Tying in the Barn or Loose?

[blackcows]

At home we always tie cattle up during the day.  I don't know that we have a really good reason for tying them and wondering what others do.  Once the cattle are well broke to tie and lead is there any reason to tie in the barn or would we be just as well to leave them in the pen loose?

Mike

 

[box6rranch]

How many hours a day are you tying them up for? I know a lot of people might argue with me on this but I don't tie up on a regular basis. Our cows get tied up for grooming at least a couple of hours every day or every other day. They lead and are good with setting up. We do it at first but never for super long times. They are loose in the cooling room too. I think it's easier on their joints not to be forced to be on their feet for long periods of time if they want to lay down. I've never seen a difference in showing next to someone who does tie up for extended periods of time. JMO

 

[shortyjock89]

The way that our barn is set up, it's easier for us to tie them up every day. They get tied with their heads up for a couple hours every day, but if we're not out there with them, they can lay down any time they want.  I will say that if our barn was set up to have them loose in small pens during the day, I'd definitely try it.

 

[blackcows]

How many hours a day are you tying them up for?

Too Many...Usually 9 am to 8 pm.  Sometimes I wonder if the cattle just need more time to be cattle, if you know what I mean.

Mike

 

[blackcows]

How many hours a day are you tying them up for? I know a lot of people might argue with me on this but I don't tie up on a regular basis. Our cows get tied up for grooming at least a couple of hours every day or every other day. They lead and are good with setting up. We do it at first but never for super long times. They are loose in the cooling room too. I think it's easier on their joints not to be forced to be on their feet for long periods of time if they want to lay down. I've never seen a difference in showing next to someone who does tie up for extended periods of time. JMO

After reading your post I probably need to clarify, by tying up I mean just tying as we would at a show.  Long enough that they can stand or sit.  We do try and tie with their heads up for a few hours a days a couple of times a week when we are around.

Mike

 

[bjs]

How many hours a day are you tying them up for?

Too Many...Usually 9 am to 8 pm.  Sometimes I wonder if the cattle just need more time to be cattle, if you know what I mean.

Mike

The reason we tie the calves heads up is so that you don't have to fight them to keep their heads up when you are leading them or showing them...makes it much easier on the showman and your calf is presented better, but I'm not sure if you mean with their heads up or just tied in the barn, Can you clarify please?

I think having the calves tied up is good for them...especially if it is hot outside and you have fans running...they get time to be cattle from 8 pm to 9 am in my opinion...we tie our cattle up for the same amount of time about like you and I think it is just fine

 

[Cattledog]

After we get ours broke we only tie them when we want them to stand.  The rest of the time they are loose in their pen.  I just think it's more relaxing for them.  Honestly...I think it's preference that matters.  Also, some facilities aren't set up for the cattle to be loose and it is just safer for them to be tied.

 

[knabe]

The reason we tie the calves heads up is so that you don't have to fight them to keep their heads up when you are leading them or showing them..

teach them to release off pressure.  it's so much easier on your arm, them, the eyes when they hold their head up.