Calf No 2

We have finally welcomed the second calf to the Seven Springs fold.  A little boy we have named Nile.  Ian has mixed feelings about this new arrival, as we know in a couple of years he is destined for the dinner table.  Something about discrimination was mumbled...
Here are some pics.

Nile, a few hours old.  That's Rosie to the immediate right.

Born that day, and already jumping around.  Typical boy.

Nile with Mum (Yellow) - too little to drink but very curious.

It is amazing to think that we have had the cows for only a couple of months, it certainly seems much longer.  Rosie is already 2.5 months old, and easily half the height of her mother now. 

Rosie with Mum (Young).  She has gotten lighter in colour since she was born.

Foxy has made friends with Rosie, under our supervision, it's actually quite sweet.

One more calf to go, probably due in about 4 weeks, but it is not an exact science.

Chicky babes

A godsend for some, a nuisance for others, one of the hens went broody a couple of weeks ago.  For us it is a good thing, this is why we got roosters, after all, and if a hen does the incubating and rearing of chicks that is much easier than doing it ourselves.

We weren't sure whether she would stick at it as some breeds are known for not being very good mothers.  But so far she is very focussed on the nest so the signs are good.  We have moved 'broody chook' to a private wing, and took the opportunity to candle the eggs.  All 5 are fertilised and we could see the first signs of development.

No, we are not counting them before they are hatched, however the due date is this Saturday or thereabouts.