Dexter or Zebu cattle question

[trunkman]

I have been fencing in an area for a couple of small cattle such as Dexter or Zebu and I'm about done and ready to buy a mating pair in a couple of weeks. I don't want any more than 2 adult cows and 2 calves at a time, my question is do these types of cattle make a lot of noise? I've helped a relative raise cattle but don't remember them making much noise, and I have a neighbor that lives kind of close and don't want to bother them with a lot of noisy animals. And yes I have talked to them about my plans and they are excited but I don't want to bring an animal in that is very noisy, I have had nubian goats and they were very noisy and bellered forever whenever they would see us outside, I'm hoping it's not the same with small cattle. Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks in advance.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've studied them but I haven't raised Dexter, I have raised Angus, Herefords, Charlais, Shorthorn, etc..
I've been around Cebu and other tropical breeds. I don't recall any of the above being noisy in any way.
I just don't think cattle make much noise.

 

[res]

I've had polled Herefords, Dexters, Charolais and Brahma. They can all be noisy at feeding time, if they think you are late. The bellering can get pretty loud. But as soon as you drop the feed they quiet down, until the next time you are late. I swear they have an internal clock. We had one Hereford cow in particular that WOULD NOT EVER let us sleep in. She learned where the pasture fence ran closest to our bedroom (and it was actually about 20' away) and she would stand there and holler on weekend mornings until we got up and gave her some range cubes.

They can be noisy at weaning, or when a herd member leaves. New members can sometimes get noisy just with the fighting that happens to establish pecking order. Mamas with calves will call loudly if they cannot locate their calf, but usually they "talk" to one another in low grunts/groans. But all of your neighbors will know if you loose a calf. That is the most heartbreaking "moo" to listen to - absolutely breaks my heart when I hear it.

 

[trunkman]

That's all good to hear, so the plan is to feed them after 7 or 8 am with no treats till well after we get home.

That way we won't get the neighbors up early. Thanks very much for the responses!

 

[capayvalleychick]

I've raised Dexter cattle for 10 years. They are usually quiet. Sometimes a cow in heat can make a ruckus. Weaning time is the worst, for about a week. If you wean using a common fenceline, it's not as bad.
Enjoy them. I love mine.

 

[trunkman]

That's great to hear everyone, I was worried, you've all set my mind at ease so my quest goes one!!

 

[PrairieK]

I have zebu and they are very quiet. But my mating pair have become so close I could understand one or the other hollering for a bit if one were to leave.

 

[trunkman]

PrairieK, can we see pictures of you Zebu's? I'd love to see them!

 

[PrairieK]

My spoiled little girl!! LOVE her!!

My handsome guy. He's more timid than her but we're working on it!

 

[trunkman]

Love the pics, they are nice looking cattle and seem very friendly. I have been wondering which kind of cattle to get and have a few questions if you don't mind my asking. Here goes, how much do they weigh and how big do they get? I don't want one thousand pound cattle that eat like crazy, I want to be able to have grand children visit with them. Do you keep them in a large shelter or just have something they can get out of the weather, like something with just a roof and 3 sides? Sorry if I'm asking too many questions.

How long have you had them?