[redneckgurl_13]

Hey guys! I have 2 Jersey bottle babies right now, about 5-6 days old and I think they may have scours. The thing is, I can't be sure because the only symptom is the yellow, runny stool. Other than that they're eating fine, getting up and walking around, even running and bucking here and there. They definitely look healthy. I've started putting eggs in their bottles and may put some pepto bismol in them tmrw just to be on the safe side. But I'm a but inexperienced with this, so what do you guys think? I've been asking a friend of mine for advice but I'm still unsure. Could their tummies just be upset from switching from their mommas milk to replacer? Should I be worried?

 

[redneckgurl_13]

View attachment 340

This is Belle, my heifer. She's small but she eats fine. Even got out and walked around the yard with her today. Her eyes are okay and she's not dehydrated either.

 

[DoubleR]

She's super cute!
Got a pic of her stool?
How much replacer are you feeding and how often?
Soy or Milk Based replacer?
No temperature?
Yes a switch from moms milk to replacer or changing replacers will upset their tummy. So will over feeding. Best is to slowly transition over from one milk to another.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

I'm feeding her and my bull calf two bottle a day (2qt bottles) once in the morning before school and one when I get home. I don't have a picture of her stool right now but can get one tomorrow. Idk her temp and I'm pretty sure her replacer is milk based but I'll double check in the morning

 

[DoubleR]

You are over feeding them. At 5-6 days old they should only be getting 1-2 pints per feeding. 3 times a day is best for the 1st two weeks or so.
I'd probably be feeding them 2 pints 2x daily in your situation. Not ideal but at least they are over a week old.
That's what's causing your loose stool. It's common to over feed. Drop them down and I'll bet (pending no other issues) they will clear right up.
Do they beg for more after they finish eating? They should be begging for more when they are done.
Also provide a good starter grain and a small stem hay.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Yes they do beg for more! Okay I'll try that, thank you!

 

[redneckgurl_13]

View attachment 341

Here's the best picture I could get of their stool this morning(sorry for the bad quality)

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Turns out my replacer is soy based..it was on sale so I must have overlooked it in my excitement to get it cheaper, lol. But I also realized that it's the Country Lane stuff from Orschelns and you're supposed to feed Premium until they are three weeks of age and then move up to Deluxe but I'm giving them Deluxe...could that be a problem? Or will they be okay on it? Because I kinda stocked up on it..I'm a beginner like I said, so I guess I've learned from my mistakes and I'll know for next time!

 

[DoubleR]

The stool doesn't look terrible yet. I would not panic at that stool at all.
Calves just don't do well on soy based replacer. They won't grow well and it can cause scours but doesn't always.
If possible I would see about returning your extra bags and replacing it with a milk based replacer. Your already using a bag so it's a perfect opportunity to slowly transition off the soy to the milk base when you get low on the current bag.
I am not familiar with that replacer so I have no idea what the difference is between them but if they are continuing to do fine on what you have and not scour up id continue to feed it.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Okay I'll see if I can return the bags. Thank you so much for the advice! Sometimes I over-stress, haha.

 

[DoubleR]

Your doing great! Keep it up.
Don't forget to have Probiotics and Vitamin B on hand. Also a thermometer.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Okay, I'll remember to get those next time I'm at the farm supply store! Also, have you ever put eggs in your bottle calves milk? I've heard it's good for them, and have been putting some in their bottles for added protein/nutrients

 

[DoubleR]

Okay, I'll remember to get those next time I'm at the farm supply store! Also, have you ever put eggs in your bottle calves milk? I've heard it's good for them, and have been putting some in their bottles for added protein/nutrients

Personally no. I have heard people do it and I know it is an old school method but as a personal choice I don't. I feel confident (from results) that my replacer has what my calves are needing. I have done a good deal of research on replacers over the years as well as trial and error. I'm not a fan of adding raw animal products to my calves/cattle's diet.
Having said that! Lol! Some replacers and probiotics do have egg/ products in them.
So for me I stay with a good quality replacer and if I have concerns of scours etc I'll give a good probiotic. Vitamins B for appetite and energy.
You'll find what works for you. Every animal is different. We learn something from almost every one.
The key to healthy calves is reasonable temps, if in a barn- no drafts, good milk, no sudden changes in milk and quantities. The rest is the little stuff.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Okay! Their stools don't look yellow anymore, so I must have just been over feeding them. As soon as I lowered the amount I fed, they cleared up real quick. They're as happy as ever, have even been getting them used to their halters and letting them walk around outside the barn and they seem to enjoy it!

 

[redneckgurl_13]

View attachment 342
This is my favorite picture of my bull calf, Bentley

 

[DoubleR]

That's great news!
You have some lovely babies! They look very happy
The younger you start halter training the easier it is.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Thank you! And I was able to lead him on his halter pretty far today without hardly any resistance! My heifer, on the other hand, is still quite small and when she resists she pulls so hard she loses her balance and falls. So I'm waiting a little bit for her to get a bit bigger and stronger so she can keep her balance, and won't get herself hurt

 

[redneckgurl_13]

For now I just put the halter on her and let her wear it instead of trying to lead her

 

[DoubleR]

Sounds like a temper tantrum. Lol! If you can get a regular calf halter (not rope) that doesn't tighten leave it on her with a lead rope. She'll teach herself how to give to the pressure. Makes it a lot easier to lead/ tie train.

 

[redneckgurl_13]

Okay, I almost got one but saw the rope ones were cheaper lol. But I might end up having to get her one anyways, it looks like