Just got a few minutes to update y'all on what's happening in our world. I will forewarn you- I'm starting to show the first signs of calving induced sleep deprivation, and I'm not out there half as much as the guys are. The Boss Lady was here for a few days and took pity on Tom and Cody- taking the midnight and 3am checks so they got a few good nights rest in. We are still only getting a few calves a day, but there sure are a lot of the ole gals that look like they could have those babies anytime! Unfortunately, once you have started calving, those cows need checked even when you are only getting a few. When we are in full swing, we will be getting anywhere from 15 to 40 new babies every 24 hours. The cows are all in smaller lots now, making it easier to check them around the clock. The weather has been good so far, but I hear there is supposed to be a storm coming this weekend. I'm crossing my fingers it's not as bad as the one last spring.
With all these new babies on the ground, yesterday afternoon was spent cutting pairs out of the herd to move to a separate pasture. Tom rode Bandita, our coming 3 yr old Thoroughbred mare. For the most part, she's doing really well and catches on quick. She's so curious by nature, and she definitely has a bit of a 3 year old's Attention Deficit Disorder, but I think she's going to mature out to be a great horse. She's still covered in her winter fuzzies, but a few of the other horses are starting to shed like crazy. Come on spring!
While the pairs were being cut out of the herd yesterday, we had an audience of several large birds of prey. I saw at least three eagles and two hawks. There were also some magpies hanging around. Usually when we see that many birds together, there is usually a carcass to be found nearby. Sure enough, upon closer inspection we found two deer carcasses on the hillside. Knowing there is a large predator somewhere in the area explains why the cattle have seemed a little nervous the last week or so. We're hoping that whatever it was got it's belly full and decided to move on. With so many new babies, it would be easy for calves to get stepped on if the momma cows get spooked and decide to take out a fence.
I'm off for now- going to try to squeeze in a nap before the girls get home from school. Wish me luck!
With all these new babies on the ground, yesterday afternoon was spent cutting pairs out of the herd to move to a separate pasture. Tom rode Bandita, our coming 3 yr old Thoroughbred mare. For the most part, she's doing really well and catches on quick. She's so curious by nature, and she definitely has a bit of a 3 year old's Attention Deficit Disorder, but I think she's going to mature out to be a great horse. She's still covered in her winter fuzzies, but a few of the other horses are starting to shed like crazy. Come on spring!
While the pairs were being cut out of the herd yesterday, we had an audience of several large birds of prey. I saw at least three eagles and two hawks. There were also some magpies hanging around. Usually when we see that many birds together, there is usually a carcass to be found nearby. Sure enough, upon closer inspection we found two deer carcasses on the hillside. Knowing there is a large predator somewhere in the area explains why the cattle have seemed a little nervous the last week or so. We're hoping that whatever it was got it's belly full and decided to move on. With so many new babies, it would be easy for calves to get stepped on if the momma cows get spooked and decide to take out a fence.
I'm off for now- going to try to squeeze in a nap before the girls get home from school. Wish me luck!
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