Frequently asked questions
The most frequent questions we are asked about highlands and galloways are listed below.
What price can I expect to pay for a mini?
Each cow or calf will have a different price allocated as they all have differing (projected) characteristics, the most commonly sought after being size. Although we cannot give you an overall price estimate we can give you a guide as to how we come to a decision for each individual four leeged friend. Below is an approximate pricing guide for our miniature cattle
Base Price
( To the base price add GST and any extras as per list below) -
• Mid-miniature Size Miniature Galloway Steer $2500
• Full Miniature Galloway Steer 38 to 42" $3300
• Mid-miniature Size Highland Steer $3300
• Full Miniature Highland Steer $4400
Micro Highland or Galloway Steer 36 to 38"
$5500. Prices include GST
Extras (add this to the base price)
Calf Kit - containing Calf milk, Calf kibble, Chaff, Cost Price as per Yan Yean Stock Feed Salt licks, Halter and Lead, Vitrate (electrolytes), Price list
Occasionally we sell breeding stock, mostly in the mid size range. For prices and availability on breeding stock please contact us on 0407098477.
Please understand that both the Poll highland and the miniature highland are a rare breed and are priced accordingly.
How much space do I need?
The land you need depends on the condition of your soils, paddocks and climate. as an average we say you require about 2 acres per head. if you live in a higher rainfall area with good growth in your paddocks you my beable to reduce the ratios. Keep in mind that if you intend to have other types of livestock then they will take up some of your carrying capacity.
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Do you have a waiting list?
We do not have a waiting list. Our cattle go to the best available home at the time. We find that if we have a waiting list people often change there mind while there are great families ready when the cattle are.
Do I need to have two cows or can I just have one?
When I look into our paddocks I see the calves playing with each other. They are a herd animal, and we see cattle that stay friends for years. If you have cattle in a paddock with sheep or goats you will see the sheep in one section, the goats hanging together and the cattle do the same. They are inately, a herd animal. We prefer our cattle to go to a home with a friend of like age, especially the younger ones. Moving away to a new home is stressfull for young cattle, but made much easier if they have a friend to go to, or with.
How many colours are there in the Highland cattle?
The Highland cattle that are often seen in portraits are usually red in colour, but therer are actually a number of natural colours in the highland coats.
The natureal colour range for highlands includes;
Red
Yellow
White
Silver Dunn
Dunn (dusty as pictured above)
Brindle (combination of red and black)
Black
With in these colour ranges there are varying shades
Should I get a heifer or a steer for a pet home?
If you have no intention of breeding, you are better off with a steer. Both cows and bulls will go through fences if they can, when they come into season. This is especially the case when they feel there is a mate in the next paddock across. Of course because our cattle are littler than most, it poses an extra risk if a bull down the road is much bigger than her and she falls pregnant.
We often get people who feel that the cows will be quieter than the boys. We find that the steers are just as docile if not more so than the girls.
What facilities do I need for miniature cattle?
All cattle appreciate some form of shelter from the bad weather, be it heat, cold or rain. I small barn/shelter shed is good, however even a few trees in the paddocks will usually suffice. The highlands do like a dam to stand in during the hotter months as well.
Provision of fresh water is always appreciated however as long as there is a dam with adequate water quality they will be happy.
Regular cattle fencing, hinge joint or 7 strand with a few barb wire runs is fine. We do not find that we need the electric fencing if the farm fencing is in good tensioned condition. It is best to have a few paddocks to rotate the animals through to manage feed load and worm burden.
It is good to have a basic cattle crush and yard as the cattle get older. If for any reason you need to call in the vet, or manage a problem with the cattle this will make life much easier for all.
Taming the cattle
A small yard off your crush and ramp area will also be ideal for holding the cattle in while they get to know you. When you first get your cattle you can keep them in a small yard area and feed them there. Make sure they have access to water. In the yards over the first few days they will come to trust you and know you are their provider. feed them lucern and treats in the crush and as you gain trust, maybe try putting a brush over them (be very careful as they are big even when they are small). I do not stop brushing them until they have settled down and are back to eating, or at least not carrying on. Over time you can then start brushing them in more open spaces. Keep in mind that the older cattle may never get to the stage of liking the brush. It comes down to each indervidual cow and their own preferences, just like us.
Can Highland cattle cope in hot climates like QLD?
Yes, there are highland and galloway cattle all over Australia including Queensland. These cattle have a shedding coat that allows them to cope in most climates. Some of my highlands shedc down to what looks like a dairy breed in summer, but come winter they will have a beautiful long coat to keep them warm. The coat on the highland is a double coat which provides insulation for cold climates and even to some degree against the heat. Cattle also lose heat through horns and feet. A dam to stand in will assist in cooling as will the presence of shade trees in the paddock.
How big will the mini cattle grow?
There are different gradings in the miniature sizes. Micro highlands are extreamly rare with an expected height of under 96cm to the top of the back hip. From 97cm to 107 is the miniature highland and then from 108 to 120 is the most common of the miniatures in the Mid Size Miniature range.
Keep in mind that the full height is generall measured at three years of age. Until then we can only estimate from the genetics, what the expected height is likely to be. The older the animal, the beter the estimation. Therefore if you get your new little babes at under 6 months of age the potential end height can be very difficult to project. We can only do our best. Some may stop growing and be smaller while others may grow even after the age of three and go over the estimated height range. Looking at the parents is the best way to get a feel for the growth potential.
What if I like highlands but are worried about the horns?
You are not alone!! I hear this question often. This is one of the reasons that we breed poll highlands, however we are still trying to build our numbers for these beautiful creatures. We also very much love our horned girls, but do understand that they are not for every.one. We also breed our highlands with our galloways in order to produce a beautiful shaggy coat without the horns. The offspring are often hard to tell apart from the pure highlands except for the lack of horns.
Can I get calves on the bottle and how often do they need feeding?
We sometimes have calves on the bottle, if for some reason either the calf or Mum needs our assistance. If this is the case, generally we will see that the calf is fit and healthy and at an age where it is unlikely for complications so occur. By the time we are happy for one of these special little bundles to go to a loving home, it will generally require 2 feeds per day. I will provide information at the time as to the milk formulation and further care and supplimentation that the calf requires. One of the most importatant requirements of these calves is that they need a griend of there own kind to go with them.