Red Poll calf - "Wassledine Fennel"
Things were a bit on the low side during the latter stages of the winter and in March, Copper, a cow that we’d been nursing since October had a final visit from our vet, Caroline. Having tested negative for a whole range of conditions, we were hoping she might somehow recover. This was not to be and Caroline, quite rightly suggested we, or rather she, had reached the end of the road.
After months of worry, watching and talking; not to mention expense; we were surprised to feel relief as her carcase was taken away by the most charming and jovial pair of knacker men one could hope to meet.
Pepper with very new bull calf - almost certain to be called Salt
Experience is so beneficial. The first time I saw a calf’s tongue stretched out of its mouth as its head very slowly appeared, was very alarming. There’s an animal that looks dead. However, from this point in, it’s usually very quick and the appearance of a perfect new life is miraculous. A heap of soaking, red-brown folded skin , a jumble of legs, head with lolling tongue and bulging eyes, becomes within ten minutes, a fully operative calf; staggering but actively searching for its first meal.