Looking for advice/tips....

[4Rcattle]

I agree with putting the show stick on the back burner. Like I said, I think we will go back to square one and work back to the show stick....SLOWLY. I don't think he needs to be shipped off.....like I've said before, he's not crazy or aggressive (which to me would be the main reasons to get rid of one). I think my daughter needs to spend more time just being around him and having her hands on him.....she feeds him, brushes on him and leads him but I think he needs more of just her around him if you know what I mean. I am trying really hard to not get discouraged but we have never had one go backwards like this.....I keep telling myself it just might take more time. I've had several talks with my daughter about how hard work pays off and you have to stay positive and keep your head up. She is upset because she thinks it's all her fault. It's a learning experience and I know that a lot can be learned from the ones that take a little more time and work. As I've said before, thank you for your advice and tips and most of all for being nice about all of it - I appreciate it!

 

[CAB]

Reassure her that it is not her fault at all. It's just how some calves are and whether she knows it or not she'll most likely learn much more from this calf than other calves she'll have in the future. This one will be the one in 10-20 years that when you are reminiscing with each other, "remember that so & so calf"? Her animal husbandry skills will improve greatly because this calf will make her pay attention to how he's acting! Hang in there. Good luck. Some are just tougher than other ones. Just like people!!

 

[4Rcattle]

I could not agree more CAB and I have told her as much. I've been doing this for 20+ years and I'm still learning. She has already learned that she has to be aware of her movements and how she handles the show stick.....as well as we don't give up until he acts how we want him to. The funny thing is, she named him after my dad and he has a reputation of not being the easiest person to deal with.....we are contemplating changing his name! haha

 

[CAB]

(clapping) ;D <beer>

 

[Lobatomy]

We started using the Cable halters. I think Sully’s is called Cruise Control.  They work well and have broke some rank steers with them. I was very skeptical of it at first but they don’t pull away with them on. Even really broke cattle that tend to throw their heads with younger kids they work well.  All I can figure is they pinch just enough for the calf to respect. I’d say this could be a good next step. We’re all wishing you the best.

 

[4Rcattle]

I tried the cable halter.....a few days ago. I put it on him and when I went to walk him he went nuts....to the point where I didn't know if I would be able to get close enough to get it off. I don't know what it could have been that set that off. I plan on trying it again but waiting awhile....I don't want to make him scared of that too!

 

[GoWyo]

Is this steer really sensitive about his head and feet?  A lot of cattle are deadheads and nothing bothers them, but I have had some that are extremely sensitive to the pressure of a halter and if you do not release the pressure as soon as they respond, they will throw a fit, run off, etc. because they are frustrated that they are not receiving the release of pressure from the halter lead.  Fear of the calf running off may make your daughter keep him on a "tighter leash" which is causing the extra pressure on his head and leading to the steer trying to get away.  A cable halter would "bite" with less pressure from the lead and exacerbate the steer's frustration.  Maybe try working him (in a smaller pen where he can't get away) on the halter using as little pressure to get him to respond and immediately releasing when he does the right thing and see if it makes a difference.  Let him have quite a few opportunities to learn how to respond the right way and on as light of a lead as possible. 

 

[4Rcattle]

I wanted to add.....I also feel like the heat has added to the issue. It has been the hottest week so far here in our area of Texas and the humidity is terrible. The last three evenings that we've worked him (around 7:30/8pm) the "feels like" temp has been over 100 degrees. After having a conversation with someone earlier, I finally realized that I think the heat has had more to do with it than I had originally thought. I think we will step back and let the temps cool down before working him too hard.

 

[jconner2088]

I have wantes to ask what area you were in when you said he seemed hot on you of your posts. The last 3 weeks our showers have actually let calves have a break from working and just let the calves be calves for a bit sounds like he is broke sounds like he is gentle. Just let him be and not stress him.

 

[4Rcattle]

That’s what we plan on doing until the temps are better. I just hope we haven’t created a problem we can’t fix 

 

[jconner2088]

Keep working with him just shorter periods of time couple of minutes get good results even if it is he stands there for 30 sec. Then let him go. Then just keep at it. The longer periods of working and perstering is what it sounds like it goes wrong. Baby steps and patience.