How to Care for Your Mini Cutie Cow

A Simple, Friendly Guide to Raising a Happy & Healthy Calf

Bringing home a mini Highland calf is a truly special experience. These gentle, fluffy companions are loving, intelligent, and quickly become a cherished part of the family. And although caring for a calf may feel intimidating at first, the truth is: with the right guidance, it’s easy, enjoyable, and incredibly rewarding.

Below is a simplified, owner-friendly guide to help you give your new Cutie the healthiest and happiest start possible.

1. Creating a Safe & Comfortable Environment

Shelter That Keeps Your Calf Cozy

Your calf needs a warm, dry shelter protected from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. A barn, shed, or three-sided run-in with straw or wood-shaving bedding is perfect. Aim for:

Good ventilation

No harsh drafts

Dry, clean bedding

This gives your calf security and helps prevent illness.

Safe Space to Explore & Play

Mini Highlands are small, curious, and surprisingly agile. A secure pasture with proper fencing is essential.

Because young calves can roll under standard fencing, we recommend:

A 4th bottom rail about 6″ from the ground

A cattle panel added to the inside of the lower two rails

This prevents escapes and keeps your calf safely contained while giving them freedom to roam and enjoy their new home.

2. Feeding & Nutrition — Helping Your Calf Grow Strong

Colostrum: The First Essential Step

In the first hours of life, calves need colostrum loaded with natural antibodies. At Castle Farm, newborns stay with their mothers for at least two weeks so they receive everything they need for a strong immune foundation.

If bottle-feeding is desired, we then wean, begin bottle training, and introduce halter handling before they leave for your home.

Milk Feeding Made Simple

For the first several weeks, your calf relies primarily on milk. If bottle-feeding:

Use a high-quality calf milk replacer

Feed roughly 10–12% of body weight per day, divided into 2–4 feedings

By 4 weeks, two feedings per day is typically enough as your calf begins eating grain, hay, and grass.

Transitioning to Solid Food

At 3 weeks, start introducing:

Calf starter grain

High-quality hay

Fresh, clean water

Continue offering milk until your calf is 8–10 weeks old and confidently eating grass and grain.

Grass, Hay & Hydration

Mini Highlands thrive on:

High-quality hay

Fresh pasture grass (grass + clover is ideal)

Unlimited clean water

Bottle-fed calves socialize beautifully and develop a gentle, affectionate temperament — one reason many families love this option.

If you prefer natural weaning (about 4 months), we can accommodate that too.

3. Vaccinations: Protecting Your Calf’s Long-Term Health

Work with your local veterinarian to build the best vaccination schedule for your region. Below are general guidelines:

3–4 Months of Age

BRD Vaccines (Respiratory Protection):

IBR

BVD

PI3

BRSV

Clostridial (7-way or 8-way)
Protection against blackleg, enterotoxemia, and other serious diseases.

6–8 Months of Age

BRD Booster

12 Months & Annually (or 1–2 Months Before Breeding)

Leptospirosis

IBR

Annual BRD booster

Vibriosis (for breeding stock)

Footrot & Pinkeye vaccines (if common in your region)

Your vet or local extension office can tailor this precisely to your area.

4. Routine Health Care

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Consistent check-ups help your calf grow healthy and catch any potential issues early.

Deworming

Your veterinarian will recommend the best parasite-prevention schedule for your climate and pasture conditions.

Hoof Care

In many areas, hooves naturally wear down. If needed, occasional trimming by a farrier keeps your calf comfortable as they grow.

5. Socialization & Handling — Building the Sweet Temperaments We Love

Gentle Daily Interaction

Start handling your calf early. Calm, friendly interaction helps them:

Build trust

Feel secure

Become well-socialized

Your Castle Farm calf has already been:

Bottle-fed (if chosen)

Handled daily

Halter trained

Started on lead training

This makes the transition into your family smooth and stress-free.

Animal Companionship

Calves are herd animals. They thrive when they have a companion such as:

Another mini cow

A goat

A lamb

A pony

This keeps them emotionally healthy and reduces stress.

6. Monitoring Your Calf’s Daily Health

Simple Daily Check-In

Spend a few minutes each day during feeding to make sure your calf is:

Eating well

Active and curious

Playful

Alert

Watch for signs like coughing, lethargy, or refusal to eat, and call your vet if anything seems unusual.

Healthy Growth & Body Condition

Your vet can help determine the right balance of hay, grain, and pasture. Even with strong pasture, many owners offer a small amount of grain twice daily to:

Check hydration

Monitor condition

Strengthen the human–animal bond

Brushing also supports a healthy coat and helps you catch any skin issues early.

The Joy of Raising a Mini Highland Calf

Caring for a baby mini Highland is one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. With the right environment, great nutrition, proper health care, and lots of love, your calf will grow into a happy, healthy, gentle companion.

At Castle Farm Cattle Company, we’re with you every step of the way.
If you ever need guidance or support after your purchase, we’re always just a call or message away.