Question 1

How much acreage per mini cow do you need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the amount and type of vegetation on the acreage. In my area of northwestern Colorado, it seems like 2 acres per mini cow is a good estimate.

Question 2

How much and when do you feed hay?

Accepted Answer

I started feeding an alfalfa grass mix small bale hay when I got a foot of snow on the pasture. This year it was after Thanksgiving. Where there is more acreage and more mini cows, round bales could be used. My girls are spoiled and get a small leaf in the morning and again before dark. Since I have a barn, I feed in the stall or the paddock. This lets me get hands on them frequently. It encourages them to come when called and they sleep in the stall so I don't worry as much about predators. Also, makes it easier for me when the weather is bad.

Question 3

Do they need a barn or other shelter?

Accepted Answer

My cows enjoy the barn when it is very cold and windy.  They have nice straw bedding and heated water. I have trained them to enjoy being in the stall (treats work wonders). 
The snow and rain don't seem to bother them at all. I think the short answer is "no, a barn isn't necessary". But they would benefit from a wind break in the winter and shade for the summer. The size and type will depend on the number of cows. It also gives a place for calving (fingers crossed as my first calf is due in the next week or so) and any care that might be needed.

Frog Creek Ranch

Frequently Asked Questions

Click category below or icon

How much acreage per mini cow do you need?

How much and when do you feed hay?

Do they need a barn or other shelter?

Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Click category below or icon

How much acreage per mini cow do you need?

How much and when do you feed hay?

Do they need a barn or other shelter?

Details

​