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Starting Oxen
Posted by Emmy at 2015-02-17 16:55:49
So I just got two 2 week old Jersey bull (soon to be steer) calves, I plan to train them as oxen. My first question is do they have to have horns or can we disbud them? Second is what is the youngest we can start them pulling small items like tires and such for training... And should we try to build them a mini yoke for training or not?... Thank you :)
Response by Chris at 2015-02-18 07:01:07
Horns are your preference
Pull anything if you want but don't overload them
Make a yoke but ensure you have it on them correctly as they don't need discomfort
Response by Vicki at 2015-02-18 08:31:16
Congratulations, what fun you are going to have! I am all for leaving horns on oxen. I know oxen that are dehorned and you can use brichen with a neck yoke if that's your sure choice. The calves can and should begin to pull something light as soon as they are fairly proficient in their basic commands of whoa, get up, gee, and haw. Some resistance on the yoke is good. You cannot have them pull much weight or for very long at first. You must develop not only their physical endurance, but their psychological endurance and confidence too. Lots of praise and ending every encounter on a positive note will bring them along quickly. Begin teaching respect and manners right now. You might be able to borrow a small 4" or 5" yoke if there are other ox drovers around. Just work with each calf individually at first to understand whoa and walk up and turns; then you can tie their halters together for team walking at first.
Response by Jonathan Shively at 2015-02-18 13:19:30
Also understand with Jerseys that they are the biggest cry babies, temper tantrum throwers. When trying to teach them to lead they'll throw themselves down on their sides and just look at you. (my daughters showed Jersey bucket calves for years in 4H). Also, they remember.
Response by Anna Knapp-Peck at 2015-02-18 15:39:48
My daughter just got a Charolais/Holstein steer that is polled, which is unimportant because she will work him in harness. For cattle to be used in a yoke it is better if they have horns. The horns prevent the yoke from being pushed off when they are taking a load downhill. If properly trained horned cattle pose no great risk. With Jerseys I would get a yoke on them early and work them often. This breed can be hard to start with, they are prone to lay down when they don't want to work. Be firm and consistent with them.
Response by KC Fox at 2015-02-19 00:02:06
My grandmother who was 20 years old in 1900 said they put yokes on little calves and changed the sizes as they grew up. they never let them run around without the yokes. they the kids used them when they done chores, said the kids walked until the calves were big enough to pull them on a small sled. Grandma could out walk most people and some horses I think.
Response by Kenneth Pudeler at 2015-02-19 10:42:15
I start at 2 week to teach them to lead.

Always tie then at feeding. It keeps them sepperated and teaches them about being tied. They should remain tied for one hour after feeding to allow them to settle down.

For a 4" yoke nail 2 2x4" together and put a hardwair store hook or ring in for a staple. To make bows use 10' of 1" plastic pipe or electical conduit ($2 to $3). Borrow an electric heater from a electricion or use your gas grill. Cut pipe in 3+ ft lengths. tape end, fill with DRY sand, tape other end to keep sand in. Heat center section and keep turning it until soft (will flex from it's own weight ). Quickely bend it around a 4" or 5" mold.
Make molds from 2x6 and clamp mold to table or bench.
Make spairs as cost is low for each.

Calves will not need yoke for 6 weeks as you teach commands. After 10 or 12 weeks they can exparance "THE PULL" of a single piece of fire wood or a light chain.
tires and such are for year old steers.

Go slow and enjoy your time with them.

Use the rain days to groom and bond with them more.

Last spring R.H. had an article about training horses in the barn over the winter, apply that to your working steers.

In New England, all oxen must have 2 horns to pull.


Response by chris at 2015-02-24 16:31:00
Oxen do not have to have two horns to pull in new england

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