giving them away
Does the cold effect the calves outside? Or do they do just fine? If one isn't doing well do you bring them inside?
Hi Mike and Erin,
That baby wants you to be it's Momma Erin!
She it knows what Mike doesn't have lol.
Nope I guess Mike will do!
We have 43° again . My Tulips need sweaters!
Jo Jo in VT
lol Thanks Joanne - Mike