Like some other animals, baby cows, or calves, can stand and walk on their own very quickly after being born.
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After a baby cow is born, it becomes known as a calf. The mother cow is excited to see her young baby cow and is committed to taking care of him or her and raising them into a big strong cow! A group of cows is called a herd of cattle. Cows actually celebrate when another cow is born! You can tell that cows are celebrating when other cows come to protect the mother and her newborn baby cow. All of the grownup cows will keep the newborn baby safe and warm.
Just like other mammals including us, the mother cow carries her calves in her womb for about nine months. Interestingly enough, the mother cow is pregnant with a female calf longer than she is with a male calf. All baby cows are born with fully developed organs and though very weak, the mother cows do everything possible to help these baby beauties. Just after a cow is born, they begin to make the familiar “moo!” sound we know and love!
Calves can communicate with their mothers through mooing sounds and get to know each other better. After just a few days of getting used to their big new world, they love to jump and play around! It’s amazing how they have so much energy after just being born!
Calves have teeth when they are born, but they are very small and soft. The mother cow chews their food before giving it to the baby cow so they have an easier time and can start practicing.
Calves are very interesting pets and some people enjoy bottle-feeding them when the mothers are not available. It evokes emotions to see them suckle the milk from the bottle just like the human babies though larger in size!
Baby Cow Care – Caring for calves
If you want to keep a cow or a baby calf as a pet, there are a few things you need to know! A cow can live anywhere from 18-22 years in captivity when cared for throughout their life. This means that you will have your baby cow long after they grow big and become an adult cow! An adult cow can consume anywhere from 10-20 gallons of water a day. This is a lot of water! Make sure they always have access to fresh water so they can stay healthy and hydrated. Cows also like really salty foods! Although instead of feeding them salty foods, just make sure they have access to a salt lick. This can be purchased online or at a regular farm supply store. For regular day to day food, invest in a good cow feed. This can also be bought at a local farm supply store.
If you don’t have a lot of grassland where you live, you should probably not have a cow as a pet. They need a lot of room to roam and explore while they graze. The smallest amount of property recommended for keeping a cow is half an acre. Cows are much bigger than they look, even when they are still babies! Always practice safety when working with cows to ensure they and you stay safe.
Cows like to spend a lot of time outdoor grazing, but also need a good indoor shelter for nights and during cold or bad weather. A barn is ideal, but not always possible. The shelter should be waterproof and free from winds or strong drafts.
Have a local vet on call who is familiar with cows, and always have them screened about every six months. Pay extra close attention to their feet!
