Calf WILL suck!!

strong42

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Oh my goodness, I don't know what kind of juju you've got going with this forum but when I got home from work last night, Lucky (!) was looking much more perky and I stuck my finger in his mouth and he muckled right on to it.

So we caught the momma and put him to her and he cleaned one side of her udder right out. He was so excited to have finally got it !! His little tail was wagging, and he was banging away. Finally he was so full he wouldn't even try on the other side so we milked her for balance!! (Got two quarts out of that side so he must have had a full tummy!)

This morning her udder looked good and I got him up and he went back to the same side and nursed again. Her other side looks full but not uncomfortable so if she's like that tonight we'll catch her again and put him on that side.

But at least I can be at work today without worrying about my floppy calf.

I should tell you that the previous night to Lucky being born another of our cows had her baby in text book fashion, no problems at all and he (Patch) was skipping about on day two just like normal.

We still have one to go who must be brewing up a whopper because she doesn't seem to want to have the baby yet.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for all your experiences and advice. I guess a little patience pays off too.

Nic
 

Farmer Kitty

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I'm glad to hear he's finally eating! :weee :bun :ya
 

Thewife

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YEA!!!!!!!
I am so glad to hear that!
And I know how happy you were to see it!


This is the way I have always done it. I don't know if I am right or wrong, but it has worked well for me!
IF the calf isn't sucking, I milk at least once a day, to keep her from getting sore.
IF the calf is sucking, I only milk if the unmilked quarters look too tight, or mama seems to be getting sore, keeping her from making more milk than the calf will drink.
Usually, once the calf gets going good, they find the happy balance!
 

wynedot55

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its always good when a calf finally learns how to latch onto the teat an take off sucking.
 
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