June | 2013 | I've Gone Country

Archive for June, 2013

23 Jun

Clementine and Laverne

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. 1 comment

Warning::::::: This is a sad post….

I don’t know if I would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.

I went to feed Laverne as usual. The cows were in the front pasture….except for Clementine. I noticed that she was however, in the second field. Her bag was big the day before so I assumed she would be delivering soon. She is the hardest of all the cows to tell when she is really, really close to delivering. The main thing that changes on her is her milk bag. She has a big body, so most of the time she doesn’t look round and pregnant like the others.

Taking all that into consideration I assumed she was in labor. I buzzed over on the 4 wheeler to check on her. She was just fine and had a beautiful baby next to her! I could tell the baby wasn’t very old.

Clementine gave it a little hum and it stood up. I kept my distance, so I couldn’t tell for sure what sex it was.

I was aggravated with myself that I hadn’t brought my camera with me.

I called Billy to let him know. Billy half jokingly said…”DON’T touch it”…. we don’t need to bottle feed another calf.

I laughed and said I wasn’t going to touch it.

I told Clementine what a good mama she was and drove away. I fed Laverne….and left the pasture.

I stayed out of the pasture until it was time to feed Laverne again around dusk. Laverne was in the front pasture by herself, which isn’t unusual. I noticed all the others were in the second field. After I fed Laverne, I went to count everyone and hoped I would get to see the new baby up and around. Sometimes you have to wait to see them use the bathroom before you know if it is a girl or a boy. Especially if you don’t plan on touching them.

Clementine was marching across the field toward the creek. Laverne was on the other side of the creek. When she approached the creek she stood directly across from Laverne and mooed and mooed. I thought that was odd. I assumed that Laverne must be to close to the baby. Mama cows don’t want others to close to their babies, even other cows. I couldn’t see the baby anywhere though. I drove around that part of the pasture a little. When I circled back to that same spot Laverne was gone. I wondered how in the world she disappeared so quickly. She was nowhere. Then I noticed a couple long grass stalks waving in the air. I got off the 4 wheeler and walked to the creek bank. There Laverne was …..standing in the water. The water isn’t that deep in most areas….but I was shocked that she was in the creek. I suppose she slipped down the bank.

I started trying to figure out a way to get her out. She was about 75 or 80 pounds at birth. I have no idea what she weighs now…calves are heavier than you would think. I knew that if I got in the creek with her….it wasn’t going to do either one of us any good, because I wouldn’t be able to lift her up 3 feet or so to dry ground.

This time I had brought my camera so I decided to take a few pictures to show Billy later. By this time Clementine had walked away with the herd.

I called Laverne like a dog…come here Laverne…here girl….

Cows don’t come to you like a dog….just in case you were wondering. Finally, I started walking the side of the bank while still calling her. After much hesitation she turned around and started following me. I was trying to lead her to a wider part of the creek where I thought I could help her get up the embankment. The tricky part was she still couldn’t use that back leg much to help herself.

As we were walking…. I found the other calf. It had drowned in the creek, apparently earlier in the day. I was just sick. That is why Clementine was at the creek Mooing….she knew her baby was there. She just wasn’t able to get it out.

After seeing the other calf I was not about to leave Laverne to get someone to help me. I was afraid she would drown as well.

She worked with me as good as she could and somehow, some way….she ended up on the bank.

Billy wasn’t home at the time but I knew he would be home soon.

Meanwhile I drove home and got some rope and put my rubber boots on. My neighbor saw me rushing around and asked what I was up to. I told him about the calf, but explained that Billy would be home soon to help. We have great neighbors, always helping any time they see a need.

He immediately came to the pasture, jumped into the creek and roped the calf. It took a lot to lift it out. Even my neighbor slipped a couple of times on that bank. So we assume that is what happened to the calf, it must have slipped. Once it was in the creek….it couldn’t get out. Being newborn I imagine it didn’t have the strength to do much for itself.

Billy arrived about the time we recovered it. We were all just sick. It seemed so senseless.

It was a boy and he looked like a big, healthy calf otherwise.

Clementine had gone around the tree line with the herd, so she didn’t see us remove him.

Poor Billy….he always gets the terrible task of burying the animals.

It is still hard to believe that could have happened in such shallow water.

The next morning I went to feed Laverne. I sure was glad to see her little ears twitching in the grass. I had hoped all night that she didn’t venture near that creek again.

I noticed poor little Clementine standing by the creek’s edge…right where the baby had been…mooing for him.

It will break your heart when you see something like that.

I saw that she showed Laverne a little bit of attention. When Laverne would cry to be fed….Clementine acted like she was going to help. Laverne wasn’t very interested in Clementine because she has been knocked away by her several times in the past 2 weeks. But now that Clementine has given birth…and has lost hers…their is a slight chance that she will adopt Laverne. Ever so slight of a chance….but still a chance.

Here is a quick clip of them from that day.

You can hear the little hum…that Clementine gives to Laverne. That is the same hum that a Mother gives their newborn when they tell them things. They give a moo, like she does while standing at the creek, when they are calling their babies to come to them.

I told you it was a sad story.

I didn’t feed Laverne for a few hours….trying to see if she would at least try to nurse from Clementine.

It would be great for both of them if that happened. It will help heal Clementine’s heart and Laverne sure could use the milk and affection that Clementine could give.

This all took place on Wednesday….it was hard to decide if I should share this story or not. I finally decided I would. Things are not always wonderful on the farm anymore than they are in any other setting.

I was reminded by a friend on another occasion about this other short clip. It came to mind when all this happened.

I think this little boy says it better than I ever could.

18 Jun

Vacation Bible School

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: coaster world, colossal coaster, facing fear, vacation bible school. 1 comment

The theme for our Vacation Bible School this year was Colossal Coaster World….Facing Fear, Trusting God.

I try to help with decorations each year. But….this year I had a bigger task than usual. Interesting that the theme was on fear….because that is what I began to battle. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get it all done, and that it would be a disappointment to all the kids who would come.

I found myself waking up at 1:00 a.m….weeks before, worrying about all the details. Sounds silly to worry about such things….but isn’t that the case with most of the things we worry about? When you step back and look at whatever it is….in hindsight….it was silly to worry so much.

I found myself having lots of talks with the Lord at these unusual hours of the night. I suppose that is one of the good things that comes from my fearfulness….I take time to talk to God more. I truly believe that He cares about everything that I care about. So, even the little things that concern me and get me all worked up are His concerns too. I am just glad that He knows me well enough to be able to show me how NOT to be worrying about such minor, unnecessary worries.

I remember my Mom saying…. just do your best. Through the years I have realized that if you REALLY do your best…..than it usually works out. Different people have different talents so my best at something may not come out to be as good as someone else could do that same thing. I find though that I don’t really give too many things my very best effort. If something doesn’t turn out very good on the first or second try…then….well it isn’t for me. I laugh to myself and say that I am a frustrated perfectionist. I would like for things to turn out perfect….but…they don’t so I get frustrated and move on to something else. A true perfectionist would keep trying I suppose.

I was in a Bible study group this past fall and we went through the book of Genesis. This thought came to mind this week as I was cutting the grass. Odd I know, but I had lots of time to think. After God created Adam and Eve…He said….it is very good. I’m glad he didn’t just go…eh….that’s good enough.

I was in class with a woman at church a few years ago. She impressed me with her knowledge. Yet, she seemed to be craving more….it was like she couldn’t get enough. You could tell that she did a lot of studying and searching the scripture from one class time to the next. She shared one day that she was not raised in a Christian home. They never went to church as a family. One year she went to Vacation Bible School when the church bus rolled around through her neighborhood. That was the only exposure she had growing up. She didn’t stay in church and actually stayed way away from it for a long time. Many years later, when she was in her 40’s she became a Christian. She remarked that because of that exposure to the gospel earlier in her life, it spoke to her and changed her life many years later. She had been a Christian for a few years when I had this class with her. I thought that was a really neat story. However, that story became a WOW story later. Suddenly she got cancer and died not too long after she shared that with our class. Now…. she was experiencing heaven…one of the many things she had been studying. WOW…..

While preparing for VBS I would get overwhelmed by all the “stuff” I had to do…. I got a little critical….in my mind. I would think…it’s just a week. This is a lot of work for just a week long program. Then I was reminded……reminded that lives are changed in that week long program. Changed for eternity…..

While I was working on one of my “things” I was using an overhead projector……I am dating myself by saying that. A lot of the young people have no clue what that is.

It can project something onto a wall so that you can make it bigger. Here I was making a letter bigger for a sign. I was tracing the letter onto a piece of cardboard while it was projected onto the wall.

As I traced my letter a HUGE spider came crawling towards me. I gasped and jumped and was trying to swat at it. Suddenly, I realized that it was on the machine not the wall. It was a TINY little spider walking across my letter stencil. It only looked HUGE because it was being magnified. I had to laugh. I felt pretty silly reacting the way I did. I thought about the theme for VBS…”fear”. Once again…I was reminded that things are often not as big and scary as they seem. Most things do not warrant the fear and anxiety that I tend to allow into my thoughts.

2 Timothy 1:7
King James Version

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I got rid of the spider and carried on with my letters.

Tested one out with the red paint I wanted to use and was ready to go to the next project.

I made some snow cones out of styrofoam balls, then I painted with spray paint.

That was fun and easy….

Made some cotton candy out of fiberfill…and more spray paint.

A sign stating how tall you must be…for the “rides”….

That was easy with the overhead projector’s help…..

and a Popcorn display to go by the popcorn machine.

But then came the hard stuff….the roller coaster….that was the stuff I was really sweating.

Billy’s talent is …..building….and constructing…so….he did the coaster for me.

This was NOT an easy one to do. I am so thankful God tugged on Billy’s heart. He used his God given talents…..and that in turn that helped me.

He is good with things like this. Amazing how fear of it turning out….vanished.

The kids always get a kick out of seeing the staff’s pictures placed somewhere in the decorating.

They were put into the roller coaster car.

I was really glad that Riley, Andy and Layla were all able to attend and had a blast.

Layla got to ride the bus, she was very excited!!!!

I happened to catch her on the last day as she was getting off.

I asked her if she had fun…she posed for the camera and said… oh…yes!

And Me Me I made this hat and oh yeah….

And with that…. she remembered that there was going to be a party that night for the grand finale….

In mid sentence she headed toward the door to tell her daddy all about it.

Hey Daddy….Hey Daddy there’s going to be a party! She was just a little excited……..

I headed on to church to help take down some of the decorations so that the church could be somewhat normal for Sunday Services. The finale for that night was going to be held outside.

As I pulled into the parking lot….. I was ashamed of my critical thinking early on.

There they were….staff…and other volunteers…setting things up. Hours before the event. Most of them had not even gone home. They had arrived early that morning and would not go home until at least 8 p.m., after everything was taken back down and put away.

They had to be tired….they had to be hot….but there they worked….. tirelessly, after a whole week of this.

Children came back….parents and grand parents came with them.

There were lots of things to do….volunteers manned booths.

Layla as well as many others were excited to attend that party they had been waiting for….

Andy and Riley headed out for some vacation time after VBS so they weren’t at the party….but I know they all had fun and learned a lot through the week.

All the kids sang songs they had learned, songs they will remember most of their lives. Hopefully they will reflect on what they learned this week and it will impact their decisions and actions for the rest of their life. Possibly even for eternity.

It touched my heart to see the great turn out.

Billy and I worked the Funnel Cake table. I know that we served over three hundred from our table alone.

I was once again humbled and reminded….I shouldn’t have worried so much. I just need to do my best and God will work out the details.

Besides…. God doesn’t really NEED my help. But when He allows me to be involved….I receive a blessing….every time.

16 Jun

Thinking of my Father

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. 1 comment

One of the things my father loved to do was spend time on the water. He liked to swim, ski, fish and just float down the river on our pontoon boat with the whole family.

It has been so pretty today, all I could think of was that he probably would have wanted to have spent Father’s Day…on the river. Mater of fact I am sure we would have spent many, many weekends at the river.

If you know me, or have read my blog for a while, you know my father passed away when I was three years old. I can hardly talk about him to someone who doesn’t know that…. until I tell them.

Why? I’m not really sure, I suppose it is because I know that…. how he died… is just as important about his character, as how he lived.

I have asked people in the last few years if they would write down whatever memories they have of my Daddy. I wondered why I waited so long to ask people about him. Then it occurred to me that while my mother was alive she filled in those gaps. She gave us stories here and there.

My neighbor and close friend of my Daddy’s wrote me a letter one day with some beautiful memories. My Daddy’s brother and Sister have also shared some precious memories of him with me lately. They have even sent a few pictures of him as a child that I have never seen before. What a gift!

My father drowned as he attempted to rescue three people from a boating accident. He didn’t hesitate to help. The shirt he removed had rips at the buttons where he jerked it off.

The actions he took that day changed my life forever.

He will always have my utmost love and respect.

I have been reading through the chapter of Matthew. I read this a few days ago and it has been on my mind ever since.

Matthew 19:19( KJV )

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

It seems I can’t even think about my Father or Mother without honoring them. I have been so very blessed with such amazingly brave parents.

This was in my Scripture reading yesterday….

Matthew 22:37-39

King James Version (KJV)

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The definition of Neighbor (English spelling )- (1) One living or located near another (2) Fellow man ( a person other than yourself….a fellow human being).

My Father displayed this verse to me by the actions he took that day. He showed a great love for his fellow man.

My Mother went on to raise the four of us children by herself, she never remarried. She said she could never love anyone more than she did him. Every once in a while Mom would say…you have to be careful… because sometimes people turn others into perfect people after they die. She said your Daddy wasn’t perfect….but I sure did love him. He was a great father to us kids and he loved us dearly.

To me that tells a lot about him.

My sister Charlotte has a beautiful voice, she used to sing a good bit in church. Years ago she sang a song by Amy Grant called My Father’s Eyes. It has always been one of my very favorites. I’m sure her singing it made me like it all the more.

Amy Grant spoke about this song reminding her of her heavenly Father and her earthly Father. That is what it reminds me of also.

I thank God for such a wonderful earthly Father. Funny that I actually ended up with Hazel Brown eyes….just like him. I also have his hair color, his widow’s peak and his freckles.

But, there is much more than the outward appearance. Just as my daddy lived out in his life and death, a love for his neighbor.

I am so proud of my father. I smile when I think of him.

I wish him a Happy Fathers Day from the bottom of my heart.

14 Jun

Goat Buffet

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: nature, plants. 1 comment

We fenced a section for the goats to clear and live in, back in 2012. I think it was about 7 acres.

We have been amazed at how well they have cleared it….and kept it clear.

This was taken yesterday….

This…. was taken near the same spot last March, when we first put the goats in the fence.

Amazing isn’t it? At that time there were just four goats eating.

This year we have four adult goats and 5 baby goats in this same space. We kept watching and waiting for Spring to bring all the new growth. Apparently they are eating it as fast as it can grow. Although it looks nice to be able to see through the woods, there isn’t enough food for everyone.

We enjoy seeing the rock formations without all the underbrush. They have done a great job…and I think they have enjoyed every bite! That is exactly why we put them there.

Billy has a new spot that he wants cleaned up. Soooooo….. he has had new fencing put up. We are trying an electric fence this time. Hoot n Nanny has been following in her mothers foot steps and started getting her head caught in the fence a late lately. Pearl, her Mama has always been bad about doing that. We have learned what a certain cry sounds like when they are caught. Most of the time they are way up in the woods. Another reason why we try to do a head count on all the animals regularly. When we are out of town though, I worry about them mostly for this reason. They can feed themselves in a nice terrain of food…but when they get their head stuck…they are at a predators mercy. They can also break their necks trying to get loose.

We are hoping this new fencing will eliminate a lot of problems.

Pearl, well she is the one goat who tends to push the envelope the most. First it was getting her head caught…now it is jumping over the electric fence. The first day she got out three times…that I know of. The good thing was that she didn’t go anywhere. She just thought the grass was greener on the other side.

I am about as hard headed as she is. Whenever I caught her on the outside I made her jump right back inside. Of course you know I really can’t make her do anything she really doesn’t want to do, but at least she made me feel like I was in control.

By the end of day one….she seemed to stay in the fence. We have decided to add a third string of wire to help remedy that problem.

As you can see there is a whole lot of food all around them.

They didn’t waste any time getting started.

I am excited to see how this looks after they do their work.

We left the babies in the old fence. They seem to be able to find enough food. There little tummies are full by the end of the day.

I happened to catch Lucy, Freida and Viola resting from a long days work. These three seem to hang out together. I guess they know who there siblings are.

I suppose Lucy has been adopted by these two. Aren’t they cute?

Buster Brown and Mary Jane were still out doing a little weed eating.

I think they kind of like having the older goats gone. They can have the goat house back, the older ones always kicked them out when it rained.

For now….everyone’s happy, even Pearl.

I just hope she doesn’t get out and eat the neighbors garden……….

12 Jun

Laverne

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: ant hill, little calf, red ants. 2 comments

I had talked with the vet two different times about Laverne after she was born. By the way I described things to him he thought that she might have a broken leg….or nerve damage. The last time I posted about her she was only about 2 days old. She wasn’t able to get up and move around much. She would stand for only about 3 or 4 minutes at a time….and was wobbly at best. I noticed she had passed some blood one morning….that really worried me.

I tried to check on her every couple of hours. I worried about her getting too hot, because she couldn’t get in and out of the shade on her own. The closest shade is near the creek and I was afraid she would hobble too close and fall in. She was already falling into ant hills every time I turned around. On one occasion I went to peek in on her and she was laying right in a BIG ant hill. There were ants everywhere on her. They were all in her mouth too. I took the hose and carefully washed them off her. They were those big ole red ants. I know they hurt because a few stung me while I was trying to get them off of her. Poor baby.

I felt so bad for her. I called the vet back and asked for him to swing by and look at her whenever he had a chance. I didn’t want her suffering needlessly. I didn’t know if there was more wrong with her than the leg or not. Just like with the ants…she was going to end up in a bad situation if she wasn’t going to get better relatively quick. I can only be there to protect her so much. I tried to brace myself for bad news.

That afternoon he came by the farm to look at her. Immediately when he saw her he said…Wow…she’s a beautiful little calf. That made me smile. I felt like a proud parent. He looked in her mouth and there was some swelling from the ants. He gave her the once over like doctors do. The blood could have been a few things, but she only had it twice that morning. He told me what it could have been and to keep my eye out to see if it continued. Actually she was in pretty good shape. However, she did have a broken leg. I believe he said it was a broken femur. He said her Mom might have stepped on her after delivery or she may have kicked her. It is too high too cast. As long as she is eating good and going to the bathroom alright, then she should make it through this. Especially if we were willing to bottle feed her. It takes about 6 weeks to heal. She may walk with a limp but then again she may not. All in all, she is going to be alright. He advised us on how to wrap her leg better with the ace bandage….for support and to reduce swelling.

The day after her appointment she began to move around more. When I went to feed her that next morning, she was under a big shade tree. She had walked a pretty far distance. I was surprised, but relieved. Then I started worrying…now that she could actually move from place to place that could be good and bad. I had to decide not to worry about all the “what if’s” and embrace her way of taking care of herself. She had figured out how to get out of the hot sun so she wouldn’t over heat….so I had to let her use her instincts.

Each day she seems to be getting stronger and stronger. Shirley, Laverne’s twin sister is moving around the pasture a good bit with her Mama. I hate that Laverne can’t stay with the herd, they offer a lot of company and protection. Even though her leg is bummed up she still has the mind of a playful calf. She still wants to run, frolic and leap around….yes, even with a broken leg.

Saturday Billy went with me to feed her. I had him take this short clip so you could see how she is getting around. Even if I stand still, she wants to play….so I give her a few minutes play each day and then she is ready to lay down and rest.

Oh…and pardon the way I am dressed…that is my get up and go to pasture look. Thankfully Laverne and the rest of the herd don’t seem to mind a bit.

Twice now Tug has come over and checked her out. The others are too skittish, maybe they will all be close one day soon.

Cupid, Laverne’s mom still shows some interest in her, but I’m not sure she will take her in as far as nursing goes.

I hope in another week or so Laverne will be able to keep up with the herd.

She is a strong and determined little girl.

I’m very proud of the progress she has made thus far and can’t wait for her to be totally well.

11 Jun

Birds of a feather….flock together….?

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: animals, beak, nature. 1 comment

Duck….

Duck…..

Goose!

These are our neighbors ducks….that come over for a visit. She raised them from itty bitty babies.

Once they were old enough to stay in the yard they ended up with a friend….a goose….or a gander????? I have no clue. I think…. it thinks…..that it is a duck. It had a sibling….but it disappeared….kinda like my chickens have. Oddly enough nothing has bothered any of the others, for a long time.

The goose…or gander….has been adopted by these ducks. They sure are cute.

I did notice that one of these ducks has a different colored beak. I tried to find out what that meant…but I still do not have a clear answer….sooooo?

They meander around the yard eating here and there….

They really are pretty….and sweet.

For the most part…..they mind their own business.

They have started making their way around the house.

This morning they were quacking at the back door….looking at us through the glass….too cute.

The other day Billy just sat down and played with them.

After they make their rounds they like to gather together under the trees…and rest in the shade for a spell.

Then they waddle across the yard….

eating along the way….

Until someone decides it REALLY is time to go……

There is no more eating….and they file in line….to cross the street.

Well…..almost in line…. This one seems to want to do everything it’s own way.

It brings a smile to see these little creatures walking around.

I’m glad these ducks are fine, but I can’t help but wonder why my hens are gone….and these ducks that are not in a fence are not.

I suppose chicken just taste better to everyone ….even to the predators.

I checked on our girls yesterday. They are just fine. The sitting hen is still sitting. The other girl is really enjoying the company of the other hens. She took a dust bath yesterday and my neighbor said the rooster has shared many fine worms with her. So far the others have not “hen pecked” her. So for now, they are all being nice. That ‘s good….real good.

Billy and I….well….we are enjoying the ducks.

10 Jun

Here’s the scoop…on the coop

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: animals, fence line, nature. 2 comments

Things rocked along pretty good all week.

Billy even bought me a surprise.

A live trap. Just what I wanted. Funny….the things I enjoy getting now are a good bit different than they used to be!

We were like two kids in a candy store. Trying to figure out how to set the contraption up without tripping it and hurting ourselves.

Finally we managed…took it over to the coop and baited it, with what seems to be one of the best things around….a fresh egg.

I suppose the absolute best thing would have been a “live hen”….but that wasn’t going to happen.

We went home for the night….and waited. I couldn’t hardly stand it the next morning….I wanted to see what we had caught during the night.

NOTHING….absolutely….NOTHING

Friday came and we were having dinner guest. I had passed by the coop around 4:30…but the chickens had no intentions on going to bed that early. Two were puttering around the yard while the third one continued to sit in the coop. After dinner, the guest were mingling around talking, my son in law took the kids for a ride on the golf cart. It had just gotten dark so I asked him if he would put the girls up for the night. The kids thought that would be fun….so off they all went. Just a few minutes later I got a bad report.

Only one girl….she was sitting in the window flower box. He placed her inside with the other hen.

GROSS…… I hate getting news like that.

Later Billy and I searched the yard to make sure she wasn’t hiding somewhere. We only found a few feathers near the fence line. I’m not even sure they were fresh feathers. It could have been a bird of prey that got her. SAD….really, really SAD.

The next morning I let one hen out…..the other continued to sit in the laying box.

I am pretty sure she has become broody….or is brooding….not sure about all this terminology. She is sitting on her eggs…so she can become a Mama.

I have read that a hen can stay fertile for a week to ten days after being exposed to a rooster. I find that extremely interesting. I also think it is amazing that she decided to go broody right after the rooster died. Of course when they were laying eggs in the round planter on the porch….several weeks ago, they were doing the same thing apparently. But…the difference was they didn’t sit on the eggs 24/7. She has stayed on these eggs. Hopefully she is getting up to eat, drink and take potty breaks.

My friend offered to take our hen that is up and moving around and keep her in her coop until I can secure my fence. So, last night was moving day.

She didn’t like being caught….I’m sure she thought she was the next one to get eaten…..YIKES!!!!

Billy carried her down the street to the neighbors pen….

Billy looks cute with a chicken under his arm….but it was kinda sad.

BUT….I can see her anytime I want….. Besides it is much sadder seeing just feathers.

It is pretty cool to have neighbors that help with the animals as if they were theirs. Billy handed her over the fence. The neighbor pet her little head and off she went. He assured us she would be just fine. Of course I know something could happen and if it does…it does….but it is really kind of them to help us.

She will have lots of friends…..

She started eating as soon as she entered the coop.

The Red rooster immediately started flirting with our beautiful blonde. I can’t blame him….she is a looker.

Today….our Mama to be…. is fine…. and still sitting. It is supposed to take 21 days before the eggs will hatch.

I wasn’t planning on having baby chicks…but I think I will be more than ready by the time it happens.

Meanwhile, I have a fence to fix!

4 Jun

Not good……

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: animals, nature, outdoors. 2 comments

Every day I count the chickens when they come out in the morning…and when they go in at night. Anytime I pass by the coop area…I count heads. I have a neighbor who loves the girls as much as I do. She cooks them homemade cornbread regularly. They run to the fence when they see her just like they do when they see me. They cluck and make the cute little noises that hens… make when she heads toward the fence. They know that she is coming with a treat. She talks to them and can tell them apart better than I can.

We went out of town a couple of weeks ago just for two or three days. When we returned we had two girls that had disappeared. The only trace of evidence were a few feathers here and there in the yard….and a war wound left on Roo.

He obviously tried to protect the girls, but whatever took them….was a mean old thing. My neighbor said that Roo comes at her like he is going to get her now that the attack has happened.

The girls stayed close to him for days after that.

A week or so went by and I was passing by and did the head count. I was missing one….and I saw something in the grass.

I went into the fenced area and followed the trail

Whatever it was…it chased our girl around the yard before it got her. Sprinkling feathers everywhere.

Then it apparently pulled her through the fence and into the woods.

Talk about a sick stomach….that will give you one. And it all happened just an hour after I let them out that morning.

I have been really watching…and trying to do what I could in between cows being born…bottle feeding calves, and goats getting their heads stuck in the fencing. Sometimes it is almost more than you can do in a day…..or a week.

I put everyone up the other night and they just looked pitiful. They all hunched together in the coop.

Egg productivity is way down. I didn’t know if they were just not producing because of the trauma…or if something was stealing the eggs.

The next morning….I let them out as usual and within an hour and a half….Roo was gone. This time there were feathers in the coop.

The girls seemed scared…and I don’t blame them.

Billy and I have discussed what else we could do fencing wise. It is a big undertaking to make most any kind of improvement. We are trying…but the predator is faster at this than we are.

Saturday, I cleaned the coop real well. I removed all Roo’s feathers and all the old bedding. I put fresh shaving down for the girls. They like it when I am working near them. They are curious little creatures, scurrying around to see what you are doing. Making you feel appreciated when you are through. Once complete they walk around their little dwelling and coo, seeming to admire everything you did for them. How can you not love that.

Sunday morning we had a quick, but hard rain shower move through. I decided not to let the girls out until we got home from church. I would then be around to keep that third eye out for trouble. I opened the main door…thinking this time I would keep the little side door shut…. so I could monitor all activity. I counted them as they passed by….One, Two, Three….

What?…Where’s Four? I put up four last night when I closed them in…..where’s four? I almost panicked. I looked behind the door, under the nesting boxes, and in the little rafters overhead….GONE.

NUMBER FOUR WAS GONE… The only evidence….was feathers…. again. This time I knew they were fresh feathers because I had just cleaned the coop. YEP….another sick stomach.

Those poor, poor babies. What horror they must have witnessed. And they were stuck inside with whatever it was!

Sunday afternoon…Billy and I looked at every possible opening that the coop might have. It is built really well so the only place we could see were the eaves. There is a tree right behind the coop….possibly a raccoon is climbing the tree and getting onto the roof and climbing in through the eaves. If it isn’t a coon it must be something that climbs. It could possibly be a snake, but there again it looks like it has to come in through the roof. I sure don’t want to walk in on whatever it is!

Billy worked until dusk getting it secured. While he was there he hung a star that we had been intending to do for a while.

The girls stood from a distance looking as if they were making sure the star was centered….however, admiring his work…I’m sure.

While Billy was there one of the girls laid and egg in the flower box. He hadn’t remembered to grab it before he left that night. The next morning this is all that was left of the egg. I had seen an egg like this one day after Roo died in the coop. Soooo…..whatever came up was the same thing that had come in the coop before.

Monday morning three girls were still in the coop safe and sound. Hopefully…. we have at least gotten the coop secured.

Yesterday, one of the girls didn’t want to come out of the coop, she decided to sit in the nesting box all day long. I suppose she is scared. I didn’t get an egg either yesterday. However, I didn’t move her to see if she was sitting on one. I decided not to bother her. Poor girls.

This morning everyone was well….. so far.

3 Jun

Update on our baby calf

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. Tagged: good appetite, sick animal. 1 comment

It’s been interesting around here to say the least.

Saturday Night we kept the baby calf in the fenced off area so we could monitor her and get to her easily. Also she couldn’t stand without assistance so we tried to protect her best we could from predators. We had her next to the fencing so her mother could lick and smell her. It was somewhat funny. We had tug inside that area with us so we could feed him too. Tugs mother Bailey started having a fit. Mooing and carrying on. I thought well it’s about time you cared about your baby….now that her milk has dried up. We let him back out to be with her and the others. She just looked at him…he looked at her and walked right past her. She continued with her verbal fit. Mooing like a wild woman. I suppose she thought that other baby was hers. Cupid which is actually the mother of this new baby was right beside her calm as a cucumber. Bailey hasn’t figured things out yet. Billy and I just shook our heads.

However, we were pleased that Mama (Cupid) took a little time with the calf through the fence. She obviously knows it is her baby.

Bright and early Sunday morning we checked on her again. I hesitantly looked when we got near. I was so afraid that she just might not have made it through the night. But once again…that little ear twitched and I knew she had, what a relief. One sign of a sick animal is when they won’t eat. So, her having a good appetite is wonderful news.

I had spoken with the vet by phone on Saturday. We were doing some of the little things he suggested. One was to give her a shot of Penicillin for a few days. Billy gave her the first one Saturday night. That was the first shot he had ever given, he did very well, if I say so myself.

We placed baby inside the pasture so she could be near the other cows. We especially wanted her Mother to be able to get to her if she wanted to.

After church I fed her some electrolyte…like gatorade…for cows. She stood up to take part of the bottle. I could tell she was getting a little stronger.

She is just a little doll.

Her eyelashes are really long, I’m telling you she is something else. It seems God blessed her with a little extra beauty!

Today I took a short video of her so that you could see what I am seeing. She is getting up by herself a little bit better ….with each passing day.

I had to move her after this, because she plopped right into an ant hill.

She looks pitiful. The little bandage is just for support. Not sure it is doing much…but she is standing and taking steps more today. Something is possibly wrong in the hip. I talked with the vet again today and he said that it could be nerve damage. We are keeping a close eye on it and working with her to possibly build up strength in that leg. I have heard of a twin laying on the other twin and causing problems like this.

Mama comes and goes. She sniffs her and gives her a lick now and then. She feeds the other twin, but watches me as I tend to this one.

Last evening Cupid peeked from around the corner when I was working with her. I actually gave my first shot to her last night. I am learning….as we go.

I try to back away when the mom comes near in hopes that she will continue to come and check on her.

Today, before I left the pasture, Mama was grazing nearby. She was actually halfway between both babies. You just can’t see the other one….she has it tucked in the high grass.

She is a good Mama.

The baby has gotten much better with balance since Saturday.

She has a lot of determination.

She is going to be fine…..I just know it!

1 Jun

That Gut Feeling…..

Posted by ivegonecountry in Uncategorized. 2 comments

Last evening I went to feed Tug and check on the girls. Everyone was grazing happily. The evening was so pleasant that I decided to just hang around and watch them. I love sitting with them in the pasture…especially in the cool of the evening. There is just something so relaxing about it. I suppose I stayed about an hour….but just before I left I noticed Cupid suddenly stopped eating. She stood still and just stared out into space. I continued to watch. She stood for about 5 minutes and then she slowly started walking away from the herd. ALRIGHTY….I thought….maybe she is finally going into labor.

She found her a little spot and stood for a while….then she laid down. It is funny though….they look to see if you are looking at them. She was at a distance…and I just watched from afar. However she would turn around….and take a peek at me….I would quickly turn my head as if I wasn’t. I was just trying to see if she was really in labor or resting.

Poor Billy….he gets a lot of weird text messages and phone calls. I update him on all the happenings with the animals. I called and told him I would be a little longer…I was pretty sure Cupid was in labor. I never did see the birthing bubble, but she sure was uncomfortable. She would turn and twist around like she was trying to help get the baby into position. Darkness set in around me, so I hesitantly drove home. I know that these cows don’t usually need my help….but it sure is hard to walk away for the night….not knowing if she would be alright or not. She gave birth last year just fine….so I tried to remember that all night long. Besides….I wasn’t even sure….that it was indeed labor.

This morning….well you know me….and you know that as soon as my eyes opened I jumped to my feet with anticipation. I tried to be calm….I dressed and got my cup of coffee. Billy knew….”You going to check on your Mama Cow” ? Oh…Yeah….I sure am. As I was heating water for Tugs bottle….I saw that Billy was about ready to walk out the door too. What’s on your schedule?…. I asked. I’m going with you…. That always makes me smile!

So we took a few things in preparation for possibly having to help her calve if she hadn’t already.

What a pleasant surprise….Mama and baby in the field doing fine!!!!! Now that is the way you hope to find all your cows after they give birth.

Billy fed tug for me…and I ran to get a bucket of sweet feed for Mama. I like to treat the Mama’s for a job well done after they deliver.

And hopefully it builds trust with the girls that we are not going to hurt their babies. While they eat their feed we can usually get to the baby and see what sex it is.

Mama still is very protective of her young…so we have to do it with caution. Billy said….well, you’ve got your self a GIRL!!!!!

We stood back and watched Mama and baby interact. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that she didn’t have any trouble. I just felt like something was wrong. I told Billy. You know….that sure is a little calf for her to have been SO big. Cupid is not a huge cow, she is on the short side. So anytime she is pregnant she REALLY looks pregnant. I have been hoping she would have her baby for at least three weeks now. I didn’t want her to get an ounce bigger. She was just HUGE. You know as they say…BIG AS A BARREL.

We were just relieved that Mama and baby were fine.

Billy said…well, this is good….now I can go on about my day as planned.

Me…well, I just couldn’t shake that feeling. I told him…I think I better look around…I can’t help but think there might have been two in there. Besides she had a set of twins once before.

I drove around the part of the pasture I had left her in last night. Nothing. I was about to leave….when I decided to check out one more spot. I rounded the corner and saw a black blob. OH….my heart sank.

I drove closer….and a little ear moved! I jumped off the 4 wheeler and got a closer look. I started calling Billy’s phone. And yes, I had the camera….so I took these pics…while waiting for Billy to answer.

WOW….can your believe it? AND….it is another GIRL!!!!!

I rubbed her to stimulate her. She tried to stand….but was too weak.

Meanwhile….I’m still trying to reach Billy. No answer….over and over again….no answer. I drove to the front gate and spoke to my neighbor. He came over with his gator….(4 wheel kind of vehicle). He went with me to the back pasture. We picked her up and placed her in the bed of this vehicle. I sat in the back with her…rubbing her and encouraging her to hang in there. We placed her in the pavilion area. I headed off to find Billy and grab tugs bottle.

I quickly warmed water in the microwave. I tried again to call Billy. All of a sudden I could hear a phone ringing. It was laying on the counter. No wonder I couldn’t reach him. I drove further on the land until I found him. He had the bottle with him. I said…..hey…you’re missing it. We have another baby! We have a TWIN!!!!!

I got home with the bottle….finished mixing the colostrum and headed to the farm. Billy went with me… 🙂

She seemed very thirsty. We do not know how long she has been born. Colostrum is important those first few hours for survival.

She tried to stand. It took a time or two…but she was able to stand for about 30 seconds. She did this a couple of times. It seems her back right leg doesn’t want to cooperate. However, I remember that Lucy’s leg did the same thing. (Lucy was the runt goat that we had to nurse back to health).

I called my brother who has had cattle for years. Told him all that has transpired this morning. He said to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. Massaging and stimulating her, especially those extremities.

I suppose that is why Mama walked off and left her. Maybe she didn’t think she would live. Maybe she won’t….but I am going to give her the best chance I can.

Well, I’ve given her a break for a little while. Now I am off to check on her again. It is my hope that she will be just fine and that her Mama will let her nurse. We will see.

I've Gone Country A blog about a city girl learning a whole new world

Archive for June, 2013

Clementine and Laverne

Vacation Bible School

Thinking of my Father

Matthew 22:37-39

Goat Buffet

Laverne

Birds of a feather….flock together….?

Here’s the scoop…on the coop

Not good……

Update on our baby calf

That Gut Feeling…..

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