All you need on How To Care for Highland Cattle

Climate & Comfort

Scottish Highlands were bred for the cold, windy Highlands of Scotland. Moving them into a new climate takes time they can’t just “take off their coat.”

• Adjustment may take days or weeks

• In hot weather: provide shade, fresh water, and food

• In cold weather: give shelter from wind and snow until they adjust (most eventually prefer being outside, even in snow)

​Space Setup

A safe, comfortable space will help your calf feel secure and bond with you:

• Start with a small corral pen inside a larger pasture so they can get used to you, farm sounds, and their surroundings

• A stall in a barn or shelter also works for limiting sensory overload

• Always provide clean, dry bedding for their health and comfort

​Transportation & Stress

Transport is often the most stressful part of a calf’s life. At 7 Hills Family Farm, we do everything possible to make it gentle and safe:

• Calm, low-stress loading

• Clean trailers checked before every trip

• Fresh water and feed at every stop

• Familiar herd mates for company

• Soft bedding and rubber flooring to reduce fatigue

• Cameras to monitor calves during travel

Your calf deserves to arrive pampered — and we make sure they do.

​After Arrival

The first hours and days are the foundation for your lifelong bond.

• Keep things quiet and calm — avoid loud noises and extra visitors

• Let your calf learn you first before meeting others

• Expect some weight loss (“shrink”) from stress/travel — this usually corrects itself with water and normal feeding

​Health Concerns to Watch For

It’s normal for calves to take time to adjust. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:

• Respiratory illness (BRD): cough, runny nose

• Bloat, pink eye, or scours: often from diet change

• Depression: low energy, head down, loss of appetite

• Overeating: don’t give unlimited hay or grain right away; introduce slowly

Schedule a vet visit within 48–72 hours of arrival to establish care. It’s one of the best investments you can make.

​Choosing the Right Breeder

Whether your Highlands come from 7 Hills Family Farm or another farm, choose a breeder who:

• Is open, honest, and supportive

• Shares knowledge freely

• Puts animal welfare above cheap prices

As the saying goes: “Good service ain’t cheap, and cheap service ain’t good.”

​Grooming & Brushes

Highlands love to scratch! Without a safe option, they’ll rub on fences, posts, or tractors. A cattle brush provides:

• Relief from parasites, dirt, and dead hair

• Better circulation and less stress

• A happier, healthier cow

We recommend poly bristle street sweeper brushes — affordable, safe, and effective.