The Poultry Keeper

Lisa · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:51 pm Post subject: info on cows please

Okay, have decided I want a cows. And that's about all I know - want *really* fresh (raw) milk, love beef and like traditional breeds....

Its going to be part of the long term plan to escape to the country (I realise it isn't going to happen while we've only got a small garden in Milton Keynes Confused

) but I'd like to find out lots of info now for inspiration Razz

Any suggestions for breeds / books / websites / courses etc for a complete novice Very Happy

TIA

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7161 Location: isle of lewis

these are my favorite and the ones from south lochs are friendly and quiet
http://users.aol.com/shetlandcattle/
suz

Lisa · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject:

Ooooo, that's just the kind of thing I'm after: dual purpose, calm, raise on grass etc... (though not just grass, it would be the most nutrious field I could sow from what I've found out for chooks.... Wink

)

NannyP · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:21 pm Post subject:

Meanwhile, I'll continue with the mental image of you and a cow in your Milton Keynes garden Wink

Lisa · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:24 pm Post subject:

But NannyP, Milton Keynes is only famous for its concrete cows Confused

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7161 Location: isle of lewis

aaahh but do those let down Wink

suz

Lisa · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:30 pm Post subject:

Ah... now, I had to go look that up on google as I didn't know what you were talking about Embarassed

Told you I was a complete novice to all this - just don't know all the "cow jargon" yet! Laughing

.... and "no, they don't" which is precisely why I need a REAL cow Wink

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7161 Location: isle of lewis

lisa there is a really nice couple up north who breed shetlands they were ever so nice and explained a lot when i was at the planning stage and i think if you by a cow off them they'd like you to go on a course with them ,do you want me to pm you the number ,she was really patient with me
suz

Lisa · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:55 pm Post subject:

Sadly I think we're a couple of years away from moving, but if you would send me the details I'll put them somewhere safe for when the time is right Razz

Or if they do courses for "would be owners" I will contact them sooner.... Very Happy

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1358 Location: Leicestershire

Valerie Porter has written lots of cattle books including, Cows for the Smallholder, Keeping a Cow, Practical Rare Breeds and Enterprises for the Smallholder, they may be available via ebay. I had a Dexter/Jersey house cow for several years and am a fund of useless information - ask away. Very Happy

nigel · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:19 pm Post subject:

A jersey house cow - thats what I want in our new place

Lisa · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject:

ItsyBitsy - thanks for the recommended author, I'll go have a look at those books Very Happy

Nigel - what made you choose a Jersey?

fenwoman · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:25 pm Post subject:

fenwoman · Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:27 pm Post subject:

If I had a cow, I would have 2 cos they are herd animals and need the company of their own kinbd, and if I had a cow I would have a couple of dexters. I met someone with several a couple of months ago and fell right in love with them. Oh I wish I had another acre.

nigel · Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:24 am Post subject: