How to Handle Bulls Safely and Responsibly

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Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Approved

Bulls can be highly dangerous animals, but it's necessary to handle them if you intend to breed your cattle naturally. Unlike the popular opinion, bulls are not by any means slow or dim-witted, and care must always be taken whenever handling them.

1

Fit the bull with a nose ring.

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If your bull doesn't already have a nose ring, contact an experienced livestock veterinarian to add one. Handle the bull using a bull staff, a pole that snaps onto the nose ring and gives you more control and safety. Optionally, you can use a lead; however, bull staffs give you more control and are recommended, especially for dominant bulls.^{[1]
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2

Establish your position as the boss.

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Stay calm and assertive at all times. Never hesitate. As with most animals, a bluff of dominance and superior strength can result in the bull regarding you as the leader; this must begin when the bull is young. Never engage in play with a young bull; this will encourage a belief of superior dominance. If your bull exhibits signs of dominance, seriously consider the most safe and responsible choice of selling him to a more experienced handler.^{[2]
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Research source} Signs of dominance in bulls include:^{[3]
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- Head butting/shaking; rubbing his head on the ground.
- Pawing the ground.
- Showing his side.
- Staring directly at you.

3

Never treat an aggressive bull as a pet.

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Recognize that by taking responsibility of an aggressive bull, you are dealing with an animal that is ten times your size and a hundred times your strength. Bulls may grow to behave compliantly, especially if these steps are taken, but this does not, under any circumstances, mean he is less likely to attack (and subsequently possibly kill) you.

4

Be safe.

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^{[4]
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Research source} Always carry a means of protection—examples are an axe handle, piece of PVC pipe, baseball bat, or a sorting paddle (with beads that make noise when the paddle is used). When feeding, feed from the other side of the fence; feed can inspire dominant behavior. Always be aware of exits when handling bulls!^{[5]
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5

Have correct fencing.

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If bulls are trained to recognize electric fencing, two-strand electric fences can work. However, a more durable fence would likely be one with 2 ¹⁄₂ inch (6.4 cm) pipe rails or 2x6 planks. Consider using electric fences in more isolated areas, and a durable fence for places where the bull getting loose would cause more damage. Exits should be easily available and well-maintained.

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I just bought a 10 month bull calf who ran through my hot wire and is now penned at my neighbor's place. I'm going over several times per day to get him used to me, but to no avail as of yet. He's still bellowing at me, pawing the ground etc. The pen is 10' x 20'. If he was in a bigger area, would it help to calm him down?

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Yes, it would, preferably an area that has a much sturdier fence than a single or double strand of hot wire. First thing you didn't do right was train him on the hot-wire. Second was putting him in a place that wasn't going to hold him to allow him to settle in. Start by studying his flight or pressure zone when he starts reacting to your presence. In a 10' x 20' pen he can't get away from you, and he's acting in a way that is defensive to him towards you, the threat. Start by working with him from outside the pen, or the bigger corral, training him with pressure and release. Look up handling cattle by Bud Williams to get started on proper handling of cattle, which does not exclude bulls.

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My grandma's bull tears down the fence when the heifers go into heat. What can we do with the big bull?

Karin

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Get rid of him. If those are his daughters he's trying to get at to breed, he needs to go. Get a neighbor to help load him and ship him to the sale barn if need be. It's no use keeping a bull around that won't respect fences or is proving too costly to keep.

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I work on a farm, and I have to handle two very aggressive bulls. What can I do to make them more used to me?

Karin

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First, consider whether there's anything you may be doing wrong, unconsciously, that is instigating their aggression. They could be in a pen that is much smaller than their flight zone, and you are invading that flight zone when you walk into their pen. They may be dairy bulls that are going to be aggressive no matter what you do. You could try to spend more time with them: read to them; sit nearby, just outside their pen, and talk to them. It will take time and patience to get them to realize you aren't a threat.

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Tips

Discipline is necessary. If a bull exhibits bad behavior, immediately correct him strongly. Bulls are relatively intelligent animals, and will learn if your message is strong enough.

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Handle young bulls frequently; training for good behavior, acceptance of halter, etc. should be performed before the bull reaches sexual maturity.

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Another option is to use artificial insemination (AI) instead of a bull; this is highly recommended for beginners.

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Warnings

Disciplining a bull is only recommended for those experienced with bulls. If you are a novice, it is highly recommended that you use AI instead, or pay a bull owner to breed your cattle.

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Bulls are highly dangerous animals, and always remember this when handling them.

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