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We have a 2-month-old calf that unexpectedly lost her mother. We are concerned that although she is eating hay and grains well, she is not wanting to drink. We have fresh water available at all times. Anything we can do to encourage her to drink?
Last Updated: October 20, 2008
As you are well aware, calves of this weight can dehydrate very quickly. If possible, put water in a bucket or watering trough, and let the water trickle in the bucket or trough so that it overflows. This may bring the calf to water. If you had an older calf that knows how to drink from a trough or tank, you could pen them together. Another thought would be to offer the calf water through a bucket with a nipple and the calf would use nursing action to drink water. If the calf becomes dehydrated, you may have to force water into the calf using a drencher.
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