Our Miniature Calves
We had our first drop of calves in July of 2023. It was a rollercoaster of emotions (for me anyway!).
We were expecting four embryo calves, but found out after their due date that only two had held since the 60 days scan showed four had held.
We had three natural mates, all of the ladies were in calf to Boris but we unfortunately lost Agatha's calf as he was breech.
We are hoping for a more straight forward calving in 2024.
2023 was the year of the D names but we decided to let their forever families name these boys who are all steered and off to be fluffy pets.
D1
D1 was an embryo calf. Annabelle was the egg donor and we used a mini Highland straw.
One of our dairy cows carried him for us and went a week over her due date and he was an absolute whopper!
156 did such a great job getting him out (with the help of our vet!) and he is still an absolute chunk.
Join our Facebook group to see what calves we have available in 2024
D2
D2 was also an embryo calf. Blue was the egg donor and we used a mini Highland straw.
One of our dairy heifers carried him for us and did such a great job getting the chunky guy out.
21/21 has done the best job rearing him - he has been very well fed and is our smallest calf for 2023.
Join our Facebook group to see what calves we have available in 2024
D3
Annabelle popped this guy out on a windy Friday night a week before his due date.
He got his sire's colouring and his dam's fluff. We put both Boris and Basil in with the ladies but there was no mistaking who his sire is.
Annabelle and Boris will be catching up again later this year and we can't wait to see what gift they give us next year.
Join our Facebook group to see what calves we have available in 2024
D4
We were hoping Mooska was in calf to Basil so we would get a lovely, fluffy yellow mini Highland.
It turned out she was in calf to Boris and we got this gorgeous dun pointed bull calf instead.
D4 and D2 will be going to their forever home together - we are so happy for them!
Join our Facebook group to see what calves we have available in 2024
FAQs about miniature calves
How much are your calves?
We don't price our calves until they arrive safe and sound, they have been chondro tested and we know if they are polled or not.
Our miniature steers start at $1,750 each. Our miniature heifers start at $2,500. We don't often sell bulls, but if you would like one please get in touch.
Our miniature Galloway/dairy cross calves will be $250 as bottle babies from July 2025 onwards.
Do you sell calves for hand rearing?
In 2025 we will have some miniature Galloway calves available out of our Friesian cross dairy cows. These will be available for hand rearing.
These will be available from July 2025. They will be a week old so covered transport will be required (absolutely no cage trailers) and we would prefer if these calves only travel a short distance.
These calves will be advertised in our newsletter as well as in our Facebook group.
What do I need for mini cattle?
Mini cattle are cute but they have the same requirements as standard cattle in terms of friends and feed. We prefer our calves to go in pairs unless you already have mini cattle.
We require our forever homes to have suitable facilities for cattle - fencing, water, yards and a race, as well as a relationship with a local vet who will assist with an animal health plan.
How much area do I need?
One hectare of good grazing is enough for two miniature cattle - this doesn't include cross grazing with other animals. You will also need a plan for feeding supplement in dry and wet seasons.
Miniature cattle eat about the same amount as standard Highlands or Galloways. We have put together some info about grazing calculations here.
Do you have a waitlist?
We do not have a waitlist. When calves are available they will be advertised via our newsletter and our Facebook group. You can fill in an expression of interest form here.
We are very fussy about the forever homes that our mini moos go to so we do screen potential properties rigorously. We also have specific transport requirements.
What are the transport requirements?
If using a transporter we require our calves to be transported in pairs. You can collect your calves in a stock trailer or horse float (absolutely no cage trailers).
We have trusted transporters we can recommend, or buyers can arrange their own. We have yards, a race and a loading ramp.
It is our preference that our calves are transported for no more than four hours so preference will be given to homes within four hours of Te Awamutu in the Waikato.
Do you have straws available?
What do I need to know about breeding minis?
Breeding mini cows isn't as simple as it seems (take it from someone who thought it would be very simple!).
We have put together some tips and tricks here or you can join our Facebook group where we share lots of info.