How to Wean Bottle Calves

Weaning bottle calves is an important phase in their development. Your calf still needs proper liquid nutrition before it consumes dry food, such as hay. Although the weaning process typically begins around 8 weeks, weaning calves 2 weeks earlier saves you whole milk and milk replacer expenses, because calf starter mix becomes a calf's main diet. Make sure you check with a veterinarian to determine the healthiest starter mix for your calf.

Things You'll Need

  • Whole milk or milk replacer
  • Calf starter mix
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Replace bottle food with whole milk or milk replacer when calves are between 6 and 8 weeks old.

    • 2

      Teach calves to drink whole milk or milk replacer from a bucket. To ease their transition from bottle to bucket, stick your fingers in their mouths to simulate bottle sucking, as you guide them to the bucket of milk.

    • 3

      Feed calves whole milk or milk replacer from a bucket for 4 weeks.

    • 4

      Add calf starter mix to your whole milk or milk replacer regimen between 4 and 8 weeks of starting milk replacements. Once your calf ingests 2 lbs. of starter mix for 3 consecutive days, gradually retire the whole milk or milk replacer until your calf feeds on starter mix alone.

    • 5

      Feed your weaned calves hay and dry feed once they are weaned completely from liquid diets.