So, for the first time in 3 years, I am seriously questioning what I've gotten myself into. I've enjoyed getting my feet (and everything else) wet, and we've labored mightily to get fences up, chute and headgate in, AI done, vaccines, etc etc. Delivered 4 calves last summer w/ no issue; dealt with the nastiest winter ever (with frozen water and the attendant issues) and I haven't had second thoughts.
But TONIGHT...went out to check cows (Angus) just before dusk. We turned them out on Sat. onto pasture. This eve spouse and I went in to see how they were doing (have checked them from the fence Sun and Mon but wanted a closer look). We had only been in the pasture a minute when I sensed that they were in a squirrelly mood (sometimes you can just tell, right?). Well, a couple of them decided to charge us big-time, out of nowhere. We weren't even particularly close to them. We stood our ground and yelled "stop" (think I held up my big stick). The big one put her head down, and swung it from side to side, snorting. (I should say, this is one of our calm/friendliest cows). We started to back away. We went a few yards (not running, just heading back toward the gate). The big one, now joined by another big one, charged again, together. They got within a few yards before they stopped (we had yelled loud/deep and I definitely was ready with my stick). At that point, we thought it best to get out and did so. Most of the whole herd of 15 commenced to follow us to the gate (not charging but definitely assertively).The 2 big ones then commenced to buck each other's heads, which we've never seen them do--usually they get along fine. I should say that neither of these 2 have really been the "head cow." Head cow is a third cow, who did not charge us.
Spouse had on red pants. Dumb question but does that have an effect? Other facts: they are due in 7-8 wks. Condition/health is fine. They were vaccinated by vet on Sat and they were all checked out.
Can't figure out why they would do that. I am going out tomorrow to get a hotshot. I always carry a big stick and my cell.
We have tried to spend a bit of time in the pastures so they're used to us; we don't try to make them into pets, just acclimate them to us. We weren't carrying feed or anything.
Thought on causation? Advice going forward? I am still quite shaken up. With the second charge, I really didn't think she was stopping. Both the 2 big ones are 4 yrs old and go close to 2000#, so it wasn't gonna be pretty...