Chute Training

When we first got into cattle, we had a love-hate relationship with the chute. It was obviously necessary, but getting the cows through it was always such a hassle. We tried different methods and equipment to move them through, but it was stressful, and half the time it felt like success came down to luck more than good handling. We only used the chute when we absolutely had to.

Then one day it occurred to me that, from the cows’ perspective, the chute only meant one thing: 
something unpleasant was about to happen.

So I decided to change their association with the chute… and ours.

It took time and consistency, but it has paid off in spades. Now we run every cow through the chute once or twice a month for no reason other than to pamper them. Do I need to put them in the chute to groom them? No. I can trim every one of our bulls’ sheath hair just standing in the open without a problem because they’re handled so often.

But by making the chute a place where they get brushed, scratched, and spoiled instead of stressed, they’ve actually learned to enjoy it. And when we do have to do the less pleasant things, we always take a few extra minutes afterward to finish with a good brushing and a few handfuls of sweet feed or treats.

A good way to gauge their experience is whether or not they poop in there.  A relaxed cow typically won’t.   We call it the poop review 😊 

Here’s Chewbacca, just hanging out after his spa day. He’d been thoroughly loved on and had absolutely no desire to leave. When we released his head from the catch, he didn’t bolt out.  John eventually had to pry him out with the rump bar! 😂