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Post by Solly on Jan 2, 2006 13:50:26 GMT 1
I thought it would be a wonderful idea to get calves to help with the field maintenance .... ideas about cross-grazing, worm control, etc. I've had the two darlings for 6 months and they are really great, but they keep eating my horses' tails! Sorrel had a 9-year old long tail, which is now looking like it's been attacked by a horse-slashing vandal. The other two have similarly disfigured tails. They are all one herd, and separating them is not an option. I just wondered if anyone knew what I can do - what taste, for example, do bovines detest?
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Post by specialsparkle3 on Jan 2, 2006 14:04:44 GMT 1
Crib Off spray by Hunter Horsecare.------The only thing I've ever met that stops foals and youngsters chewing tails, so should work with cattle. Good luck.
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Post by jen1 on Jan 3, 2006 0:46:24 GMT 1
or dip the tails in iodine if you can,colour wise,they must have been friendly calves and horses i live on a farm and no horse or cow would do this,but i know why its happened or my theory is that our calves dont see any thing other that other calves untill they are about 8 months old so woudl run a mile when they see a horse,if these calves were small when intrduced then they woudl have become cheeky
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Post by grr on Jan 3, 2006 12:59:13 GMT 1
i had this problem with a sheep eating my ponies tail. Its short & looks awful now.
I figured it was cause the free mineral block had been eaten & there were possiable trace elements in the hair. Iv put a mineral lick in & hopefully i will grow a tail back
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Post by Solly on Jan 3, 2006 15:11:43 GMT 1
Thanks for the replies everyone.
The horses and calves all act as one herd and have learnt each others' languages to some extent. I got the calves at a few days old, so really they did grow up with the horses.
Will try the chemicals.
I think calves have an inate desire to chew long stringy things - they love bailer twine too! I don't think they are deficient in anything - except perhaps fulfilment from suckling ad lib from their mothers.
I've just had a brainwave though - what about if I stick a false tail or two around the place..... What could I use that would be good for calves and also satisfy their strand-chewing habits? A tail from the abattoir? No, I don't think so! There must be something....has anyone got any ideas?
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selina
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Post by selina on Jan 5, 2006 19:42:00 GMT 1
You could collect the hair from when you brush your horses mains and tails. I dont know if this will encourage themm though. Otherwise ask an horsey friends if they would do the same for you.
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