Guide on Raising Bucket Calves

Bucket calves, named for their feeding method from birth to weaning, are simple to raise. Indeed, for youngsters keen on livestock care, raising bucket calves offers an ideal project. If you or your little ones are interested in raising bucket calves, you'll need to understand various care techniques to ensure their well-being.

Obtain calf bottles and nipples. Purchase one set of bottles and nipples per calf. Each calf should have at least one designated set. Otherwise, you will need to sterilize the equipment between uses. The nipple of a bottle resembles the mother's teat, which should trigger the calf's natural instinct to suckle. Bottles and nipples are available for purchase online or at major retail stores like Tractor Supply Co.

Start with colostrum. Like human infants and breastmilk, newborn calves should receive colostrum from their mother during the first few days. Colostrum contains vital antibodies necessary for the calf's immune system development.

• If you bought the calf, chances are it didn't get enough colostrum.
• Obtain replacement colostrum from a dairy farm or another recently calved cow.
• Thaw frozen colostrum carefully to preserve its antibodies.
• Thaw with warm water, avoiding temperatures over 120°F or 50°C. Alternatively, use a microwave cautiously.
• Continue giving replacement colostrum to the calf for approximately four days.

Transition to milk. During their first month, calves require milk. Various milk options exist.

• Use cow's milk if available from a recently calved cow. Most cows produce sufficient milk for their calves.
• Follow package instructions when using replacement milk. Maintain a suitable temperature to melt the milk replacer's fats for better absorption without overheating.
• Consider goat's milk if cow's milk or milk replacement is unavailable or costly. It's easily digestible and may reduce instances of diarrhea.

Establish a feeding routine. Young calves thrive on consistency, so feed them twice daily at consistent times, ideally morning and evening.

• Gradually increase feedings from half a bottle to two full ones.
• In cold weather, consider three feedings daily, with the third one around mid-day.

Watch for stress indicators. Especially crucial after purchasing and transporting a calf.

• Maintain a consistent routine to minimize stress. Changes can lead to illness, including scours.
• Severe stress may result in serious medical issues for your calf.

Monitor for diarrhea. Diarrhea, unfortunately, can pose a significant threat to young calves. Promptly address diarrhea by administering fluid therapy, which involves replacing the lost water and electrolytes.

• Common signs of diarrhea include watery feces, weakness, and unsteady gait.
• To treat diarrhea in a calf, consider the following steps:
  • Provide electrolytes using a feeder. Depending on the calf's size and the severity of the condition, they may require 2 - 6 quarts of electrolytes daily.
  • Administer fluids intravenously (IV). A veterinarian must perform this procedure, inserting a catheter into the jugular vein.
  • Maintain warmth. Prevent cold stress by ensuring warm bedding and adequate shelter.

Maintain calf warmth. Ideal temperatures range from 50°F to 85°F, providing comfort and minimizing stress for the calf.

• If the barn is drafty or cold, consider supplementary heat sources. Conversely, ensure proper ventilation if temperatures rise.
• Account for environmental factors like humidity, wind-chill, and moisture, all of which influence calf comfort.

Introduce hay. Weaning occurs when a calf shifts from liquid nourishment like milk to solid food.

• Offer hay several days after birth in small amounts.
• Monitor hay consumption. Once the calf consumes at least 1 1/2 pounds of calf starter or hay daily, weaning can commence.

Gradually decrease milk intake. Reduce milk consumption and introduce water gradually.

• This transition may span one to two weeks.
• Commercially available 'calf starter' products can aid in the transition from milk to solids.

Transition from milk to water. After one to two weeks, switch to offering only water for the calf to drink. Ensure constant access to water, grain, and hay thereafter.

• Expect the calf to persistently seek the bottle initially after weaning.

Train them to lead. An essential task with a bucket calf is teaching it to walk on a halter and lead rope.

• Begin by gently petting the calf while it drinks and introducing it to the halter and milk bottle simultaneously.
• Guide the calf without exerting force on the halter. Encourage movement by applying pressure from behind.
• Opt for a padded halter for the calf's comfort.
• Show patience and kindness throughout the training process.

Engage in calf grooming. Grooming sessions can help acclimate the calf to human handling.

• Proceed cautiously during grooming to avoid startling the calf.
• Use a halter and restrict the calf's movement during grooming.
• Employ a scotch comb and rice root brush to remove dirt and mud from the calf's body.
• Wash the calf with livestock-safe soap and low to medium water pressure.
• Finish by smoothing the calf's hair with a scotch comb.

Show affection. It's important to show calves love and affection. Stroke their sides, belly, udder, and hind legs to accustom them to human touch, fostering comfort with handling.

• Vaccinate the calf with appropriate antibiotic shots (available at farm supply stores).
• Ensure calves are fed on a consistent schedule with 3-5 small meals daily.

• Thoroughly sterilize and clean equipment after each use. Residual colostrum and milk in bottles can harbor bacteria, posing a risk of illness to the calf.

• Colostrum
• Bottles and nipples
• Cow's milk, milk replacement, or goat's milk
• Calf starter feed
• Hay and grain
• Warm shelter
• Grooming supplies
• Halter and leash
• Consistent feeding schedule