baby calf

Last week, our heifer became a cow.

Luckily she gave birth without a major issue, but there were several problems thereafter:

1. We realized it was premature.
2. The cow's udder hadn't dropped, so the calf couldn't get any nourishment.
3. By that point, it was too weak to even lift it's head.
4. He inherited his mother's bad hair.
   

Poor thing. Not only is he weak, but his hair sticks out in every direction.


After a day of tube-feeding, he was able to stand with some assistance and is learning to suck. Mostly, he chews on the bottle and gets milk that way.



So, tube-feeding is much faster and he's able to get the nourishment he needs.

After 3 days of this, he's able to stand up on his own and take a few steps. He's still very weak and when he can't stand any longer he falls into a pitiful pile on the ground.

We're having to treat him with antibiotics too, because he's got a slight infection.

But, isn't he just so cute?

Lorie thinks we may have to name him and keep him as a pet.

Oh, and one last thing. Did you know calves are born with teeth? A full set. It's very strange, actually.