Post by callie on Jun 23, 2010 11:25:27 GMT -5
Belle had a bull calf today! It is the first birth on our farm. She wasn't due for 7 days, but we don't care! It's a bull. I named him Stormy, since he was born in the corner of a field in a storm. Of course.... What better way to enter the world than with lightening and thunder and rain in your face?
I had everyone in the barn for feed this morning and Belle took off when she was finished. Usually she hangs around to snitch grain from everyone else. I watched her go to the furthest part of the furthest pasture lickety split. Hmmmmm...... That was odd enough behavior so I brought them all back to the close pastures. I am so glad I did. Belle stayed away from the rest of the cows all morning and lying down more than normal- especially for being in the rain. Then, I saw her leg come up in the air, obviously straining. I ran to check and sure enough, she was having that calf! He wasn't presenting yet, so I ran to the house for the camera and a bucket of warm water with molasses. By the time I got back, he had been born - as quick as that. It was pouring down rain. I took off my shirt (I had on 2) and wrapped him up and carried him to a shelter. I will go back in a few minutes and see how they are doing and maybe put them in the barn. She was being such a good mom while I was there. I watched carefully to be sure I wasn't going to be charged - per the other posting! LOL!!!! She got in front of me a few times while I was carrying him, but, I was rather in a hurry and didn't want to stop for too long. Sorry the picture isn't the best. It's kind of dark outside today. Okay, more than kind of.
On another note....I surely hope that milking machine gets here today as planned.......and it works the first time we try it......... ;D I can't believe how thrilling this is! I have seen 100's of baby calves in my life time......But it was still a thrill...or maybe that was the elec fence Belle was leaning against?
I had everyone in the barn for feed this morning and Belle took off when she was finished. Usually she hangs around to snitch grain from everyone else. I watched her go to the furthest part of the furthest pasture lickety split. Hmmmmm...... That was odd enough behavior so I brought them all back to the close pastures. I am so glad I did. Belle stayed away from the rest of the cows all morning and lying down more than normal- especially for being in the rain. Then, I saw her leg come up in the air, obviously straining. I ran to check and sure enough, she was having that calf! He wasn't presenting yet, so I ran to the house for the camera and a bucket of warm water with molasses. By the time I got back, he had been born - as quick as that. It was pouring down rain. I took off my shirt (I had on 2) and wrapped him up and carried him to a shelter. I will go back in a few minutes and see how they are doing and maybe put them in the barn. She was being such a good mom while I was there. I watched carefully to be sure I wasn't going to be charged - per the other posting! LOL!!!! She got in front of me a few times while I was carrying him, but, I was rather in a hurry and didn't want to stop for too long. Sorry the picture isn't the best. It's kind of dark outside today. Okay, more than kind of.
On another note....I surely hope that milking machine gets here today as planned.......and it works the first time we try it......... ;D I can't believe how thrilling this is! I have seen 100's of baby calves in my life time......But it was still a thrill...or maybe that was the elec fence Belle was leaning against?