Promised Land Homestead

New Calf!

Pumpkin (our Jersey cow) had her calf yesterday, and poor DW missed it.  She's been faithfully checking her everyday and getting up a 2 A.M. every night to try to catch her in labor so she can see the birth.  I guess it just wasn't meant to be.  While she was gone to Walmart yesterday with the kids, Pumpkin decided it was time.  It's a healthy heifer calf and we named her Patty (short for Hamburger Patty; she's destined for the freezer).  She's a beautiful Jersey/Angus cross.  She was up on her feet in no time and drinking from mom.  Pumpkin passed the placenta with no problems a few hours later.  That may seem gross to mention for those of you who don't breed animals, but it's very important to make sure the mom passes it.  If she doesn't, it could cause an infection that, at the worst could kill her and at best cause her to be unbreedable in the future. 

Pumpkin chose to have the calf about as far from the road as possible, which I completely understand.  Cows seek solitude when giving birth.  We tried to lure her up to the barn so we could milk out some colostrum that evening, but she wouldn't budge.  I had to pick up the calf and carry it to the barn to get her to follow.  She wasn't happy about me taking her calf away, but she wasn't aggressive.  She just followed and acted concerned.  They're both up at the barn now getting acquanted.  We were glad Pumpkin calved when she did.  It's been in the 20's at night here lately but yesterday afternoon was relatively warm and sunny and the low didn't drop below freezing last night.

Here are some pics of Patty just after birth and then a few more from this morning.

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1:56 PM, Saturday, December 13, 2008 .. Posted by morningsunshine

cool. I cannot wait until we have one

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5:32 PM, Saturday, December 13, 2008 .. Posted by Amanda

How beautiful! I have been online today looking to buy a cow. They are so pricey though. I would LOVE to have a Dexter.

I need to give it to The Lord though and He will provide if its meant to be.

How blessed you are!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7