Miniture Livestock? Mini-Cow help needed!?!

[Bob_Skurka]

My daughter wants to get into 4H and is currently fascinated with horses. I'm a bit leery about how much work I will have to do if she gets a horse and loses interest.

I was thinking of something more interesting, unusual, and potentially profitable. I was looking at miniture horses or miniture cattle. I know that there are at least 2 common breeds of miniture cattle, both are considered to be gourmet quality, particularily the miniture angus line. I just don't know how much land is needed to raise a few mini-cows. I understand 3 mini-cows need the same acreage as 1 regular size cow. I could free up a couple acres that are now in soybean for them. I've been told they are very docile and friendly -something that sounds like my daughter could actually handle.

One of the farmers down the road has a few "regular" cows, I suppose I should wander down there and talk to him, but I'm a bit worried that he'll just think I am crazier than my reputation would have him believe as soon as I open my mouth and start asking about mini-cows!

Has anyone run across any mini-cows? Mini-horses? Can you tell me about them?

 

[gws]

Might check http://www.minicattle.com/ for cows. http://www.amha.org/ for mini horse THere are also mini donkeye.

If your concered about space how about goats?

 

[Junkman]

Has she considered miniature hamsters..... Siberian Dwarf hamsters don't take up much room, don't eat much, and are very tasty if you are a snake. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

There is no difference in the care, handling, feeding, etc. of small horse/cattle compared to large horses/cattle. The only difference is how much they eat. A full size angus will/can be just as docile or mean as a miniature. Same with horses.

A cow is not going to be nearly as enjoyable as a horse. Look into leasing a horse if that is what your daughter wants. Or go let her take riding lessons for a couple months. They are only young once. Showing cattle is pretty boring. The possibilities with a horse are endless and much more fun!! If you're ever our way stop by and let her hang out with my daughters for an afternoon. You can get an idea of how much work is involved and see the enjoyment first hand of little ones working with horses.

I would say 3 miniatures/acre would be pushing it. If you want to go the cattle route I would just get a bottle calf and go up from there. You can show a bottle calf in 4-H for two years. Then at the end you get to sell it and get some of your money back!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[40Kchicks]

I have a couple of friends that have mini horses. They are all friendly but honestly unless your three years old they don’t have much use. They also have to be even more careful with feed because the mini horses are prone to overfeeding problems.

I agree with cowboydoc that you would get more out of putting her in horse lessons and see were it goes from there. If nothing else being able to manage a horse is a good life skill to have because someday chances are that she will need to know how to be safe on and around a horse.

I also agree that you and your daughter would probably bore of the cattle soon. They are interesting to have around but don’t give back much. At least you can ride a horse.

Just my opinion
Eric

 

[ronjhall]

Bob
When our kids were 4-H age the oldest one wanted to get into the big animals.
We got a horse. Didn't take long to loose interest in it when he found out how much work it took to get to the point of being able to ride in 4-H. Wife took over ownership of the horse. Her pride and joy.

Next he got the idea that a calf would be great. Went to a local farmer and purchased a registered Black Angus Heifer. We kept the cow thing up for about 10 years. What an education for the kids. With a new calf every year and raising them for food. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We would still be doing it if I hadn't got a boat. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

My oldest now has kids the age he started with the horse. They are into Rabbits. Keeps the whole family busy. He lives in Washington state. Very near where the Mad Cow was found. The market for organic rabbit is very good in that area. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[reb]

gws mentioned goats. Boer goats might be worth considering. Those that I have dealt with have been good-natured, especially if handled often. Young ones are great pets. The meat is delicious and there is apparently a growing market. A good pair of purebreds is not cheap, but could pay off in time.

 

[txdon]

Bob, back in February GareyD posted about his miniature cows on CountryByNet, maybe you can PM him. I am also thinking miniature in a few years.

 

[GareyD]

txdon...thanks for remembering my little cows...but, actually mine aren't considered "mini" cattle, they are a heritage breed...mini cattle are closer to the size of a large dog, and very expensive...we looked at getting into them and found prices to be around $2,000 for calves...way beyond our budget!!!

The Belted Galloways that we decided to raise are more like half sized cows, than mini's...

We have really enjoyed having these around...As far as cattle go, they have been exceptionally easy to raise and keep...We run four head on four acres and I still have to mow the pasture every couple of weeks.

GareyD

 

[GareyD]

Bob, I'd check closely with the 4H before jumpiing into the Mini's...when I was in the 3H (been so long ago I see they got another H now!!!)...in order to show livestock the animal had to be registered and of a recognized breed, and hopefully a top specimen of the breed....

We love our cattle, but I'm told my Galloways don't do well at the sale barn because they are not up to the standards the buyers are looking for...don't know how well they would do in the show ring because of this.

As far as mini horses go, Daddy was a horse trainer and a guy brought over 4 Lilliputian's (horses about the size of a big German Shepard) to be trained to lead and handle...yes, they were "cute", but they were the most hard headed, sneaky mean little critters it has ever been my displeasure to be around...I'd tread softly if it was me looking to have little horses.

GareyD