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!
I've Gone Country 
Posted by Aunt Janet on June 3, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Watched the video, that is really sad, poor thing.
Good for you for playing nurse and giving shots.
aunt janet