To think that having a pet cow might be possible?

[ArsenalsPlayingAtHome]

Are there any farmers out there?

It's probably an insane idea, so if you know about these things, please advise.

Thank you.

[RueDeDay]

It's not a great idea unless you have land, and other (appropriate, eg not horses etc) animals to be it's 'herd'.

Large animals cost large amounts at their vet and often need specialist equipment (eg hoof care). You would need some knowledge of their physical and behavioural needs, including how to handle them safely, how to recognise injury/disease etc.

I grew up on a farm and would never have a cow as a pet.

[Badbadtromance]

Get a goldfish

[wasonthelist]

I am not a farmer, but you are right OP, it is an insane idea, and probably quite cruel.

[nInachu]

Yes its possible but you'd need more than one. Cows are very friendly and curious animals, just large so you would need space.

[wasonthelist]

I am not a vegan or veggie BTW .

[CMOTDibbler]

It is insane. Theres a lot of paperwork involved, a lot of animal husbandry, and if you are thinking of a milk cow, you need to calve them every year and then milk then twice a day, every single day. And its not easy to get someone else to come and do that.
And as others have said, they need company

[LaContessaDiPlump]

Why do you want one, op?

[ArsenalsPlayingAtHome]

Land isn't really a problem....

Rue why not? Go on, talk me out of it!

I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard about that video doing the rounds on fb, where the little girl is hugging her cow in the house...that's what's dunnit!

[Lochan]

Why on earth would you think this was a good idea?

[AnarchyKitty]

I've always wanted a Highland Cow. But then, I live on a farm with hundreds of Aberdeen Angus and Herefords . The Herefords are particularly friendly but
I'd definitely say No to a pet cow.

[sizeofalentil]

Why not get a pig first, start off small-er. They are friendly and trainable.

[VerySadInside]

If you have the land and time then could you get 4/5 cow? Those shorts ones are very cute- Dexters.

[ghostyslovesheets]

do you understand how big they are

[SquatBetty]

Yes but they're herd animals, they aren't going to be happy without a herd are they?

[hazeydays14]

How would a cow fit in a house? don't tell me it's a 'micro' one because that always works out for people buying pigs that suddenly become giant doesn't it...

[ineedamoreadultieradult]

Dexter cows are small cows. They used to be taken into the kitchen in the olden days to provide warmth. I dont know how many you would need to keep each other company or if they could be friends with other animals but they are definitely the best bet breed wise.

[BenjaminLinus]

We've had a couple of pet cows for years - they're fab, do it if you can, but please don't just keep one on it's own.

Assuming you're in UK, just need to make sure that the land you own has a Holding Number, then get a Herd Number (Defra I think) and inform the Local Council and IIRC the Trading Standards, get registered with the British Cattle Movement Service and a vet and you're good to go.

You'll need about 3 acres to graze two cows throughout the year. More is the grass is rough, less if they're housed in winter.

It's up to you to fence your animals in, not for others to fence them out and obviously you need a water supply to a trough and some sort of shelter and shed to store feed and bedding etc.

You'll need to check if your land is in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone as this will affect how you store manure/muckhill and how much can be applied to your land and when.

You need to have someone who knows what they're doing, my DH is an ex-dairy farmer - assuming if you have the land, you also have farming neighbours to ask. Also bear in mind that they'll need checking everyday when you're away, and bad shit always happens at inappropriate times.

[Kursk]

We kept a pig last year, we found that you don't save any money as what you spend on feed etc works out the same as the cost of the meat.

[piglover]

You ate it???

[kateclarke]

Apart from all the other stuff, aren't cow pats very messy?

[derxa]

It sounds a bit miserable OP. A cow on its own won't be happy. What is the purpose of it? Try sheep instead. They are much easier to handle.
I've never heard of a pet cow.

[Kursk]

Yes we did, only have bacon left now

[BarbarianMum]

Cows are not continent. Their pats are large and sticky . They are not good house pets.

For outdoors its possible if you get hardy ones (not just one). No more of a money pit than a horse.

[ProfYaffle]

Kursk - we've kept pigs in the past too. It's not really about the money, the quality of the meat is amazing. Never bought anything as good.

[FlyingDuck]

You pig people - where did they live? Do you have large plots, or keep it at a farm as a lodger? I have been thinking about community pig clubs, in a 1940s way, and contemplating the logistics.