Top 7 Essential Things to Have Before Adopting a Calf

Having calves as pets isn't quite normal for most households worldwide, although it isn't as bizarre as well. Planning to care for pets such as calves is a pretty interesting and fulfilling experience for many but is also a big responsibility.

Caring for calves comes with tons of considerations to think over, some of the most common ones are space, dedication, money and knowing how to properly care for them. Remember, calves are normally under a year old, thus your love, care and attention are vital.

So if you're planning to get a pet calf anytime soon, here is a list of 10 essential items you need to have before taking them home!

1 - Proper shelter

If you're thinking about keeping your calves in your homes for shelter, then you might want to rethink that decision. Calves, unlike common kinds of pets, are naturally docile, so that means any delicates, ornaments and precious decor and furniture as to go.

So consider sheltering your calf the proper way and keep them in a barn, a pen, a windbreak or a calf shelter. This will keep them protected from extreme weather conditions, keep them clean and dry and also keep them snug as a bug on a rug when sleeping. Plus it's easier to clean after them when keeping your calves in shelters like these.

2 - Fencing

Calves are the type of animals that tend to wander around, not far off though but can potentially get lost if unattended for too long. And for calves, fencing is an essential thing to consider installing before your calf comes.

Fencing is to secure and prevent your calves from wandering off. And getting fences installed can reduce the risk of your calf getting lost, stolen, injured or killed by potential predators. And a note, Before installing make sure to get a fence that falls appropriately with the size of your calf.

3 - Proper food and water

Before bringing your calf home make sure you've done your research around what calves eat and prepare a good amount. Make sure their water source is clean, fresh and accessible to your calves.

Depending on the age of the calf you get, some might even still be drinking milk. So consider a milk replacer or colostrum for them. And if your calf doesn't need milk anymore, make sure to feed and forage adequate food for them and align it with their age and nutritional needs.

4 - Healthcare supplies

An essential thing to have ready is animal health products. This can be basic supplies like bandages, disinfectants, a first aid kit, thermometers, deworming capsules, antiseptics and so on. Also, make sure to have a veterinarian to consider when an emergency arises.

5 - Proper handling equipment

Again, calves are docile animals and unlike dogs and cats, they can be a handful to handle. So before you take your calf home, consider getting the right handling equipment on hand. To give you an idea of what handling equipment to get, here's a list along with their uses:

Calf halters and leads - Calf halters are made to snugly wrap over a calf's head and neck, giving you control over them when training or transporting them.
Calf tethers or tie stalls - These can be used to safely and securely tie calves, particularly while feeding or if their movement has to be temporarily restricted.
Calf squeeze chute - For bigger calves, a squeeze chute offers a more complete restraint mechanism, allowing for a variety of treatments while reducing stress for both the calf and the operator.
Calf chutes or headgates - For the safe restraint of calves during veterinary treatments like immunisations, dehorning, or foot clipping, crates or headgates are necessary.
Calf roping - In bigger operations, lariat ropes or calf-catching hooks can be employed to catch and control calves for a variety of purposes.
Calf handling gloves - When working with calves, always use gloves, especially when doing treatments where the calf can fight.

6 - Bedding

Just like you, calves need a place to sleep on as well! And for your baby cows to sleep snugly consider getting proper bedding. Make sure where your calf is keeping shelter is clean and dry. For their bedding, a good amount of straw or shavings will do for your calf's sleeping area.

7 - Legal and regulatory requirements

In terms of calf ownership, following municipal rules and ordinances is not only required by law but also a crucial component of responsible pet ownership and civic participation. Here's a rundown as to why it's crucial: