Caitlyn's new heifer

[wvdexters]

Caitlyn had another little heifer last night.  Dun and most likely a shortie.  We'll be pulling hairs in the next few days to be sure. 

It was a chilly night, but they are doing great.  Caitlyn is a great mother, and got her dried off/nursing so quickly.  And Judith was there to help too.    Very easy delivery. We saw feet and then the calf was out.  Now Triu is next.

[genebo]

Isn't it the greatest thing to be able to feel confident in your cow's ability to have her calf unassisted?

I believe that is one of the major attractions for the breed. That and temperament rank as high as size with many people.

Congratulations to Caitlyn. I was surprised that the heifer is a dun. I didn't know Caitlin carried dun.

Tell Triu I'm pulling for her.

[wvdexters]

Yes, Caitlyn carries red and dun. So far she has given us a black heifer (dun sire), a red bull (dun sire), and 2 dun heifers (red sire). It's kind of fun (and amazing) because it is a true surprise each time she calves.

She had the calf so quick, that I missed the actual birth while I was fumbling with my flashlight. I saw feet and they were presenting properly, fooled with my flashlight and then when I looked up she was laying down with a dark clump lying on the ground. Then when it started moving, I realized it was her calf. She had her dried off and up right away.

I'll give Triu your message and a hug. She's due in a couple days.

[dexterfarm]

I am betting not short but it is hard to tell with calves in pictures.

[wvdexters]

She's a cute little thing. Spent last evening going all around the area, exploring and checking everything out. With Caitlyn following right behind. I always love watching and listening to a new mama talking, and teaching them to stay with her. Just got back from checking and she's already at it again this morning.

It could be Mike, but she looks taller in the picture than she is. I got her tail hairs yesterday, so we'll be sure here soon. Jeff came up with the perfect name.

Elva - elfin, little elf

Knobley Elva Lynn

[dexterfarm]

The moms are always a bundle of nerves try to keep tabs on a new calf that just wants to go exploring.

[rilie1]

Last August I had a new mom in one of my back pastures bawling and yelling at the top of lungs. She was walking in tight little circles screaming. I ran out and found the calf about 20 feet away under bush sleeping, completely oblivious to his mom's distress. When I finally coaxed her over to the sleeping calf I could almost see the look of shame in her eyes.

[dexterfarm]

she must not have stashed him there. He must have wondered there on his own. I have never seen a cow forget where she stashed her calf. 
If the cow is content and the calf is no where to be found. She knows where it is stand back a good distance and watch mom most of them will give it away by glancing occasionally in the direction of the calf. If that doesn't work walk around looking for the calf and watch moms reaction as you look in different places.

[wvdexters]

She made us wait for it, but Triu had her calf late last night. A sweet little black bull. Pretty sure a long-leg. He's not red like Dad, but he is really nice.

Knobley Jeremiah Triu. I'll get some pictures tonight.

[wvdexters]

Had a great time watching them zipping around today. They really enjoy running around the old oak trees.

[genebo]

Pretty calf and pretty Mama. I believe that Triu looks just like Eve, with a hint of Brenn.

[wvdexters]

Yes! And she has her beautiful horns. Very, very pretty. Little Judith has them too.

She is a great mama Gene, and is so patient and friendly. You should be really proud of her.

[genebo]

Cathy is due in a couple of days, most likely by Cujo. 25% chance of a red calf. If she does have a red calf, I have already dreamed of matching the calf with Macklynn.

[wvdexters]

That would be perfect Gene. We are hoping with you. I bet I'll hear you up here, when you get your little red.