How to break a spooky steer

[Alimoore97]

I have a steer i bought about a month ago. I have been working everyday and it never fails, he gets spooked and tries to get away. He gets spooked even of his own shadow and random movements. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Alimoore97]

He is out of Texas Twister

 

[5PCC]

There may be some good tips here, even though it is a slightly different question...
http://www.steerplanet.com/bb/the-big-show/heifer-scared-of-small-people/

 

[5PCC]

Look at the bottom of this page. It has links to similar posts.

 

[Tallcool1]

Keep him tied up a lot.

Get a radio or music in the barn so he becomes desensitized to noise.

Lead him around in a very small area so he can't get away.

As soon as he starts acting like he wants to hurt someone, get rid of him.  There is a difference between a steer that is a little edgy and needs a little "slow down", and a steer that wants to knock someone out.

Patience!

 

[SlickTxMaine]

You need to desensitize him, like you would do a horse.  Try washing him, spray him a lot with water until he settles down and stands still.  Also use the blower on him - that helps a lot with despooking them.  Put him in a trim shoot if you need to.  Move around him a lot, don't be afraid to make noise around him.  The radio works well too.  Chickens running around in the pen help also. 

 

[bim1986]

Yep, radio, ipod, any music to get him accustomed to noises.  We do this for all our show steers so they don't get spooked in the ring.

Keep him tied up a lot.

Get a radio or music in the barn so he becomes desensitized to noise.

Lead him around in a very small area so he can't get away.

As soon as he starts acting like he wants to hurt someone, get rid of him.  There is a difference between a steer that is a little edgy and needs a little "slow down", and a steer that wants to knock someone out.

Patience!

 

[renegadelivestock]

if he is spooking at his own shadow, I would get his eye sight checked