So, first calf heifer FINALLY calved this morning. We had to pull him, but all went well with our 80lb vigorous little guy. Mama took to him fine and later went to graze, left little guy sleeping. I looked out to see what was going on after supper and I've got a mama in labor that has claimed the new baby as her own, sticking with him like glue, no other cows close by. New baby "clyde" gets up and starts nursing mama that is in labor! I go and get Clyde in the lot, go round up mama "bonnie" and she's glad to see him, he starts nursing and all is well. Cow in labor, "bucky" is bawling at the outside of the lot wanting to get to "her" baby. Going out now to see if the new calf is here yet. :cboy:
This was weird...for us.
- Thread starter kucala5
- Start date
Nesikep
Well-known member
A calf thief! we've had a few of them that wanted another one's calf... just make sure she accept her own... if she has a bull calf, sometimes I don't mind if they adopt a heifer's as well, that extra bit of milk can make a big difference to a hungry calf. Rule of thumb should be 1 calf per cow though
skeeter swatter
Well-known member
I've seen this a few times. Usually when the actually lay down and squeeze their own out it puts their focus back where it should be.
good luck
good luck
Bucky calved within 25 feet of the calf she tried to claim...just outside the lot where Clyde is sleeping next to his mama. Seems like everything is normal for now. This dynamic is certainly interesting.
branguscowgirl
Well-known member
Glad it's working out!
I hate when this happens..I get it at least once a year, heifers and cows. I know it has to happen when i'm not around and somehow it must work out. Last year i did find a calf that no one would take care of and i could not find a cow who had it. They were all calving so it was impossible. I just assumed that maybe it was a twin.
Went back out to check on Bucky and baby around 10. He wasn't up and she I guess had pooped as she delivered. I didn't look closely at them when I went out after supper because I was giving them time to dry off and get on baby on his feet. I got him cleaned up, put in the lot with mama. Midnight, still couldn't stand on his own and had not sucked. Gave him colostrum (sucking reflex strong, just VERY wobbly legged, almost like his equilibrium was off?). This AM he was the same. More colostrum, got him to stay up and made him walk and get up when he fell down several times. He hadn't sucked as of 2PM today. Made a bottle of replacer and he took it like a capsule. Gave Bucky a bucket of grain and while she was eating the little guy wobbled over, latched on had what we call "milk mouth", what a beautiful sight. If he can keep his legs under him, I will turn them out tomorrow. This year, our calves have needed more TLC than usual...could it be the bull we used?
