Complete Guide to the Teacup Mini Cow [Milking, Cost, and Potty Training!]
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You may have seen them on social media or on a farm-to-table restaurant menu and asked yourself – what kind of cow is that? Well, friends, those are teacup mini cows! And they are the latest trend in the world of pet ownership.
Though they may look like a cross between a miniature horse and a cow, these gentle giants are a breed of Dexter cattle that originated in Ireland.
Here’s everything you need to know about these unique creatures.
What’s Inside:
Are Mini-Cows Good Pets?
Yes. Mini cows are excellent pets! And many fluffy teacup mini cow owners say these lovely mini cow creatures are their new favorite companion animals. They are also relatively low-maintenance. Unlike dogs or cats, teacup mini cows do not need to be groomed or bathed regularly. Instead, they should get brushed once or twice weekly to remove any dirt or debris from their coat.
The Dexter breed was developed in the early 1800s. Dexters are (already) known for their small stature. They are typically about half the size of a standard cow.
In recent years, however, a smaller sub-breed of Dexter has been developed specifically for pet owners. These cows, known as teacup mini cows, weigh between 250 and 350 pounds and stand just 36 inches tall at the shoulder.
Ten years ago, nobody knew anything about teacup cows or mini cows. But now – they are surprisingly popular. Ranchers love their docile nature and intelligence. They can also get trained to perform tricks and even walk on a leash.
Are Mini Cows Hard to Care for – or Easy?
If you’re thinking about adding a teacup mini cow to your family, there are a few things you should know first.
For starters – these animals require a surprising amount of space. They should have at least one acre of pasture per cow. In addition, they should have constant access to fresh water. And they should get fed a hay, grass, and grain diet.
You will also need to have your property fenced in. Because of the cow’s small size, teacup mini cows can easily escape from an unsecured yard or pasture.
What Do You Feed Mini Cows?
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding mini cows.
- First, mini cows should have constant access to fresh, clean water.
- They also need a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar.
- Hay, pasture grass, and sustainably grown grains are all excellent options for mini cows.
- In addition, mini cows need a source of minerals and vitamins, such as salt blocks or mineral supplements.
How Much Are Mini Teacup Cows?
How much are mini teacup cows? Well, that all depends on where you get them from and what size you want them to be. Generally speaking, the smaller the cow, the more expensive it will be. However, there are a few other factors that can affect mini teacup cow prices as well.
For example, the color of the cow can also play a role in how much it costs. White mini teacup cows will likely cost more than black teacup cows. The reason is due to the white mini teacup cow’s rarity.
Also, if you want a mini teacup cow bred as a show cow, you can expect to pay a premium price. All in all, mini teacup cows can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
Read More!
- How Long Do Cows Live on Your Homestead [Beef and Dairy 101]
- 275+ Cute and Funny Cow Names From Moodonna to Donald Rump
- Can Cows Eat Clover? [Clover Forage, Toxicity, and Bloat]
- How Much Hay to Feed Your Cows in the Winter? This Much!
Can You Keep Cows In Your House?
Can you keep cows in your house? That’s a question more people are asking as the popularity of miniature cows continues to grow. Also known as mini cows, these small-scale bovines can make great pets for those with the space to accommodate them.
And while they may seem like a lot of work, mini cows are relatively low-maintenance animals. Similar to their larger cow counterparts, mini cows need fresh grass and water. And they should be vaccinated and dewormed regularly.
However, they can get easily trained to use a litter box. (We know that litter training your pet cow sounds crazy. But it’s possible!)
Can You Potty Train a Mini Cow?
It’s no secret that cows are intelligent animals. Cows have learned complex tasks and formed strong bonds with their caretakers. Given their intelligence and social nature – we’re not surprised that some ranchers have considered potty-training their mini cows.
While mini cows are cute and can make unrivaled pets, they are not the most straightforward animals to potty train. Like any animal, they require patience and positive reinforcement. However, if you put forth your best efforts, it is possible to potty train a mini cow. The key is to start training early and be consistent with your approach.
PS – We wanted additional research to see if it’s possible to potty-train teacup mini cows. Or any cow, for that matter! We found a fascinating interview featuring a behavioral scientist from the NPR blog.
Their analysis indicates that cows can indeed get potty trained. And in surprisingly fast order! The researchers propose that positive encouragement for the potty-training cow is one of the main ingredients to success. Interesting!
(We think additional research regarding cattle potty training is needed here. Obviously! But – it’s a fascinating find, nevertheless.)
Do You Have to Milk a Mini Cow?
No, you don’t have to milk a mini cow. Mini cows produce are too small to produce much milk. Mini cows are bred for their petite size and docile temperament, not for their dairy production.
However, some mini cows may deliver a small amount of milk, which can get used for household tasks like making coffee or baking. But if you’re looking for a steady supply of fresh milk, you’ll need to get a full-sized dairy cow.
For some homesteaders, a mini milking cow may be the perfect addition. Mini jerseys or mini holsteins, for example, will produce 1 to 1.5 gallons of milk per day. Plenty for a small family! Pat and Elia Schout run miniature cattle on their farm in Illinois and have found various benefits to raising mini cows vs standard-size cows.
Do You Need Many Acres for a Micro Mini Cow?
Many homesteaders are interested in this question because they think a micro mini cow would be the perfect pet for their small farm or homestead. The answer to this question depends on a few factors! The primary considerations are the cow breed, the climate, and the amount of pasture available.
Most experts agree that a minimum of one acre of land is necessary for each adult cow. However, in warmer climates, where pasture conditions are good year-round, you may require less land. It’s also important to consider the amount of pasture available.
If you have a small piece of land with limited pasture, you may need to supplement your cow’s diet with hay or grain. Ultimately, the best way to determine how much land you need for a micro mini cow is to consult with a local veterinary expert or agricultural extension agent.
How Long Does a Miniature Cow Live?
Miniature cows typically have a 15 to 20-year lifespan. Although, we’ve heard about some individuals living well into their 30s. With proper care and nutrition, your miniature cow can provide you with years of companionship.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about teacup mini cows! These unique creatures make excellent companion animals for those with adequate space to care for them properly.
If you’re considering adding one of these miniature giants to your family, conduct your research first! That way, you can provide your new pet with everything they need to thrive.
(You’ll also find that there are many types of mini cows. So we recommend conducting ample research before jumping in head first and adding some to your herd.)
Do you have experience raising teacup mini cows?
If so – we would love to hear about your venture!
Or – if you have more questions about raising teacup mini cows – we invite you to ask.
Thanks again for reading.
And – have a great day!
