calf uninterested in feed

[simba]

I have a bull calf this year that's driving me crazy! I've tried for over a month to start him on feed but he's 100% uninterested. My other three calves love it and he comes running into the barn with them but then he just lays down- he won't even smell it! I've tried both a show ration and plain oats but he won't look at either of them. I know that weaning him could help but I'd really like to leave him on the cow for a few more months. He's super quiet, so it's not his disposition and it's not the feed pans either because I've tried a few different ones. I'm thinking of locking him in the barn for a few hours with water and the feed and not letting him out until he finally tries it. Any other suggestions?

 

[JTM]

If making sure he is eating creep feed is your goal then yeah I agree with the "day weaning" option. Lock him in for 3 or 4 hours then let him out. You may also try putting some good grass hay in the creep bin to see if that entices him. I would be careful about weaning the calf too early if it isn't interested at all in grain or hay. Good luck.

 

[simba]

Thanks for the response, JTM. Today he at least sniffed it a bit while his buddy was eating. Hopefully he'll come around and decide to try it sooner rather than later.

 

[JTM]

Maybe getcha a bottle of molasses and pour in the creep bunk. See if that gets him licking and smelling it more.

 

[diamonddls]

I agree with jtm some good hay in the pan will be best bet to get his interest. A small salt lick or other familiar items could help aswell