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first heifer calf, born this morning

 
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forest garden chicken bee
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just thought id share the happiness the firs calf of the year and my first heifer calf
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pollinator
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Fantastic! I share your excitement. I don't keep large animals, only small ones, but the thrill remains the same.
 
Brian Karlsen
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had my first calf born last year a bull calf so this was the first heifer ive got 2 other heifers that I think should calf soon so the heard is growing nicely. unfortunately my cows are on rented land at the moment with the lanlords herd so ill need to move them soon before his bramen bull tries to cover my Dexters when i moved them there my dexter bull was the only intact male in the heard but since then he has brought in this other beast.
 
steward
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We welcomed our first calf yesterday, born to a first-time heifer. She birthed a 72lb heifer unassisted. I woke up in the middle of the night to her bellowing like crazy, and when I went out to check on her she had already calved. 🥰

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cow and calf
cow and calf
newborn-Murray-Grey-calf.jpeg
newborn Murray Grey calf
newborn Murray Grey calf
 
steward
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What breed is that James? I really like the way they look.
 
steward
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Cute little calfie. Congrats!
 
pollinator
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Awesome! I see mama and baby have already bonded.

This takes me way back to long nights checking on cows that were calving. And helping with the last pull. And stimulating baby if it was a long labour, and using my hand as a tube to blow in that first breath of air -- with success. Wow.
 
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Beautiful baby, James!!
 
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While we're proudly sharing our first calves, I cannot resist...

This is the first heifer calf born on our property, Pearl.  We bought her mother, Clementine, in March 2021.  The two have taught us so much about having homestead cows!  For anyone who has a perimeter fence, cows are fun and rewarding.   We look forward to the day when both of these girls are producing tasty steers!  (not to mention the milk/butter!)

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Calves are cute and cows are sweet, like very large dogs. But if I understood the question was how much work are they. Assuming you already have fence up you still have to maintain it. Milking isn't hard and doesn't take a lot of time. However, it happens 2 times every single day. You milk the cow, strain the milk and refrigerate. Next day you take the milk out and skim the cream off. You may have to collect cream for a few days to get the amount you need. Depending on the kind of cheese you are making it takes about an hour for simple cheese. Butter takes 15 minutes to 2 hours Depending on how you churn it.

Back to the cow. You have to put up hay for winter. Will you buy it or grow it yourself. Don't forget to check the fences because the cows will. Pick a heritage breed, they are hardier and easier to handle. Also they don't have birthing problems. Find a neighbor who has cows and help him out. Trying something first is a good way to decide if it is for you

My motto is "sometimes it's better to know what you don't want to do than what you do want to do "
 
James Freyr
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Steve Thorn wrote:What breed is that James? I really like the way they look.



They're Murray Grey's.
 
James Freyr
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Saralee Couchoud wrote: But if I understood the question was how much work are they.



It's only work when it's not a joy.
 
James Freyr
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Another heifer born a few hours ago. 61lbs.

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Murray grey heifer calf
Murray grey heifer calf
 
Carla Burke
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James, she's ADORABLE!!! I love the coloring!
 
Liv Smith
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Congrats! Beautiful cow and calf!

 
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James Freyr wrote:Another heifer born a few hours ago. 61lbs.

I weighed less than that when I started kindergarten! And yet we're both mammals, have incredible similarities in our bone structure and internal organs, and both make milk (if we're the correct sex!) Mother Nature is fantastic and the calf is adorable!
 
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