The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: Helen Wiltshire Horn on May 08, 2019, 08:05:52 pm

Title: Best crush for Dexters?
Post by: Helen Wiltshire Horn on May 08, 2019, 08:05:52 pm
Hi, I wonder if you can help me.  I am looking for a new crush for my small herd of Dexters (2 cows, 1 steer and a couple of calves).  I have had a very old full-size crush which has been fine but need something better as I handle the cattle by myself.  I have just waited over 6 months for an IAE yearling crush but it was tiny on receipt and I wouldn't have thought that my cows would fit in it at all (or certainly not those that are near calving).  I have heard good things about the IAE economy crush (though I may need to raise the floor for the head yoke as my cows aren't very tall).  That said, I am a bit nervous about the fact that you cannot secure it onto the race (we might put bolts in to remedy this but it wouldn't be ideal) and the fact that it doesn't have a gate at the rear.  I am also worried about my cows kicking through the sides (as one did when I was dealing with a degloved teat last year!)  Can anyone please give me some advice.  It is a big investment and one I want to get right.  Thanks in advance,
Helen
Title: Re: Best crush for Dexters?
Post by: honeyend on May 09, 2019, 10:55:12 am
I have two Kerry's, calves and a Lincoln Red bullock. They were all TB tested in a calving gate. I like it because its flexible, I have it in a middle wall, so I can use it either side and then bought a couple of cattle hurdles that I can use to make a pen or a funnel. I thought this was good value for money as its heavy, I think it was about £380 rom McVeigh Parker, and they had it in stock
.https://iae.co.uk/product-agriculture/standard-calving-hurdle/
 I didn't want a crush that would only be used rarely. They all have been fed in the headstock so is not a huge shock. I just have to get them used to the vet, they see a man and run the other way.
Title: Re: Best crush for Dexters?
Post by: twizzel on May 09, 2019, 05:00:35 pm
We have a Bateman manual squeeze crush. Whilst our cows are all Limousin cross so big girls, we put calves through it and squeeze them in to secure. It has a sliding back gate and the sides come out so you can put a calf to suck no problem at all. I can't see why you'd have any problems with Dexters in it. The head yoke is adjustable width ways too. If you go down the calving gate route double check that your vet is happy to tb test with it rather than using a crush.
Title: Re: Best crush for Dexters?
Post by: Helen Wiltshire Horn on May 13, 2019, 02:43:44 pm
Thanks for all your advice.  I have had a look and think that I am going to go for the Warrior crush from IAE.  The issue that I have is that I handle the cows alone most of the time and need safety to be my paramount concern.  My vet has indicated that only a crush will do and I think at least it will hold its value.  Thanks again.
Helen
Title: Re: Best crush for Dexters?
Post by: twizzel on May 13, 2019, 10:27:04 pm
A good crush is worth its weight in gold... we use ours for everything, TB testing, drenching, dehorning, calving and have done a couple of c sections in it too  :D