what animal would be best companion for a blind pet cow

I just took possession of a blind cow to keep as a pet on my 3 acre mini farm which is really just a petting farm for me. I just want to take in some rescues from shelters. This cow has been separated from other cows since she was very young, I think just after she weaned. The farmer said the other cows were butting her so he moved her to a pasture and isolated her. When I first noticed her while driving by she was walking in circles, head cocked to one side. Having a background in Special Education, I thought she was disabled in some way but didn't know how. I contacted the farmer foolishly thinking he would want to give her away, but of course that was stupid so I bought her. She is skittish, won't let me touch her or spray her for flies, but will come in close proximity of me. She learned her new environment really quickly and rarely bumps into things unless they are new ( like my truck when I park it in her pasture) and adapts well but does seem stressed by too much attempt to get close to her. I thought that since cows are herd animals she must be somewhat lonely ( in need of companionship). She is so interested in the cows in the adjoining pasture when the farmer lets them into that area, she just stands there and moos or just listens to them. The pasture there is depleted as the previous owner never tended to it so much of their diet will come from my feeding them. I have shelter in the form of a lean to.... it is approx 1 fenced in acre. There is an adjoining 2 acres where 2 horses have been boarding for a few years and I don't have the heart to ask the owner to relocate them.......What I want to know from anyone willing to take time to type a reply is what you think the best option is for a companion: I can have a goat, another cow or a donkey, even if you think that I should not try to put another animal in with her. It may stress her out, just let me know your thoughts as I will value them all. I look forward to hearing any and all opinions.

I would likely go with something smaller than her, vs another cow. I would look for something (goat, sheep, alpaca (maybe), smaller pig), that has a sweet motherly disposition. You may also consider a laid back dog as a companion, it is surprising what a good dog can do for companionship.

It is likely going to take her a bit of time to adapt to anything you add, and I would try to do it slowly, either by using an adjoining pasture for initial introductions, or by taking the new partner for walks in her pasture several times over a few weeks until she becomes interested and comfortable with the new addition.

Thank you James, that is exactly what I thought. A sweet animal that I can halter and lead around her pasture to get the scent into the area, her sense of smell is keen, and then put it in another area. My problem at this moment is that I have only 2 separations in the whole lot. Its about 2 acres for the 2 horses and one for the cow...... I will need to have an additional area fenced in to transition the new animal. But I love that idea and thank you !!!

A couple of miniature horses or miniature donkey. They have the requirements of horses (feeding, hoof-trimming, deworming, vaccinations, etc), but if you are up for that, they are very manageable and make good companions.

Good suggestions, I am going to a rescue farm tomorrow and if they have one I will inquire into its suitability. My only prerequisite is that it is an adoption, I don't want to purchase one but take one that has already been
rescued. Thanks I love the idea ~

I would suggest a small goat for your cow.....You can easily stake it out in an area with not too long of a rope (or chain) and the cow can get to know her (better a female goat.....males tend to smell bad when they get older) in her own time and on her own terms. Eventually (assuming it works) you can let the goat free and they can hang out together.

Thanks Nancy ! I never thought about being able to tie a goat for a while till the cow gets used to her and that would be the very easiest option for me. Today I am going to meet a goat who might be pregnant. If she is a good fit that may be the answer I am looking for. Also I will have some time to build her an enclosure while she stays in the pasture with Blanche. Thanks for your insight ! PS what is the best way to tie a goat, onto a fence post ?

Hi Susan....I'm glad you liked the idea of a goat....that's wonderful if she is pregnant! A little one will be delightful and goat's milk is so healthy! A metal post (there is a thin kind with a point on the end)would work I think....then it would be easy to move her around.. Hope it works! 🐑🐑🐑🐂🐂🐂🌻🌺🌴🍀🍀🍀

Hey Nancy, I am really excited !!! I realize however that I can't tie the goat because the cow is blind she will trip on the lead, but I think what I am going to do is to walk the goat around the pasture on a lead, and get everyone used to their new homes, little by little I will acclimate them and finally let the goat off the lead and wander about. I am having an enclosure built for her and her baby today !!! So when she is not in the pasture she has a wonderful space of her own to occupy. Thanks for your help, I hope I can reach out to you for support when she arrives ( and baby)
Susan

I would love to know how things progress! You are amazing for taking so much care with your cow!
It might be easier to email me directly....... nanibush@live.com
🍀🍀🍀🍀 🐄🐄🐄 🐄🐑🐑🐑🐑 What color is the cow? It's not common to give cows & pigs & horses names here.....but I do & they all respond to their names....just keep talking to her when you are in her space & she'll come around quickly...

I have been watching youtube vids of companion animals for, in the main, big cats. It's amazing how well they get on with sheep. Like the idea of sheep or donkeys as they have similar habits to a cow. Mind, a sheep and a leopard couldn't be more dissimilar and it works.

i would be so happy to share updates with you! I will email you pics. She is brindle, black and brown with a white face. Kinda homely but cute in her own way. Are you in Costa Rica? I just give everyone nick names , pets , people, anything I like gets a nick name! How many animals do you have? At home we have 6 outdoor cats, but they have a lovely garden shed of their own , they don't even share it with garden tools! We have one indoor kitty, our baby, and a dog. My farm is 3 miles from my house so I do a lot of running back and forth but honestly I am loving it, I do look forward to cooler weather for the chores but that's just life in the south! I will send pics soon🐴🐐🐃