Should I do Zebus?

[Gerbil]

Hopefully this fall or next spring we will be getting back to goats or trying Zebu cattle! First before I even think about looking for Zebus I need to know a lot more. What is their milk like? How much milk? How hard are they to take care of? How much land do the need? Are they more expensive to feed, care for, Etc: Are they friendly? Can I walk them around for the fun of it! They would be pets mostly but we really want milk, so should I?

Thanks, Gerbil

 

[chickenzoo]

yes, you should. He he. I posted a link in the other topic for the zebu association. Has a lot of info.

 

[lasergrl]

If you go with zebu you will need to keep a bull. Keeping a bull is dangerous. I will be selling my bull soon as it isnt worth it. You cant love on the girls with a bull around. A bull can kill you. Zebu are different and it is very difficult to A.I. them so keep that in mind. I would only consider a bottle heifer as a pet. For milk a dexter may be better. You can A.I. a dexter with no problems so wont need a bull.

 

[Gerbil]

An evil bull could pose a problem, is there nothing I could do to tame him a bit?

 

[chickenzoo]

I think you mean Mini Zebu, as there are full size Zebu also.....

My bull is very sweet. I know he is a bull and respect that, but he is also very good tempered. He has not showed any aggression towards me, and I make him respect me also. I know a good deal of people that have them as pets. I have walked in the fields with bulls and heifers and none ever showed aggression, even with my hubby up their tails taking photos, LOL. They show them, even kids show them. Mini zebu can be a lot of fun, mine are more like my mini horses and llama.... always seeing what your doing.I have seen them taught to pull a cart etc.... They are easy to care for, survive on very little, no special feeds. Insect, disease tolerant, do great in the heat. i would get them young and handle them often.

 

[Gerbil]

Yes mini Zebus!!!!!!

Is there any specific time for baby Zebus? How much $ am I looking on putting out for some nice Zebus? (they don't have to be show quality)

 

[chickenzoo]

Bulls and steers typically go for $250-$350 for just pets. Breeders go for $500 -$1000. Heifers and cows are what cost you. I have seen large heifers for $400-$600, typically nice ones are $800-$1000 and up.... you can find then real cheap if you look hard, just depends on who is selling them......

 

[chickenzoo]

Here is Charmin now with his horns just starting to get longer, I think they will curve back and down. You can see what a porker he is, hehe...... loves to eat and loves his cookies.

 

[lasergrl]

Bulls will be very gentle untill about 2 years old. Thats when they get funny. My bull was sweet, loves scratches and treats. He WILL ram and throw you now given the chance. The ones that are doted on are the most dangerous as they have no fear. I would have preffered one that was wild.

 

[chickenzoo]

I don't let him push, rub or scratch on me. I make him mind his manners. I do think it depends on the bull and how they were raised. i have seen ones that are spoiled, and not shown boundaries- those can be dangerous. I had a wild one, he was unpredictable, he was very dangerous and he would ram out of fear, even other animals. Charmin was not bottle fed, but was use to leading and being around people when I got him at about a year old. He is now about 2. He will try to play with the feed bucket when I feed, if he does I turn and walk out until he settles down... then he is fine. Hope is my heifer, she was bottle raised from birth due to her mother rejecting her. She is very friendly, and is learning her manners which takes more because she was bottle fed, but she's still a sweety.