We seem to have at least one calf who requires serious attention each year.  As you may recall, last year we had a calf with a bad hip who needed constant care and physical therapy for two weeks.  The year before that, we had a calf that was rejected by its mother, and we had to pen up a mother cow three times a day so the calf could suckle.  Par for the course, this year we had to bottle feed a calf for a week because the cows teats were too big for the calf to latch onto.  I’m happy to report that in all of these instances, both cow and calf went on to live happy, healthy lives.  Several years ago, I learned to always keep colostrum and milk replacer on hand (as well as antibiotics and other therapeutics).  Calves are always born during the most inconvenient times (like ice storms in February) and time is of the essence.

The good news is we have 13 calves so far!  We even have twins - which is extremely unusual in the cow world.  Watching calves learn about the world around them is always fun.  Newborns, despite their mothers warnings, will walk right up to you for a closer look.   Be sure to join us in April for our open house and experience a little “life on the ranch” for yourself.