On a very hot afternoon in the 90's, Rosie gave birth to A HEIFER!! After having nothing but bulls, now both Clarabelle and Rosie have given us heifers. Poor Rosie was so hot after calving. Her tongue is hanging out and she's panting just trying to cool off. After checking back in on her this evening, we sprayed her down with a water hose to help her cool off.
Calving is always an exciting time for the entire barnyard. The chickens all gather around and peck at the placenta. Then once that's gone the peck at the calf's hooves. Poor thing can't get any peace!
When I got home from work, we considered several names for the new baby and finally settled on "Lulu." After getting a little colostrum, Lulu settled down in the tall grass and took a cat nap.
Funny thing is that Elsie, Clarabelle's heifer, can't get enough of Lulu. Elsie left her momma's side and hung out with Lulu all day. When Lulu sat down in the grass, well, Elsie was sure to sit right near her. Lulu is her half-sister, and I think they are going to enjoy each others' company.
We went back out at nightfall to check on the new baby and to ensure that Lulu had gotten enough colostrum and let her nurse until she didn't want any more. Colostrum gives Lulu antibodies to fight infection and strength during her first days. I milked the remaining colostrum out. Tomorrow we will check in on Lulu throughout the day and evening to ensure she's acclimating to her new surroundings.
We tend to overdo things sometimes. When I try to do to much, I think of the following Wendell Berry quote comes to mind:
When you are new at sheep-raising and your ewe has a lamb, your impulse is to stay there and help it nurse and see to it and all. After a while, you know that the best thing you can do is walk out of the barn. Wendell Berry
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