Halter Breaking Feeder Calves- Low Stress

[Warrior10]

Going to be weaning spring borns in about 2 weeks. Plan on halter breaking them for our sale in the fall. Was wondering if there was a low stress way of halter breaking that you know of? The calves have enough stress from weaning so just trying to make it as easy on them as possible. Also how long does it usually take you to get them calmed down and "broke"? Thanks!

 

[obie105]

We usually let them get over weaning and adjusted to their new life for about a week then depending on how tame they are either run a few at a time in a small pen or thru the chute and just put halters on them. We don't pull on them or tie them up yet. We let them drag halters for a few days and let them get use to the feel of steping on it and yielding to pressure. Then depending on how that is going we start tying them up.  Short periods of time at first. We dont mess with them the first few times just let them get use to being tied up before combing and blowing. It works for us but were not in a hurry usually so it may take a few weeks between weaning and really working with them but you could speed it up depending on the calves.

 

[frostback]

I have used the method Obie has used but if you are not in a hugh hurry I would get a small pen 12 X 12 or so and put 3 calves in at a time and just use a show stick and scratch them. Get them used to being close to you and the feel of something on them. Do legs, belly, top until they dont run or walk away from it. Then do the halter thing. They seem to fight you less and bond to you quicker. When they stop fighting the halter get the blower out and start that. I get them wet and blow them well before I can comb all of there body and legs. If they kick at the hose then you are far enough away to not get hurt. I do short periods of time instead of a all day thing. Early morning and late evening in this heat. Wet the pen down too so no dust.

 

[linnettejane]

im a firm believer in letting them drag halters for 3-5 days before doing anything! thats 3/4 of the hard work already done...the rest is just details...

 

[frostback]

I ususally run them through the chute to put halters on the first time and I shave their heads at that time. Along with tail. After a day or two put them in the small pen and with a show stick again I grab the halter and just tip their heads and see if they give a step or two. Also while holding halter I scratch and if they stand still while scratching I release pressure. If they move I pull just a bit to keep them going where I want, which is in a circle. After a time or two you can tell how hot they may be, if you have a hot one make sure they are with really calm ones. They will feed off each other and they can get worked up fast if not done calmly and slow. For those hot ones more short times is better then a long battle of wills. If after a few times they let me get my hand on their face to remove the halter I do so. If they pull I keep it on till they give, but not long enough to start a sore. I will put them threw the chute if they are that bad around their heads till they learn letting me close means they are released.