Bucket Calves

If you have land there will be a time when you wonder if you should raise your own beef.  I’m talking two, maybe three cows.  One of the terms you will run across is “bucket calf”.  A “bucket calf” is a calf that will not be raised by its mama but instead will be fed by you via bottle or a special bucket with a nipple attached.  Bucket calves are often raised for beef and also make a great 4-H project.

Bucket Calf Essentials

Feeding

• Milk replacement to replace the milk calves normally receive from their mama (this comes in powder form and can be purchased at Tractor Supply or a feed store)
• Calf Starter Feed (grain specially made for calves)
• Hay (for eating)
• Bottle and nipple per calf (or bucket with nipple per calf)

Time

• Calves need to be fed at approximately the same time each day, twice per day, for 8-12 weeks

Housing

• A place the calf can get out of the weather -dry and draft free, with straw bedding

How to Locate a Bucket Calf

Call a local dairy farm and you will have a calf source right away.    Make sure the calf has been allowed to feed from mama for at least 1 day, or better yet, up to 4 days.  If you don’t know how to find a dairy farm you can also call your local Tractor Supply Company, Orscheln’s Store, or a feed store for information.  The employees at these businesses know many of the farmers. 

I don’t recommend purchasing a bucket calf from an auction.  These calves have often been pulled off their mama without receiving colostrum and may not be healthy due to the stress of being loaded up and taken to the auction.

Feed and Health Information

I have decided not to discuss the specifics of feeding and health requirements because you will be better prepared, more successful, and well-rounded by reading feed & health topics from several different sources.  A few links are listed below to get you started. 

http://www.livingthecountrylife.com/animals/livestock/tips-for-raising-bucket-calves/

http://www.cattletoday.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=49811

http://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Bucket-Calves

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/sanders57.html

Lydia, this picture is for you!!

This article isn’t meant to cover everything you need to know about raising calves but will give you enough information so you can decide if you should move forward on your learning curve. 

Raising calves for beef can be done successfully by anyone willing to put the proper amount of time into the project which will include time spent on self-education.  Take it from this former city girl and successful 2-calf beef-cow raiser.