Rearing bucket calves

[Colliepup123]

Wydale feeders are great for batches of 5 easy to clean and you can ensure everybody gets a correct volume. If I’ve learnt anything it’s routine is key, good hygiene is vital and always follow the chosen powdered milks instructions.
We feed a coarse mix which is great for younger calves as very palatable, and helps to increase intakes, nice meadow hay and plenty of water. Make sure you pick them up several hours before you plan to feed them in the evening, allows them to settle into their new environment, try not to pick a muggy day for travelling. Good tip is to always feed electrolytes as their first feed, allowing them to rehydrate and settle before the milk powder the next morning (no medication if they are healthy happy calves). Often warm water in water buckets with electrolytes in if they are buggers to get on the feeder that night.
Good luck nothing better than healthy calves and happy calf rearer. [emoji5]

 

[Cmoran]

We always give electrolytes for the first feed then find best way that works for us is feeding powder milk once a day with ad lib access to keirnans milky nuts and hay/straw and fresh water always house in batches of ten. Since starting feeding the milky nut our Calfs are eating 2.5kgs by 7weeks and we wean when they reach that intake once all calves are reared we feed milky nut until after grass available then stop entirely until October again.

 

[Bossfarmer]

We always give electrolytes for the first feed then find best way that works for us is feeding powder milk once a day with ad lib access to keirnans milky nuts and hay/straw and fresh water always house in batches of ten. Since starting feeding the milky nut our Calfs are eating 2.5kgs by 7weeks and we wean when they reach that intake once all calves are reared we feed milky nut until after grass available then stop entirely until October again.

Do u think 3 month old calves will get much goodness from grass this time of year? Out of interest how many kg a head of calf feed would you give once theyre indoors and 4 month old?

 

[Cmoran]

Do u think 3 month old calves will get much goodness from grass this time of year? Out of interest how many kg a head of calf feed would you give once theyre indoors and 4 month old?

Not much power in grass at this time of the year to be honest. I’ve started mine back on the 3 in 1 feeder this week set for 1kg of whole barley per day. I’d usually feed Ad lib up until 4 months then gradually pull them back to 1 kg will feed weanlings 1kg from housing until 1st feb then pull meal and get out to grass as early as possible hopefully before middle of March

 

[RCW Farm Services]

Anyone have experience feeding rolled peas barley and about a 50/50 mix (could add some oats )weaning calf’s. to be turned out to some grass soon ...if the weather ever cheers up