Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a calf?
Join our VIP list, located on the home page of this website. We wait until we have a group of calves born and then will advertise the group all at once. Every thing is sold on a first come, first serve basis.
How much do they cost?
Our calves range in price from $3,000-$23,000. We raise a variety of breeds, but most have a highland influence or are full highland. As a general rule, the smaller and fluffier they are, the higher the price will be.
Price is determined by breed, size, color, and coat. “Rarity” will increase the price of a calf. The average price is around $6,500.
What is included with the purchase of a calf from Pearly Ranch?
You are getting much more than just a calf. We have put in years of research and have generations of ranching experience to help support you. We always welcome any questions and are willing to help in any way that we can.
All of our calves are well socialized, raised around young children and other animals, and will come fully vaccinated (see vaccine list below).
We offer fully halter breaking your calf for an additional fee.
When will you have more born?
We currently have around 80 babies born per year. Our calving season is from September to April.
Can I just keep one as a pet?
We recommend planning for at least two. Cattle are herd animals and need a buddy to thrive. We care about our animals and will not offer any of our calves to anyone planning to just have one. If you do not currently have other cattle we will help you get another either from us or another breeder if we do not have anything available relatively soon.
Do highlands tolerate the heat okay?
We are located in Central Texas where it gets very hot during the summer, our highlands are acclimated and do just fine. Highlands will shed their coat in the hot months. They do need good shade and appreciate some type of water, either a pond or a fan with a mister on extremely hot days. We also recommend offering Vitaferm heat mineral to help increase grazing during the summer heat.
Can I get a bottle raised calf?
We do occasionally have a calf that is placed on the bottle, however most of our calves are mom raised. We find this is the best for everyone and results in a healthy, respectful calf. Unless there is a reason for placing a calf on the bottle, they will stay with mom to be raised in the pasture until around 5 months of age.
What happens after I place a deposit on a new calf with Pearly Ranch?
After you select the perfect calf for you and have placed a deposit we will continue to stay in contact with you and update you with any information as time passes until they are ready to go to their new homes. Please be patient with us, as we are also doing the same for many other people and try our best to keep everyone updated as you anxiously await your new calf.
When do you wean and what happens next?
We wean at 4-6 months of age. Our weaning is also based off of the weather; we try to avoid weaning and transporting when it is extremely hot, so that timeframe may be pushed up or back a little. Health of baby and mom is our first priority and we keep a close eye on our cows to wean at the appropriate time.
When it is time to wean we bring all calves into a pen together to wean at the same time. We make sure they are eating plenty grain/hay and start more intimate socialization with each calf. They all get introduced to the halter, meaning they have a halter put on and start learning what it is. This does not mean halter breaking/lead training. However, we do offer that for an additional fee. The socialization process usually takes two to three weeks after weaning.
After we feel they are ready to go to their new home, the buyer is contacted to schedule pick up. Once notified, pick up must be completed within two weeks or a daily holding fee will be applied. Balance is due prior to calf leaving and to be paid in cash unless otherwise agreed upon.
What vaccines do you give?
All calves will receive First Defense paste, Multimin 90, and Inforce 3 within a week of birth.
At weaning they will get Covexin 8 and Bovi-Shield Gold One vaccine.