Calving

[dt34715]

How is the best way to know a cow is close to calving?
Can you tell if it will be a few days?

Thanks of you in put.

 

[Black and Good]

Her back side will start getting sloppy, best descpition like an old worn out catcher's mitt. And when she gets close her udder should get real tight and sometimes I've seen them dripping just before they start to calve. Hope this helps. On the beginners board I think there is a thread that has pictures and everything.

 

[thendrix]

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=72398

Look through this. It should explain most everything. Although, there is not a cut and dry diagram.

If you've never experienced a calf (or anything else) being born, get ready. It can be pretty graphic and bothersome to first timers

 

[slick4591]

I would stand behind my heifers and could see the right side of their bellies starting to drop down. This would begin several days out.

 

[jerry27150]

right next to tail the bone that runs along the top of the hollow spot on each side will get loose & drop down

 

[backhoeboogie]

Some look like they could pop any day - for three weeks. Others barely show a sign and you go out there and find them with a calf by their side. Most show signs of springing (as described above) for about a week before calving.

 

[Crazy Farmgirl]

right next to tail the bone that runs along the top of the hollow spot on each side will get loose & drop down

If they will let you touch them, you can feel the ligaments that run down from the tail head. Normally they are very tight and visible, they soften the closer they get, when you can no longer feel them and the area appears sunken then generally it will be within 24 hrs.