How to Groom a Jersey Calf

Grooming your jersey calf is as important as providing it with food, water and shelter. Grooming it daily not only keeps the animal healthy, but also improves its appearance if you want to show your calf at a fair. You can easily groom a jersey calf to show-quality cleanliness at home instead of hiring an expensive groomer.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Lead rope
  • Hose
  • Bucket
  • Saddle soap
  • Rubber curry brush
  • Wash rag
  • Blow dryer
  • Grooming brush
  • Clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a halter on the calf's head and tie the lead rope to a sturdy ring or hitching post. Use a slipknot or quick release knot in case you need to free the calf immediately in an emergency.

    • 2

      Fill a bucket with water from a hose and add saddle soap.

    • 3

      Use the hose to slowly wet the calf, beginning with the hooves. Next wet the legs, the haunches, the shoulders, the back and the neck. Gently wet the calf's head, avoiding the eyes and ears and keeping the hose spray as weak as possible. The best way to avoid getting wet yourself is to wet the calf's tail last. Wetting the calf slowly allows the animal to get used to the water.

    • 4

      Dip the rubber curry brush in the soapy water bucket and scrub the calf in firm, slow, circular motions, beginning with the top of its body and working downward. Use caution when scrubbing its legs, so the calf doesn't kick you. Use a wet, soapy wash rag to gently wash the calf''s face,

    • 5

      Use the hose to gently wash off all of the soap, but avoid the calf's nose and face. Work against the lay of the fur from the back to the front. Make sure you remove all of the soap.

    • 6

      Turn on the blow dryer and approach the calf slowly so the noise doesn't startle it. Beginning at the back of the calf, brush the fur toward its front end while continuing to blow dry it.

    • 7

      Tie the lead rope to something high enough to raise the calf's head and trim the head with the clippers. This step isn't required unless you are planning to show your calf. The rules on hair clipping vary from show to show.