Boujee Barn Highland Care Guide

Written By Kim Gilchrist

Rooted in nature. Raised with intention.

🌿 NUTRITION: GRASS-FED GENETICS

Highland cattle are designed by nature to thrive on forage-based diets — not grain.

At Boujee Barn, we recommend:

  • ✔️ Free-choice pasture (spring, summer, fall)

  • ✔️ Quality hay supplementation (especially winter or drought)

  • ✔️ Clean, natural feeding — no fillers, no unnecessary grain

Seasonal Mineral Support:

  • Spring / Summer / Fall:

    • Redmond’s Garlic Salt

    • Redmond’s Conditioner

  • Winter Months:

    • Redmond’s Natural Salt

    • Redmond’s Conditioner

✨ This supports immunity, digestion, coat health, and natural parasite resistance.

💧 WATER ACCESS

  • Always provide fresh, clean water 24/7

  • In winter: prevent freezing (heated tanks or frequent checks)

  • In summer: ensure cool, shaded water sources

💡 Hydration is one of the most overlooked keys to cattle health.

🌳 SHELTER & SHADE

Highland cattle are incredibly hardy, but they still require protection from the elements.

Provide access to:

  • ✔️ Natural shade (trees are ideal)

  • ✔️ Loafing shed or three-sided shelter

  • ✔️ Barn access during extreme weather

Seasonal Needs:

  • Summer:
    Shade is essential to prevent heat stress

  • Winter:
    Windbreaks and dry shelter help conserve energy and maintain condition

💡 Dry ground and airflow are just as important as the structure itself.

✨ Comforted cattle are healthier, calmer, and easier to manage.

🌱 NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS

Apple Cider Vinegar (with the “mother”):

  • Add small amounts to water (optional)

  • Supports:

    • Gut health

    • Mineral absorption

    • Natural fly resistance

✨ Think of this as a gentle, natural wellness boost — not a necessity, but a great addition.

🐄 FENCING BASICS

Highlands are hardy — but still need secure boundaries.

Recommended:

  • ✔️ High-tensile electric fencing (ideal for larger setups)

  • ✔️ Electric netting (great for smaller paddocks or rotation)

  • ✔️ Strong perimeter fencing for safety

💡 Respect training to electric fence is key early on.

🤍 HALTER TRAINING

Bonding is where the magic happens ✨

Tips:

  • Start young (but never too late!)

  • Keep sessions short & positive

  • Use:

    • Gentle pressure & release

    • Treats or feed rewards

  • Practice tying safely once comfortable

💡 Consistency over time builds that “teddy bear” temperament everyone loves.

🪮 COAT CARE & BRUSHING

That signature Highland coat requires intentional care.

Best Brushes:

  • Undercoat rake (for shedding season)

  • Slicker brush (for daily fluff & cleanliness)

  • Soft brush (for finishing + bonding)

Care Tips:

  • Brush regularly to prevent matting

  • Increase brushing in spring (shedding season)

  • Keep coat dry when possible

  • Provide shelter from extreme weather

✨ Healthy coat = healthy animal

🌼 NATURAL HEALTH APPROACH

At Boujee Barn, we believe in working with nature, not against it.

Our philosophy:

  • Grass-fed nutrition first

  • Mineral balance over medication

  • Clean environment + low stress

  • Observational care (you know your animals best)

Watch for:

  • Appetite changes

  • Coat dullness

  • Behavior shifts

💡 Early awareness prevents bigger issues.

🚚 TRANSPORT & ARRIVAL

Bringing your Highland home is their first impression of you.

Before arrival:

  • Prepare a secure pen or pasture

  • Have water + hay ready

  • Keep environment quiet and calm

Transport tips:

  • Use bedding (straw/shavings) for comfort

  • Avoid overcrowding

  • Drive slow and steady

When they arrive:

  • Let them settle — don’t overwhelm

  • Give space, then begin gentle interaction

✨ A calm arrival sets the tone for everything that follows.

🐄 COMPANIONSHIP (VERY IMPORTANT)

Cattle are herd animals — they are not meant to live alone.

Best options:

  • Another cow or calf

  • A compatible livestock companion (goat, etc. as secondary option)

💡 A lonely cow becomes stressed, which affects health and temperament.

🪪 BASIC HEALTH ROUTINE

You don’t need to overcomplicate this — just stay observant.

Weekly check-ins:

  • Body condition (not too thin or overweight)

  • Coat quality (soft, full, not dull)

  • Eyes (bright and alert)

  • Movement (no limping)

As needed:

  • Hoof trimming (infrequent but important)

  • Deworming (based on need, not routine overload)

✨ Healthy cattle show it — learn their normal.

🧠 READING YOUR COW (BEHAVIOR BASICS)

Understanding behavior builds confidence quickly.

Calm signs:

  • Relaxed ears

  • Slow movement

  • Grazing or chewing cud

Watch closer if you see:

  • Isolation from others

  • Lack of appetite

  • Restlessness or agitation

💡 Your cow will tell you what they need — you just learn their language.

🌾 SIMPLE DAILY ROUTINE

Keeping things simple creates calm, healthy cattle.

Daily flow:

  1. Check water

  2. Check hay/pasture

  3. Quick visual health check

  4. Spend a few minutes bonding

✨ Consistency creates trust — for you and your animals.

⚠️ BEGINNER MISTAKES TO AVOID

(This one is GOLD for first-time buyers)

  • ❌ Overfeeding grain

  • ❌ Not providing minerals

  • ❌ Skipping fencing training

  • ❌ Expecting instant bonding

  • ❌ Keeping a single cow alone

  • ❌ Ignoring small behavior changes

💡 Simple, natural care done consistently beats overcomplicated systems every time.

🤍 YOU’VE GOT THIS

Starting something new can feel overwhelming — but Highlands are one of the most forgiving, rewarding breeds you can raise.

At Boujee Barn Cattle Company, we’ve built our program around:

  • Simplicity

  • Natural practices

  • Strong, gentle animals

✨ You don’t have to be perfect — just present.

🤍 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HIGHLAND

Building trust from the very beginning

Bringing your Highland home is an exciting moment — but it’s important to remember:

✨ This is a brand new environment for them.

New sights, new smells, new people… it takes time for them to feel safe and settled.

🌿 START SMALL & BUILD CONFIDENCE

We recommend starting your Highland in a smaller, secure area.

This helps them:

  • Feel safe and less overwhelmed

  • Adjust more quickly to their new surroundings

  • Make interaction with you easier and more intentional

💡 A calm, contained start sets the foundation for everything that follows.

🤍 BUILDING THE BOND

Bonding doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through consistent, gentle interaction.

Simple ways to connect:

  • Spend quiet time with them daily

  • Talk to them calmly

  • Move slowly and confidently

  • Be present without pressure

✨ They begin to recognize you as safe, consistent, and trustworthy.

🪮 BRUSHING = TRUST

Brushing is one of the most powerful bonding tools you have.

  • Helps them relax

  • Builds comfort with touch

  • Strengthens your connection

✨ This is where that “teddy bear” personality really begins to shine.

🤍 HALTER INTRODUCTION

The halter should always feel like a positive experience.

Start with:

  • Gentle introduction

  • Short, calm sessions

  • Reassurance and patience

As they grow comfortable, they begin to understand:
✨ The halter = interaction, care, and attention

🌾 ESTABLISHING A ROUTINE

Routine is everything when it comes to building trust and confidence.

Example daily routine:

  1. Greet them calmly

  2. Spend a few minutes connecting

  3. Put the halter on

  4. Tie safely for a short period

  5. Brush and talk to them

  6. Offer calm, positive attention

💡 Consistency creates security — and security builds trust.

🐄 INTRODUCING THE LEAD

Once your Highland is comfortable:

  • Being around you

  • Wearing a halter

  • Standing tied calmly

👉 It’s time to begin working with the lead.

Start slow with:

  • Short walks

  • Gentle guidance

  • Positive reinforcement

✨ This is where your partnership really begins to grow.

🤍 HORN AWARENESS & SAFETY

Respecting your Highland’s natural instincts

Highlands are naturally horned — this is part of their beauty and design.

As they grow, it’s important to develop awareness and respect for their horns.

Key things to understand:

  • Horns become an extension of their space

  • They may not enjoy being touched on the head

  • Sudden movements near their face can make them uncomfortable

💡 This is not aggression — it’s instinct.

⚠️ SAFETY BASICS

  • Stay aware of head and horn placement at all times

  • Avoid standing directly in front of their face

  • Teach respectful boundaries early

  • Move calmly and confidently

✨ Respect creates safety — for both you and your animal.

🐄 BONDING TIMELINE

What to expect in the first few weeks

WEEK 1: SETTLING IN

  • Keep in a small, secure space

  • Minimal pressure, lots of calm presence

  • Begin talking and gentle interaction

✨ Focus: Safety & comfort

WEEK 2: BUILDING TRUST

  • Introduce brushing

  • Begin halter introduction

  • Increase time spent together

✨ Focus: Connection

WEEK 3: CONFIDENCE

  • Stand tied calmly for short periods

  • Accept halter comfortably

  • Begin light guidance

✨ Focus: Understanding expectations

WEEK 4: PARTNERSHIP

  • short walks on lead

  • Increase interaction and training

  • Establish routine fully

✨ Focus: Working together

🪢 HALTER TRAINING MINI GUIDE

Simple, calm, and consistent wins every time

STEP 1: INTRODUCTION

  • Let them see and smell the halter

  • Keep it relaxed and positive

STEP 2: PUTTING IT ON

  • Move slowly

  • Stay calm and confident

  • Remove after a short success

STEP 3: STANDING TIED

  • Tie safely for short periods

  • Stay nearby

  • Use this time for brushing and bonding

STEP 4: ADDING THE LEAD

  • Apply gentle pressure + release

  • Reward forward movement

  • Keep sessions short

STEP 5: SHORT WALKS

  • Start small

  • Stay consistent

  • End on a positive note

✨ Never rush — confidence builds in layers.

🌾 HORN CARE

Simple, natural maintenance

Highland horns are low maintenance, but still require awareness.

Routine care:

  • Visually check for cracks or damage

  • Ensure horns are not catching on fencing

  • Maintain safe spacing in feeding areas

Optional natural care:

  • Light oil (like coconut oil) can enhance appearance

  • Keep clean if muddy or dirty

💡 Healthy horns should feel smooth and solid.

⚠️ WHAT TO AVOID

  • Do not force head handling if they resist

  • Avoid tight spaces where horns can get stuck

  • Never ignore damaged or cracked horns

🤍 YOUR ROLE

You’re not just an owner — you’re building a relationship.

Take your time.
Stay consistent.
Be present.

✨ That’s where the magic happens.

🤍 A NOTE FROM US

At Boujee Barn Cattle Company, we believe the bond you build with your animal is just as important as how they are raised.

✨ Patience, presence, and consistency will always win

✨ Confidence comes from understanding
✨ Trust comes from consistency
✨ And great cattle come from intentional care

🌾 THE BOUJEE BARN DIFFERENCE

Faith • Family • Farm • Intention

Our Highlands are:

  • Raised on pasture

  • Socialized with care

  • Handled with love

  • Built for both beauty & function

✨ When you bring home a Boujee Barn Highland, you're bringing home more than cattle — you're continuing a story.

🤍 FINAL TIP FROM US

The best thing you can give your Highland?

👉 Your time.

That’s what creates:

  • The calm temperament

  • The bond

  • The experience you’re truly looking for

We sincerely thank you for your trust in purchasing your Highland from us and are so excited for the journey ahead with these wonderful cows. It is an honor to be part of your adventure, and we hope they bring you as much joy as they have brought us.

Kim Gilchrist https://Boujeebarncollective.com
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