The Gentle Zebus at Shell Creek Ranch
MINIATURE ZEBU "DAYCARE"
by:Maureen Neidhadt
Shell Creek Ranch is home of the hand-raised and trained mini Zebus. Rosemary Meding takes great pride in producing wonderful little bovines who seek affection from their human companions. They have raised the parents, who then help them raise the babies. Shell Creek's miniature Zebus' breeding stock orginates from Komoko Ranch of Newberry Fla. The first acquistion led to another, and with calves that have been born, Rosemary and Steve Meding now have a herd of about 40 head at any given time. The Medings' 65 arce ranch is located along Sheek Creek near Punta Gorda on which they also operate a 25 acre tangerine grove as a specialty crop business. Steve tends to the 4,000 citrus trees while Rosemary spends her days doing what she enjoys most, working with the miniature Zebus. All her miniature zebus are raised with love and experienced care from the day they are born. "I love our zebus and try to get the word out to everyone who will listen" Rosemary said. These little cattle have become her life, though she never expected to get into them as much as she has.
They use a unique imprinting method in which they share the actual birth and early calf-hood time with both mother and baby in a confined area where the actual bonding takes place. Within a short time, the pair leave the nursery and move to the "day care" corral where they are housed with other cow/calf pairs, acording to age. Once a day the calves are removed from the mother's watchful eyes and given love, hugs, and brushing, a daily routine that builds trust and affection. The calves are halter and lead rope trained early on and work nicely by six weeks of age. A properly fit halter is very important, so it needs to be changed frequently. Lead rope training takes place in a group setting, with mothers nearby but the calves are worked individually. This method allows them to be exposed to people, dogs, kids and general "ranch commotion" during their daily walk time in a safe and controlled environment, thus becoming a confident and independent animal.
The results of this early intervention is a calm and relaxed baby who will seek affection and attention from their human counterparts. No "food treats" are used, only massage and grooming. With alot of time spent, and lots of love, mini Zebus can also be trained to pull a wagon or cart. "What an ides for our little steers" Rosemary said. "In many parts of the world, cattle provide transportation and farm labor. Here at Shell Creek Ranch, it's just for fun".
Miniature Zebus enjoy being groomed and petted and are lead rope trained. Well-fed, healthly and friendly, they would love to be part of your family. A variety of gentle IMZA/AMZA registered bulls, cows, heifers and calves are available to approved homes. Shell Creek Ranch is also the first, and currently only, breeder of mini zebus that offers the option of custom breeding.
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