"Hot" Branding Iron for my cattle...............

[Kelley (Texas)]

This is a photo of my "Hot" branding iron that I took a few minutes ago on the kitchen table to the dismay of Debbie. I put a towel under it so that it would not scratch the table. My brand "FK" is registered in Gonzales County, Texas and has been since about 1985 when Texas passed a law that stated that if you brand your cattle, your brand had to be registered in any county where you owned cattle. Our ranch in Gonzales County was pretty isolated with the nearest neighbor living several miles away, thus it was wise to brand the cattle in hopes that if any were stolen they could be located if sold through an auction.

This branding iron is what is known as a "hot" branding iron because you heated it in a fire and then branded the cow. You had to be careful when using this method because if you left the branding iron on the cow too long the brand would not be readable. Many folks are now branding their cows using a method that is known as "cold" branding. "Cold" branding involves the use of dry ice instead of a fire. This method does not scar the hide like "hot" branding, instead it causes the hair to turn a light color where the branding iron touches the hide.

We always branded the calves at approximately the 205 day mark, when we would also weigh the calves and give vacinations. During this week, lots of time was spent in the saddle flushing calves out of the brush.

I hope that I have not confused anyone in regards to branding cattle. I have the desire to start posting some ranch stories...stories about cattle, horses, cow dogs, ranch cats and much more, and will do so if you folks think that you might be interested. Please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)

 

[Anonymous]

there is no way any of us would not want to read about these things. So post on! Ha!

Also, I think the cold branding would be a lot less painful to the cow, than the hot one. When I was reading this, it made me think of one of my most favorite all time movies, City Slickers with Billy Crystal. Have you seen this? If so, was it pretty much true?

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

of branding cattle, but I hear tell that it is not as painful on the cattle and the brand is easier to read.

I think that I might have seen that movie years ago, but can't remember the details. You must remember that movies have a tendency of enhancing things and are not usually 100% correct. Please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)

 

[Wayne in BC]

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[Royal]

I will tell you Fred, there is no story about the ranch and cowboying that I will not find interesting. Never done that. Branding, Roping, cleaning stock ponds and stomping rattlers are all intersting subjects. Nights at the campfire and what the sky looks like on a south Texas night will probably never be an experience for me except through your eyes. Don't you be cheating me out of them nowoke

 

[butch...ar]

i wunder if lori wud stand still to be weighed,vacanated and branded on the butt?

 

[VT Dave]

My Pastor just got back from a "roundup" in CO. They had it going assembly line style. I would like to hear more of your "ranch" storys!

Dave

 

[Royal]

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[General Ray]

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[Anonymous]

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