FAQ
This page is intended to be a guide only, and any written/verbal contract both provides details and takes precedence over anything on this page,.
If you have any questions or would like to just talk, we love to talk about our cows!
Pricing for mini calves
Pricing of our calves is based on many factors including color and markings, disposition, guesstimated height at maturity (see Size below), chondro status, registration status, and sex of the calf. We do not set pricing in advance, but expect a pricing range of $5,000 - $15,0000.
Size
Any heights provided is our best guesstimate, but not guaranteed. They are based on our experience with our animals and their prior calves, mature height of dam and sire, size at birth, and chondro status.
Miniature cows are often classified as micro (under 36"), miniature (under 42"), and mid-mini or standard mini (under 48"). Micro calves will generally be chondro positive, mini calves may or may not be chondro positive, and mid-mini will generally be chondro negative. Note that chondro status does NOT guarantee a micro or a mini sized cow.
Here's is a pretty widely accepted growth chart and mini size categorization, and also a decently factual article explaining the chondrodysplasia gene. (I'm working on an article about chondro that will have other resources, so stay tuned.) Note that the growth chart doesn't begin until about 6 months old, which also means that you cannot predict a calf's mature height at birth.
Vaccinations
All calves come with age- and situation-appropriate vaccinations, and details will be listed in our contract for an individual animal. Depending on age, this typically includes one dose or two doses of a 7-way vaccine, one or two doses of a respiratory vaccine, and deworming. For heifers, we routinely do the brucellosis vaccination, which also comes with an RFID ear tag and tattoo. And depending on transport we may also do an intranasal like Inforce 3. Please ask us if you'd like more information about our health care and vaccination protocols. If you would like a different vaccine protocol, please ask so we can agree on the right plan that meets your goals.
Health papers
On leaving our ranch, calves will have appropriate health papers and brand inspection per their destination requirements.
Colorado is a brand inspection state, which means that all calves, regardless of destination, will have a formal "brand inspection / bill of sale". For planning purposes, the brand inspection appointment can take anywhere from 1 to 5 days to get scheduled. Please know that we do not actually brand our calves -- this is a State of Colorado formality.
For calves staying in Colorado, there are no other requirements.
For calves being transported out of state, there are other requirements. We do the first research by googling "import cows to [state]", and then we use our vet's knowledge to double check. Requirements are typically state-, age- and sex-specific. for example, if you google "import cows into colorado" you would go to this Colorado import page. As part of our service we provide all required Certified Veterinary Inspection (CVI), vaccines and/or tests. Please note that some tests, such as trich tests for older bulls, take some time to return results and may impact transport timing.
There are many vaccines and health tests that could be done. We are constantly following current practices and take the advice of our local vet who has knowledge of our herd and practices. If you would like additional vaccines or tests, please ask us so we can agree on the right plan that mets your goals. Some tests may require a quote through our vet and advance payment.
Bottle Calves and Weaning
Our philosophy is that dam-raised is first choice, for many health and social reasons. Therefore, calves are dam raised unless noted. We typically start weaning between 5 and 6 months of age, at which point they are already eating hay and nibbling grain. We socialize from birth so that calves are used to all the hoomans being in their space -- they've learned to trust, may already like to be brushed, and may already take treats from your hand.
Once weaned, we begin more intense socialization so the calves are ready for their new homes. This socialization process generally takes anywhere from 4 - 8 weeks. Calves go to new homes with experience being touched/brushed, taking hand treats, and walking on halters. Calves all have different personalities, so we strive to be as open and honest about their health, temperament, and socialization progress as we can. In some cases a calf may not be as progressed as we would like. In these cases we always communicate and give you the option for us to continue socialization or for you to take them home and finish the process.
Transport
Typically it is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange transport -- that way it is a contract between you and the transport company, and you can be in control. There are many reputable mini cattle transport companies and we are happy to give you referrals.
We often deliver "locally" within the state of Colorado, and we have even delivered to Texas! We LOVE meeting you in person, so if you are not able to pick up personally, let's figure out the best thing that works for us both.
Contract terms
We typically require a 50% deposit along with a signed sales contract, 25% due on weaning, and balance due at transfer.