THE FARMERS' COLUMN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 73, 22 December 1880, Page 4

THE FARMERS' COLUMN.

HINTS ON TRAINING HEIFERS.

A writer in an American agricultural paper gives the following advice upon this subject;— It is an easy matter to train a heifer to stand quietly to be milked, but it is easier to train them to jump, kick, and run. The way to teach them to stand still, is to require them always to do so. If there is nought to hinder a wild heifer from running, and if her fears prompt her to tuti, she can and will run. If she cannot run, in a short time she loses her fear, and stands from habit ; and habit is one of the most powerful influences in this world for either braie or man. li you want to transform a wild heifer into a wellbehaved, well-trained cow, you must be patient, and exhibit no temper. Never strike her. She must first of all get acquainted with you, and learn that you will not hurt her. She must learn not to fear you. If, in winter, it is best to milk in the stable, make as little fuss and as few alarming motions as possible ; handle her very gently. Be careful not to pinch the teats. This is the great source of trouble. A. cow naturally, wishes to get rid of her milk. She stands quietly until some careless milker has given a squeeze that hurts, when she kicks and runs. By allowing such a course a few times, the habit will be confirmed. The best way to manage, if you have no stable, ia bo hare a well-fenced yard, and teach your heifers to stand for milking in that ; or, next best, to tie them, using them very quietly. No man or boy is fit to handle animals unless lie can control them and control himself.