The Heifers and Their Calves
Here’s a video of our heifers and their first calves. Technically once they had their calves they were no longer heifers, but became cows. But we continue to call them heifers through the spring and fall to differentiate them from the older cows. The first of the heifer’s calves came in late February, and the most recent came in late April. When born they weighed 70-80 pounds, but the older ones now weigh about 120-130 pounds.
The pasture fence is at the edge of the yard so we can keep a close eye on everyone even from the house. So I can watch them while washing dishes or brushing my teeth. Kitty, our little “leopard”, likes to watch the “wildebeast” herd from a “acacia tree on the African plain“. She likes to pretend she’s looking for the weak member of the herd that she can single out and kill for supper.
A few days after I shot this video, we moved all of our cattle to the summer pasture where there is plenty of grass, and shade trees. They’ll stay there until fall.
It’s very quiet now around the house. While we’re happy the calving season is over, we kinda miss having the herd close by. The little pasture near the house will sit empty until next February when Harland brings in a new batch of heifers ready to have their first calves.
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They’re not sure whether to be curious or cautious! Those flies must drive them nuts! Is there a reason why that one calf doesn’t have an ear tag?
If that’s the one I’m thinking of with the short snubby ears, that was our first calf born Feb 26. We had a bad winter storm with really cold temps that week and he lost part of his ears due to frostbite. We have wind most of the time so the flies aren’t a problem. It was a rare still day when I took the video and the flies were irritating.
Oh, that little one was so curious!!! Yet afraid to come TOO close, too. Reminds me so much of home.
Oh the cuteness of curious calves!!!
Enjoyed the video of the curious calves. They weren’t too sure about that lady with the camera. What is it? Mnmnnnnnmmmmmmm…and I liked it when there was a wide shot and a cow standing by a tree ways away!
Oh, so cute!! Number 2200 was getting pretty brave there for a while! 🙂 Got a big laugh out of the mama bellowing at the end! Fun beginning to my day. Thanks!
Her bellow was so loud I could feel it causing my laptop to vibrate (holding it on my lap)
When cows bellow they always do it that loud. Harland says they have no volume control. 🙂
Nice-looking heifers and calves! I love the head motions and facial expressions of curious calves. Your black white-face heifer with the two black-ringed eyes reminds me of our cow Proud Mary, although ours has some Brahma genetics and not by our choice. Her body stance and facial expression show some arrogance, but she will eat range cubes out of our hands. Great video!
Love the white-faced ones, but all of them are so appealing, with that combination of curiosity and caution.
My goodness – was the heifer bellowing at the end communicating something special, like a mama duck calling her babies? Or do they just do that for the heck of it?
She was nervous about her calf being that close to me, one of those evil humans, and was calling her calf. You’ll notice that none of the calves came running to her. They never do. It’s like, “Yeah ma, whatever.” 🙂
I loved it! So did my cat, she tried to get those calves with her paw, claws fully extended! Don’t know what she would do with it….no wonder its quiet there now the bellowing cows are gone to Summer Camp! Enjoy!
You guys ok? Looked bad your way last night from here by Manhattan.
We miss your posts. Hope all is well.
Dear Suzanne,
I hope that you are well.
May God bless you and keep you both.
Warm Regards,
Lynette
Dear Suzanne, I have missed you. Hope you and Harland are OK.
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