Post by ciscomavy71 on Feb 17, 2016 18:33:42 GMT -5
So, we have not separated MAC from Maybellene at all. She is about a month old now and we are getting about 1.5 gallons morning and 1 gallon at night. MAC is growing FAST and big. I think HoJo for sure. She has a lot of substance for a dairy calf and I am sure that is due to Maybellene's high fat milk :-) We do herdshares so we need the milk - the extra income helps a lot, especially right now.
I tried for a week to get MAC separated in the stall. Our stall is horse size, but not traditionally built as it is adjacent to our hay storage (on purpose) so that our senior blind horse can eat as much hay as she wants without anyone chasing her off. The issue is that the chest high boards allow for MAC to squeeze out around the hay. I thought for sure I blocked everything off, but as soon as I would get into the house I would see MAC out with Maybellene in less than 5 minutes.
Today I got her a halter and was actually able to get it on her (she is shy of people). I have her tied in the stall with a good length of rope with a swivel so she can't kink the rope up. I am very apprehensive of tying her like that, but I am getting to the point where I cannot manage twice a day milking due to this big ol' pregnant belly. I am due in less than 30 days and I need her to be at once a day milking for my relief milkers when I am in the hospital and maybe a couple days when I get home.
Does anyone else tie babies? Anything I can do to make sure she is not injured? MAC is a smart girl and was already figuring out how to give to pressure when I left the barn. Thanks much!