In the past two weeks we've had nine fresh cows, and ten new babies. Six of them were heifers, so all of a sudden our hutches are full of calves, and the babies have overflowed into the box pens. These are the oldest four, who claimed their place in the outside hutches. Can you tell that they know who feeds them? :)
Someone needs a napkin...
This calf is just being weaned from a bottle to a bucket. To teach her, I stick my fingers in her mouth and then put my hand down into the bucket. Some learn quickly, and some don't. Thankfully she was a quick learner!
Apparently this one was still hungry...
These two were that last ones born...twin heifers born on Friday afternoon...
We were suspicious that the mom might have twins. She is a twin herself, had twin bulls last year, and was early. Jim kept a close eye on her and helped her with the first calf. He then had to leave for a short time, so I helped her with the second calf, while the cousins who had just arrived got to watch the birth. Both calves are doing great! As soon as they see their bottles coming, they jump up and run over to the gate. Now whoever feeds can hold both bottles at one time as they drink side by side. It sure saves a lot of time! Sometime this week I'll try weaning them to a bucket.
It takes a lot longer to get the feeding done now, but we're glad for the fresh cows, and glad for healthy calves. Isn't it nice that they've come over Christmas break...while my chief calf feeder is home to help?!
that was great timing, for sure! they sure are CUTE! glad all deliveries went well!
ReplyDeleteI kind of miss bottle feeding. We raised range cattle and would occasionally have to bottle feed a calf for a summer. It was always funny. Dad would keep them and you could walk through a herd of range cows and the bottle fed ones would follow. Even though they hadn't been fed out of a bottle for years. Your twins are cute. Don't let all those little buggers wear you out. That is a lot of feeding.
ReplyDeleteOh I am glad you have some help oh dear you are a very busy girl. I thought it was a big sticky deal just feeding Annie but I have to admit I did love it. I would help you if I lived closer. My Hero still home so I am spoiled. We will talk soon. Hug B
ReplyDeleteAlica, Thanks again for great pictures! It makes me re-live my dairy farm days many years ago. I know it's a lot of hard work, but it seems so idyllic to me.
ReplyDeleteAlica, I can't even imagine! So many babies!!! I am so happy for you, though, and it looks like so much fun around the holidays!
ReplyDeletebeccagarber.com
It was a Christmas miracle, that's what it was! Happy new year!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful babies! Lots of work for those with the bottles and buckets but what nice calves come from the work. Congrats on the twins!
ReplyDeleteand Happy New Year!
That is wonderful having so many new babies. I bet it does take you awhile to feed now. Happy, Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWonderful babies to greet the New Year .
ReplyDeleteWishing you joy and prosperity in 2014 !
oh, they are so cute.
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