If you’re thinking about raising Highland calves for the first time, you’re in for one of the most rewarding experiences in hobby farming. Their shaggy coats, gentle eyes, and hardy nature make them a joy to work with — but don’t be fooled by the cuteness. Highland calves need proper care, time, and early guidance to grow into healthy, well-socialised adults.
Whether you’re starting your own hobby farm or helping a new calf settle into your herd, this guide walks you through the essentials: feeding, housing, bonding, health checks, and more.
Where to Get Highland Calves
If you’re not breeding your own cows, the most common way to raise a Highland calf is by buying one from a trusted breeder. You can find calves through regional listings, agricultural networks, or trusted breed groups like the Highland Cattle Society (UK).
Always ask for:
- Health records (vaccines, worming, vet visits)
- Feeding history (bottle-fed, dam-raised, weaned)
- Temperament — especially for calves handled by humans
- Registration papers (if you’re buying registered stock)
👉 Related read: Do Highland Cows Make Good Pets?
Feeding a Highland Calf: From Milk to Grass
The nutritional needs of a Highland calf change rapidly over the first few months. Here’s a breakdown of typical feeding stages:
0–2 Months Old:
- If bottle-fed: Use high-quality milk replacer, fed 2–3 times per day
- If dam-raised: Calf will nurse naturally but you’ll need to monitor weight gain
- Introduce small amounts of calf starter grain by week 2–3
2–4 Months Old:
- Begin reducing milk if bottle-fed
- Offer high-quality hay and fresh water daily
- Encourage slow transition to solid feed (starter pellets, chopped forage)
4+ Months:
- Fully weaned by 4–6 months (depending on development)
- Feed hay, pasture, and mineral supplements
- Watch for weight plateaus or digestive issues during transition
👉 You may find this useful too: What Do Highland Cows Eat?
Shelter Tips for Raising Highland Calves in the UK
One of the challenges when raising Highland calves in the UK is providing warm, dry, and draft-free shelter — especially in the early months or in wet, cold climates. Think of it as a secure calf nursery: simple, clean, and safe.
Recommended features:
- Three-sided barn or timber shelter with roof
- Thick layer of straw or shavings for bedding
- Dry footing and slope for drainage
- Fresh water supply and bucket hooks (mounted out of reach of tipping)
During winter or rain, check for damp spots daily and top up bedding as needed. Young calves are prone to chills, even though Highlands are a cold-weather breed.
Bonding and Handling While Raising Highland Calves
Building trust early makes life easier for both you and your calf. Daily, gentle handling helps calves become calmer, more confident adults.
Tips for Early Bonding:
- Spend time sitting quietly near the calf in the pen
- Offer feed or hay by hand (avoid chasing or forcing interaction)
- Use a calm, low voice consistently
- Start light brushing sessions once the calf is used to your presence
At around 3–4 months, you can introduce a soft rope halter and short sessions of leading practice. Never tie a calf unattended — and avoid pressure or resistance games. Positive association is key.
👉 Related post: Are Highland Cows Easy to Train?
Health & Growth When Raising Highland Calves
Healthy Highland calves grow steadily and show curiosity, alertness, and firm stools. Keep a simple calendar or record book to track their progress.
Key Health Tasks:
- 💉 Vaccinations: Consult your vet — many start around 3–6 weeks old
- 🪱 Worming: Typically done at 6–8 weeks, then as advised by vet or faecal test
- 🏥 Watch for signs of scours (diarrhoea), bloating, or nasal discharge
- 🧼 Keep feeding tools and bedding clean — hygiene is a big factor in early health
Calf Growth Benchmarks (approximate):
| Age | Typical Weight | Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 50–70 kg | Active, nursing/bottle-fed, alert |
| 3 months | 100–130 kg | Starting hay, grain, human contact |
| 6 months | 180–250 kg | Fully weaned, halter-started |
If your calf is falling behind, always rule out illness, stress, or feed quality first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced smallholders can make errors when raising calves. Here are some of the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them:
- ❌ Overfeeding milk replacer: Leads to scours and bloating. Stick to measured amounts and gradual weaning.
- ❌ Keeping calves isolated: Social animals need contact. If you don’t have multiple calves, spend time bonding daily.
- ❌ Using poor-quality feed: Calves need nutrition-rich hay, not dusty or mouldy leftovers.
- ❌ Ignoring parasite control: Worming and regular faecal checks are essential to growth and energy levels.
- ❌ Rushing halter training: Pushing too fast can cause anxiety. Go slow and use positive reinforcement.
Time, Costs & Commitment
Highland calves are relatively low-maintenance compared to more delicate breeds, but they still require consistent care and setup.
Typical Setup Costs:
- Calf purchase (UK registered): £300–£700+
- Timber shelter / shed: £400–£1,000
- Fencing and paddock prep: £300–£2,000 depending on area
- Buckets, feeders, halters, etc.: £50–£150
Ongoing Time Commitment:
- Daily: feeding, bedding checks, bonding (30–60 minutes)
- Weekly: health checks, grooming, paddock inspection
- Monthly: worming, weighing, adjusting feed
Many first-time owners find the early months deeply rewarding. Raising a Highland calf can become a lifelong passion — but it’s not a petting-zoo hobby. Preparation, time, and compassion matter.
Conclusion
Whether you’re starting a small farm or just curious about raising Highland calves, the journey is a hands-on experience full of daily care, gentle training, and a real connection with one of Scotland’s most iconic animals. Whether you’re building a smallholding or starting a family-friendly farm, a well-raised calf grows into a calm, hardy adult that’s a joy to have around.
Start slow, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask experienced breeders or farm vets for guidance along the way. The bond you build in these early stages will shape the future of your herd — and your farm — for years to come.
👉 Found this guide useful? Be sure to check out: What Do Highland Cows Eat? Do Highland Cows Make Good Pets?
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