Question about new baby

[Karen in Alabam]

I know that the calf did nurse some yesterday.

I saw her nursing when I was cleaning the stall this morning. But Yo is not a great milker, she doesn't like it. She let me milk for a while today and then starting brushing with her foot. I only milked the back half because they are hard to grab hold of.

I saw her brush off the calf this morning.

I am looking into getting one of those anti-kick metal things that goes around the back. If there is something that works better let me know.

Should I just bottle feed the calf?

Also I left the pen open while I brought in her new hay and she took off and left the baby. I know that isn't a big deal as I have seen other cows do it, but I think I want her in the barn with the calf at least until Sunday (since I will be away most of the day will let her out so she can access food and water easy.

Last night I had my husband go check on them and he said he found our dog (Nipsie) standing guard outside the pen.

[Karen in Alabam]

Calf seems to be nursing better. But I have another question.

She has that mustardy pooh, but there seems to be some blood in it, is that normal?

[linn]

If this is a new calf, than the mustardy poop with a little blood in it is normal.

[Karen in Alabam]

Thanks

yes, she was born yesterday

[randiliana]

Normal, as long as it isn't watery. You could try a pair of hobbles if she is really bad about letting the calf suck. Then you don't have to be there all the time.