Tuesday, February 16, 2010

With Death Brings Life

Soon after we found Zena yesterday morning, the husband noticed one of the heifers gettin' ready to calve.  She had laid down in the side pasture.  When we went to the gate to check on her, she got up, went to the back pasture then back up to the other side pasture.  She finally stopped along the fence line east of the house.  The husband and I got on the front porch with the binoculars and watched her.

I knew when the birthin' started cause the husband started saying "push! push!" while peering thru the binoculars.    Then we saw the baby moving around.  I tried to get some pictures with my 300mm lens but she was still pretty far away.  This was the best I could do.

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We got worried cause the baby couldn't get up.  It looked like there was something wrong with it's back end. So we watched and waited and waited.  Finally over an hour or so later, the baby made it to it's feet.  Then the calf finally started to nurse.  We here happier then.

This morning the husband said he tried to sneak out to check on them both.  But even though he was in stealth mode, the mama saw him and took off with the baby.  He said the baby was doing better cause it was sure motorin' across the pasture.

I looked for them when I got home this evening in hopes of taking better pics.  I couldn't see her.  I 'm sure she was hiding with the baby in the back pasture.  Maybe in a few days, I'll be able to capture the lil devil.

20 comments:

Paige said...

Looks like a loud little bugger at least. Good luck hunting him

Leah said...

He or she has some markings! -- Appaloosa like - I love color -he/she would fit in well here! Looking forward to more photos!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Full circle ,I guess, glad baby got going after the slow start!

Mikey said...

Those mama's sure don't want to be bothered. Looks like a cute spotted calf! Can't wait to see closer.

Dusty Devoe said...

Glad the baby is okay. Can't wait to see some close ups!

Pony Girl said...

Aw, how cute! Life is truly a precious cycle. I'm so sorry to hear about Zena. :( My thoughts and prayers are with you guys right now!!

City girl turned Country Girl said...

That is so great!! An it does look like it's got some color! Can't wait till you can get some closer pics!!

Farmchick said...

Now that baby looks like a cutie...can't wait to see a closer up photo! :)

missy said...

ahhhhh sounds like spring!!!!!
i hope spring visits us soon!!!!

lisa said...

That is so nice! Yippy for the new one!

Unknown said...

The circle of life perhaps? What a relief to have a good calving. So sorry to hear about your sweet dog passing on. Who knew what was happening and don't kick yourself about not taking her to your vet. She is at peace now and up in the heavens with her buddies!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see the new baby's pics in the days to come.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Unknown said...

looks like babys got some spots. Sneaky mama.

Linda said...

I can not imagine giving birth in this cold! On top of it being born all wet in this cold! BRRRRRR! I'd preferr a nice barn myself:) Glad all seems to be well with them.

Mama Mess said...

What a cute speckled calf! I'm glad that you can see the new life even in the sad times. God is good, even when it seems like He isn't around. I know you know that! Hugs to you!

Shirley said...

Cagey mama! Hope you have a whole bunch of good healthy calves this year.

Train Wreck said...

Mine... I call. I want that baby! I will love it and feed it and hold it, and squeeze it..lol It looks like a pretty baby. What a good mama. I saw some longhorns this weeken. I sure would like to get another one. Like I don't have enough going on around here... ((hugs)) my heavy hearted friend.

Maria said...

These are wonderful photo's, so glad you had that zoom lens. I'm sure that was a very long hour waiting for it to stand, it just probably figured it had no where to be at the moment and would just chill for a bit and take in the scenery.

Tatersmama said...

Awwww... look at the markings on that gorgeous little bugger!
The circle of life continues...even when it hurts.
(((hugs)))

DKG aka Scrappy Doo said...

Congrats on the new one! can't wait to see the pictures of the little devil :-)