Its been non stop since Thursday evening when our first calf of the year was born, a little female, very very pretty little thing. She is now leaping round the fields enjoying the sun and buttercups, or rather the rain and buttercups. We then had twins...reasonably rare and mostly fraught with complications and this pair were no exception. With suspected brain damage we honestly thought we were going to loose one of these little bubs. No suck reflex and no interest in milk, it really seemed like he wasn't going to pull through. Our amazing vet, Sarah came over to see what we could do, its an extremely upsetting time, they are so little and beautiful, there wasn't a dry eye in the barn. After much deliberation - whether to let him slip away or seriously give him all our energy and try to save him against all odds, we decided to go for it, it really wasn't a hard decision.
However, the next day still nothing.....then suddenly he got up, came over to me and started head butting my leg...this is how they express more milk out of their mothers udders, without getting too carried away, I quietly waved the milk bottle in his direction....HE SUCKED!!!It was truly the most amazing moment. He hasn't stopped since, and now is even using our teat bottles that are attached to the gate. Breath taking.....we are all absolutely amazed and delighted. It looks like he will live and lovely long and happy life now!He will be in the barn for a good few weeks, gaining strength and growing to be a bruiser like his twin, and then out to the pastures. Our little miracle
Other births have been without drama and now there are lots of little calves leaping around the fields, its a fabulous sight.
Muggles the bull is completely unfazed by the whole operation and prefers to stay at least a field away from the pregnant mothers and cheeky calves.
The pigs are growing so fast I can hardly believe it, Ive been so used to cattle growing sooo slowly that its a shock to see these little animals growing at super fast speed. Their personalities are so strong, slightly hysterical at times but very sweet.
The grass and buttercups are growing well in this awful weather, I cant remember a more dreary June.
We will be starting some very special beef burger recipes so keep your eye on the website, also if you have a favourite then please let me know and we will make it, its very easy for me to do so...get your requests in asap!
Please bring your children up to see the newborns..name suggestions would be helpful too!