George, our first Shetland calf - The Accidental Smallholder

Posted: Friday 25 May, 2012

by Rosemary at 9:36pm in Cattle 7 comments Comments closed

Our Shetland heifer, Breeze, was due to calve today - and she did!

When I fed them at 8am, I noticed a wee bit of fluid on her back end and she was very pauky - raising her tail and asking for a rub. Although today was her due date, I didn't really think she's go bang on time but I decided to check her at 10am, before I started work in the office. When I went into the field, she was flat out at the far end, with her back to me. I wasn't sure if she was just sunbathing (it's been glorious here today), but as I approached, she stood up and I could see the calf. I ran back for Dan and by the time we got back, he was born.

George, newly born Shetland calf

Just as well we did go over though, as the sac was over his head and fluid filled. Breeze was focussing on sooking up the fluids (hope you're not eating) and I'm sure he would have died. Anyway, he didn't and he's been well licked by his mommy, sniffed by Blizzard and Henry and is up and about.

Breeze and George

He's trying all four teats in turn. We have decided to call him George - since we have a Henry, we're having the Kings of England for our bullocks names.

George suckling

We thought he was black but now he's dry, we're not so sure. Certainly, he has two white socks behind and a white tip on his tail but he looks grey / brown. Breeze seems to like him a lot, but she also seems quite relaxed about us being near him and I've picked him up and handled him and she's fine.

Now we need to sort out castration and tagging - what fun this learning curve is!