Welcoming New Calves Home

by Megan Underwood

• Consider your surroundings when deciding where the safest place is to unload new calves.

• If you have a green calf, always unload them in a confined area to contain them if they decide to let loose and get wild.

• Keep the path clear between the back of the trailer and the pen. Calves can get hurt by any show equipment in their path, and they can damage your favorite chore tools in the way.

• Let your calf adjust to their new environment before you start working with it.

• Start with walking or brushing your calf before hitting the wash rack.

• Adjust the calf to feed slowly and avoid any drastic diet changes.

• Before bringing your calf home, ask the seller about the calf’s normal daily ration and follow it carefully before making any big adjustments.