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south east Indiana | I have had some luck with calves by getting them to suck my fingers first then inserting the nipple in their mouth also so they get something for their effort. The other thing is putting the milk in a bucket getting them to suck my fingers while in the bucket and then they figure out to keep sucking up the milk that is in the bucket ( a regular small bucket - no nipple). I think the bucket can be a bit harder because it isn't natural for them to put their heads down to suck so you have to hold the head down sometimes also. After a couple times they get it. Some seemed to prefer one way over the other. I would raise one calf on a bottle with another suckung out of a bucket that way they didn't fight over each others milk but had a buddy to grow up with. When it was time to go out to pasture they went easier since they were raised together.
I agree let the little buggers get hungry. I also think they like the softer nipples better, maybe that is why the finger thing works :-)
Denice | |
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Bottle Calves Not Drinking
