To feed the cows?

[PattyCow]

We walk along a footpath that has cows to one side behind a wire fence. They generally come over to see us when we walk past. DS likes to have a little chat with them. To be honest I feel a bit intimidated by them but I suppose behind a fence there isn't much they can do. DS suggested bringing them carrots. Would this be similar to feeding someone's horse which I know is not ok? Is there anything we could feed them?

Cows love music. Especially brass (so jazz and trumpets etc). It’s the pitch apparently. There’s loads of videos on YouTube of people playing music to cows and them rushing over to listen.

Yep just to back up what people are saying about not feeding animals out and about in general- you can't feed (as in, it's illegal) farm animals anything that's been inside a domestic kitchen even if it's stayed in packaging, and if there was any suspicion this was going on the farmer could get into serious trouble. It doesn't apply to horses but as others have said they are often on quite specific diets and also likely to get quite rude and grabby if people do feed them.
OP you are providing entertainment for the cows which is great, if the odd one takes a neck scratch from you too even better.

Don't feed anyone else's animals. I know, it's been said by pp, but you wouldn't dream of feeding someone's dog over the garden fence, would you? (Hopefully not!)

And while I'm on about it, please can I remind people not to tip grass cuttings into horse fields, it's incredibly dangerous and a horse died recently when some kind soul did this, thinking they were being nice. It ferment, it causes colic, horse dies cos it can't be sick. Very painful, nasty way to die.

@Rinoachicken That's a great video! I actually can play the flute. Not sure if that would be their thing. Also not sure I'd want the neighbors to see me serenading the cows but maybe I'll dust it off and give it a go! Maternity leave just got more interesting.

The bull seemed very chill. I didn't even notice him at first. The mother cows put themselves between us and their babies but after a while the calves pushed through to have a good old look and sniff as well. Maybe they will start to recognise us and they won't feel threatened. I imagine if I bring my flute that might help to distinguish us in their minds!

Thanks for all the cow tips. I've never lived anywhere but the city and haven't got a clue.

Out of interest if the "pony carrots" aren't for ponies who exactly are they for?

Ben Vogel s dad, a farmer and vet, was trampled by his own cows. He said 'I should have known better. I do know better but I still approached a calf carelessly and mother and herd took exception'. They are large animals, placid if left alone but easily upset by things you may unwittingly do. Dont feed them.

Ben Vogel s dad, a farmer and vet, was trampled by his own cows. He said 'I should have known better. I do know better but I still approached a calf carelessly and mother and herd took exception'. They are large animals, placid if left alone but easily upset by things you may unwittingly do. Dont feed them.

Teach your ds how to behave with farm animals. Teach him they eat grass, and can't give them grass from the path on case a dog has poohed there, or there are other plants in it which make them sick.

teach him to look for the calves and then treat the mothers with respect.

Much, much better than teaching him to feed them carrots.

Pony carrots are for the owner to buy and give as a treat in limited numbers.

Can I also suggest that children stroking cows heads can also be dangerous as I was taught at Vet School a cows head is a large block of concrete on a broom handle operated by an idiot. A cow shakes their head and accidentally bashes you or a child it can lead to a serious injury.
Cows are large mammals and incredibly powerful and should be handled with respect and care.

I did say I wasn't going to feed them. I got it. Promise.

I buy pony carrots to dish out to my various animals but they are the ones in the big nets from the animal feed store that are straight from the processor at harvest so they've never been anywhere 'risky'. My place also does single variety nets of apples too so the diets get very sophisticated in the autumn 😂

I know you've had the message loud and clear, OP, but for anyone who might be thinking "they're overreacting" think about it this way:

Cows are a dairy/beef farmer's livelihood.

Would you be happy if someone wandered into your office/surgery/classroom and changed a few numbers on a spreadsheet/told a patient which medication to take/interfered with how you teach children to read? It's no different in terms of you, an uninformed person who has no business involving themselves, interfering with someone else's work.

Oh, and you will seriously know about it if a cow stands on your or your child's foot. Not something you want to experience.

They’re gorgeous aren’t they!

It’s natural to want to feed animas, it’s a basic instinct, but it’s not a good idea, unfortunately. For them OR for you. If they think you’re bringing food they can be be very determined to get at it and that fence isn’t going to stop a determined cow!

...let us know what they think of your flute playing 🤣

Get some photos of DS reading to them 😊

(Yes, I know you said you’re not going to feed them )

My great uncle used to play the cello to his neighbour’s cows. Have an amazing photo of him in his 80s surrounded by cows with his cello.

Why not speak to the farmer, he may be fine with you feeding them and advise what is best

Cows do t eat carrots ! If anything pull long grass for them but be really careful - their
Tongues are long and very strong and you or your dc might be frightened or get a shock.
Good idea just to look at them. They sometimes get very interested in being spoken to.

Don’t

janI saw this ! I also play the cello and found the video really very moving in odd way.

He was very fond of his neighbour’s herd. This was back in the early 90s I guess, in the Peak District. Said individual cows had particular friends within the herd and would manoeuvre to be together when heading for milking. I’m very keen on cows too, but find them extremely intimidating when in open field. There are roaming cows on cliff paths near where we go on holiday who lurk like delinquents and can make for slightly worried (and faster than easy pace) walk past them!

Can I ask you cow experts how much water does a cow/bull need, do they get their water from grass? I ask because there are some cows near us but they never seem to have any water to drink 🤷🏽‍♀️
I've often thought about feeding them but will obviously not after reading this thread.

Just sing to them. Cows love singing.

Snap - once had to run full speed from herd of young heifers - tried a James bind roll at speed u see a hedge - my walking bag stopped me in mid roll - was actually terrified and stuck like a pig and hysterically laughing. Cows are really not to be messed with.
Lovely to remember that video thank you will look it out again. Seem to remember fascinating research into friendships/groups in herds.

@usernameuser there is not an absolute answer to that dairy cows in their early production need gallons of water a day, before cows with no calf at foot much less.
All animals should have access to fresh, clean water at all times this is one of the 'five Freedoms' that is the corner stone to animal welfare.

Cows dont eat carrots !

Yes they do

If anything pull long grass for them but be really careful

No, please don't do that,