Waiting on calf….

[Minidairy]

Hi there, hoping for some tips and pointers. I have a first time heifer who was due with her calf March 10. The date could be fluid because I didn’t quite catch her last heat cycle before settling. Hoping by the latest pictures of her, I could have some feedback. All pictures are in the last few days. She has slightly bagged up, her teets are not tight and shiny yet, but they do have milk, she’s very springy in the back and slight mucus this morning. Thank you!!

 

[Mini Horses]

You could have missed a cycle. This will bump it up.
Pretty much, they have them when it's time -- their time, not ours.

 

[Baymule]

She sure looks like she is getting ready. Animals have their way of driving us nuts. They can look and act ready for weeks or not show nary a sign and pop out their baby. Just keep watching and waiting. Do bedtime checks, first thing in the morning checks and maybe even midnight checks. When you have pulled out your hair and gnawed off your fingernails, she may deem you punished enough and have her calf out of pity for you.

@farmerjan what say you?

 

[farmerjan]

They can do the mucous thing a month a head of time... She has basically no udder yet... I would put her off by at least 2-4 weeks.
And for goodness sake, STOP checking for milk. You will break the plugs and the colostrum will leak as well as be a much bigger risk of mastitis. Her udder will get full and harder just before she calves... she is not ready yet.

 

[RR Homestead]

Looks like the post was deleted. Was that an accident?
Welcome to the forum. We're happy you've joined us.

 

[Baymule]

Looks like she didn't like being told to stop fooling with the udder. Some people can't take honest help. People ask for advice and help and then get offended when they get it.

 

[farmerjan]

Time for me to quit offering help and opinions.

 

[SageHill]

Time for me to quit offering help and opinions.

While the original poster may have left - others can benefit. Tough when someone asks for help and then ignore it because it doesn't fit what they want to hear.

 

[fuzzi]

While the original poster may have left - others can benefit. Tough when someone asks for help and then ignore it because it doesn't fit what they want to hear.

Agreed. I've noticed many new members join a forum (not just BYH) with a question, but then disappear. The answers given can help others.

 

[RR Homestead]

Time for me to quit offering help and opinions.

No ma'am. You've helped far more than this person. I'm forever grateful for the advice you've given me over the years.