Keeping just one cow?

[BeardedChick]

I need some family cow keeping advice... We bought two Dexters this Spring. For a couple of good reasons, I decided to sell one and someone is taking her today.

Will my other cow be OK alone?

I am going to put her in the roundpen for a few days so she can settle down by herself. Then I will turn her back out in the field with the horses. There are some cows across the fence for her to socialize with.

Thanks -

 

[ChickenToes]

I think she'll be okay as long as she has other animals nearby that she can socialize with.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Never had cows but it sounds sad

Hope she is ok alone.

 

[BeardedChick]

If she's a little lonely, she may be even more people-friendly.

The one I am selling has a bad attitude - she's very stand-offish even after working with her all summer. The cow I am keeping has a nice, sweet temperament.

I am also selling one of my horses, so there will be one cow and one horse in the field. I hope they will buddy up.

 

[al6517]

Cows are social herd animals, just make sure the fence is super secure, she may try to get to the other cows, but if you have horses she will probably be happy to just stay with them. I would keep a close eye on her for a couple of days to be on the safe side.

 

[wynedot55]

you really need 2 cows.because cows are herd animals.an they stay calmer with their own kind.now i dont know that id put her with the horses.because horses have a tendency to chase cows.

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I wouldnt keep just one cow. Cows are herd animals, not loners.
The lone cow probly wont become more people-friendly, in fact,the cow may become standoffish and lose the nice temperament.
In every case I've seen of a cow being kept alone, they dont eat normal, they moo alot more and are less friendly. They are more drawn back and shy. Even if they were one friendly.
Most horses will chase cows, so putting those 2 together may not be a good idea.
She will probly try to jump the fence to get to the other cows if she can. Cows in the long run do horriblely being by themselves.

Researchers at Bristol University in the United Kingdom found that cows have best friends and cliques, just like human beings do, and that animals groom and lick one another to demonstrate this affection.Many cows are affectionate animals who are deeply loyal to their families and human companions.When they are separated from their families, friends, or human companions, cows grieve over the loss. Researchers report that cows become visibly distressed after even a brief separation.

 

[BeardedChick]

If we have problems, I had already lined up a loaner cow from a friend. My heifer cleaned up her food just fine after we hauled off her buddy... And the cow we sold was also eating just fine in the new owner's place (just a mile or so down the road).

The cows have been in with my horses all summer... There's no chasing going on. These cows were born in a pasture with horses and donkeys (I met the horses at the previous owner's pasture) and have been with horses all their lives. They run over by the horses when they are insecure about something. I am not worried about my mare bullying them.

It's interesting - I checked on the family cow websites and couldn't find anything about it being a problem to keep one family cow.

In any case, we should have another cow this Spring when she has her calf. I hope this one has the momma's temperament.

I'm going to head out and see if my girl would like some grain and to be brushed or if she's less than friendly with her buddy gone...

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

putting her with the horses is fine is bascily the best thing to do so she dont get lonely and not all horses chase cows another myth if you ask me

 

[Chatychick]

I have a cow by herself and she didnt have any problems...she seemed to like it as she knew she was getting fed each day and lots of attention. She is in with the 3 horses and they all get along well. So I dont think it wouold be a problem with her as long as she has some type of companion.