In the last yearish, we've dealt with more good then bad bulls. Of course, we've only had to deal with 4, so not a big number.
3 Charolais bulls (8-10ish yrs old) and the new bull, a almost 5yo Reg Black Simmental.
One of the Charolais bulls was raised out by the landowner. He was basically a pet, and turned out alright (was raised by the landowners and their grandkids, not us). Never an aggressive moment. His worst issue was, due to his size, he had an easy time making short work of fences, gates and anything securing either of those! But that was usually due to there being a tasty morsel of grass just out of his reach. His name was Gentle Giant (GG for short) and he enjoyed the kids petting him and chin scratches. Not the norm, as far as bulls are concerned, imo.
The other Charolais bull we sold in Feb, was partially tame, never showed any signs of aggressiveness when the girls were in heat, or being worked in the pens. But... things changed instantaneously, for some reason we've never figured out. He basically went feral and aggressive overnight. To the point he was dangerous to be around, or even drive in the same pasture with (He attempted to charge us while we were checking the herd. We were in a F350). He got sold ASAP.
The last Charolais bull is almost like a big baby. Nothing much bothers him, he just plods around like a puppy. He's not at all "tame" but he knows his job and is easily worked with in close confinement (well, in the working pens/chutes/trailer) He was recently injured, and to our surprise, showed no aggressive behaviors. I thought that was rather odd, since fight or flight is generally heightened in injured/in pain animals.
The new bull, well, we've named him Stoner
He was bought from the sale barn. He didn't make any fuss going through the chutes and sale ring there.. nor when we loaded him up at almost dark and took the windy road home. No wide eyed, snorty and aggressive bull when he plodded off the trailer, he just stepped off and went to the first morsel of grass he could find. He's only been here about 2 weeks, and his name still fits. He doesn't seem to be bothered by much. He doesn't even mind when I wander around on the 4wheeler checking cows or putting out minerals. He does know what the sound of a can full of grain shook means though.. that's as much enthusiasm as I've seen from him, in the 2 weeks, but he semi trotted to the feed bin for a bite, taking a spare spot instead of shoving the cows or other bull out of the way.
Now, all that being said, we don't make these bulls pets. We never turn our back on them, if possible, we don't encourage them to get into our space or be overly friendly. But our requirements are to work the herd on foot, which usually means even tempered bulls. Of course, the same goes for the cows. We've sold off several that were aggressive. Its just not tolerated. Never underestimate an animal... such as the case was with Charolais bull #2. They can turn without notice.. and it can be deadly. Caution is your friend
