I just picked up two steer calves the other week both about 6 months old and debudded, very small and very cute!
I had bought three heifers a few years ago at the local Highland Cattle sale, they were about 12 months old with horns.
In the short time I've had the new additions, I would say they are easier to handle and have been very easy to haulter train them. The horns isn't the problem as at that age they are wee stumps anyway it is is the size of the calves. That few extra months meant they were bigger, stronger and more weary of people.
This time round I have had the luxury of a small cattle pen consisting of 4 cattle gates, I am able to get the calves into this pen and using their feeding trugs as bait, I can put their haulters over them. During which time I brush them all over so they get used to human contact, this is with the foresight if I need to get a vet to look at them (the last three never needed the vet).
This time of year is perfect for getting them as they will have Mother Nature on their side with regards to grass and weather
I had suggested in the "Marketplace" about the Perth Sale coming up shortly, but see you are based in Cheshire, might be a bit far for you? There may be similar markets down nearer you? The other option is the Society's website, they have a sales section that may interest you as some of the cattle are in South of the Border here's the link for you
http://www.highlandcattlesociety.com/for_sale_wanted.phpI am no means an expert but would say that of all the animals I have, which include Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Guinea Fowl, Chickens, Cats, Dogs and now 2 Tamworths, they are the easiest to look after :- as long as they have enough space, grass and water they are very contented and very appealing to look at.
Hope this helps a wee bit?