How to Train Show Calves

County fairs pay homage to America's rural roots each year during August and September. Children involved in 4-H youth organizations have the opportunity to show off their farm animals at these events. The 4-H Bucket Calf Project is designed for children ages 7 to 12 to introduce them to beef and dairy projects. Despite the name, both bottle-fed and bucket-fed calves are eligible and should be purchased in May.

Things You'll Need

  • Orphaned or newborn calf
  • Milk replacer
  • Bottle or bucket
  • Dry calf feed
  • Halter
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Instructions

  1. Train Your Calf to Drink from a Bucket or Bottle

    • 1

      Mix an appropriate amount of milk replacer based on the size of your animal. A calf needs approximately 8 percent of its body weight in milk replacer per day, but this should be divided up into two feedings. For example, a calf that weighs 100 pounds should have 4 pounds of milk twice a day for a total of 8 pounds.

    • 2

      Pour the milk replacer into a bottle or bucket. It is more instinctive for the calf to drink from the bottle, but the bucket makes it easier to transition the calf to dry food. Either method of feeding the calf is acceptable.

    • 3

      Insert your fingers into the calf's mouth. The calf will begin to suck on them. Keep your fingers in the calf's mouth and insert the bottle with your other hand. The calf will continue to suck on the bottle. If feeding from a bucket, let the calf continue sucking on your fingers while guiding its head into the bucket. It may take a few tries to get the calf to drink from the bucket successfully.

    Train Your Calf to Lead

    • 4
      Children pet a calf at the San Diego County Fair in California.

      Pet your calf when you're feeding it. It will relax and begin to associate food and gentle petting.

    • 5

      Introduce the calf to the halter during the milk feeding period. While the calf is focused on the bottle or bucket, you can slip the halter over its head. Keep the training periods short and enjoyable for both you and the calf.

    • 6

      Tie an older calf in a shed with food and water until it gets accustomed to being tied.

    • 7

      Once the calf demonstrates calm behavior while tied in the shed, remove the water and place it in another location.

    • 8

      Lead the calf to the water each morning and evening. You may need someone to push the calf to get it moving at first. Don't yank on the halter -- a stubborn calf should be pushed from behind instead of being pulled from the front. After a few days, the calf will look forward to the reward and offer less resistance.

    • 9

      Reward the calf with additional dry feed, brush it and pet the animal after you return to the shed.