Wednesday, February 14, 2007

a few more cow details

It will be at least ten days until I get the calf; her owners need to keep her there until they make a trip out of state.  They'll have someone doing their milking for them, a person who isn't a very experienced milker.  So they want this baby to stay with its mom till then.  Less milking for their friend to do.

This is actually for the best, because it will give Secret a good start on her mother's milk.  Once I get her, I'll be feeding milk replacer.  It's fine, but nowhere as good as real cow's milk for a baby.  Also, she won't be so likely to get sick from being moved, with a couple of weeks age on her.  Besides, it's near zero outside right now.  Awfully cold to be hauling a calf around.

Amy said, " If you never breed the cow, then it won't give milk at all, right?"

Yep, that's right.  But the calves are half the fun.  For just one pet cow, we won't bother with a bull.  And I don't know of anyone around who does artificial insemination on cows these days.  So when the time is right (cows let you know every three weeks when the time is right) we will load her up and take her to visit Cliff's brother's Angus bull.  That is, unless we work a deal with her owners, because they usually keep a Jersey bull. 

About her name:  I was originally going to name her Valentine; I've had cows by that name before.  But I like "Secret", so that's what it will be.  Unless something else strikes my fancy before we bring her home.

It's just a trip across the river to where the baby lives.  I'm hoping to do my grocery-shopping in Richmond on Thursday or Friday, which will put us very close to her.   I'll try to arrange to see her and get some (better) pictures of my own.

I hope that answers the questions.


10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is so fun.  I'm wondering just what Sadie will think of her.

Anonymous said...

Hope things work out getting that cute baby. Staying with her mama is the best thing to do in this cold weather anyway. Helen

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed reading your journal for years and this is the first time I have commented.  Secret looks nice and I know you will enjoy having her around.I miss the trips you and Mandy would take to the cabin together. can't wait for summer to here about the cabin again.Enjoy your Secret.

Sunny

Anonymous said...

How old is the baby? Mine is eating now.

Anonymous said...

I love the name - it's a keeper !  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

awww.....
Becky

Anonymous said...

jersey cows are gorgeous! Ive always wanted one but ended up with a butchering steer instead.

I cant wait to see the pics of your new baby :)

Anonymous said...

Do horses and cows get along in the same pen or will she have to be separated from them?  I hope to watch her grow with you, Will you enter her in any kind of fair?, I'm feeling just how excited you are over her.  Vicki

Anonymous said...

My husband would like to have cows and so would I...  had one named Daisy when I was a little girl.  And a chicken named Shashabelle.  Hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

You must be so excited to get your new baby!

xoxo