Finally, My New Guernseys--Mult. Photos

SueMc · #1 01/14/13, 08:03 PM

I was out of town so had to delay picking up my girls from the same So. IN dairy that Judy got hers from. My intention was to get the two calves. After being there I could have left with a dozen! Instead I left with one extra, a bred heifer, just turned two and as sweet as can be. I would have liked one due in March but they were spoken for. Instead this one is due in a week so am hurrying to make sure everything is ready for her.
It was a little scary for her at first, but the older heifer quickly fell in love with being brushed. We may be good friends pretty fast.
The babies, on the other hand are a little wild

Judy in IN · #2 01/14/13, 08:47 PM

It's a good thing you got there before me, Sue. Those little girls would have been MINE!

I can't really pick a favorite here. They are all beautiful.

What are you going to do with all of that milk? Are you going to have them tested for A2?

SueMc · #3 01/14/13, 09:18 PM

I had a hard time picking too. I finally just did it because I would have been standing there still. The surprise of seeing all the Jersey calves didn't make it any easier either.
I am going to have them tested eventually. I haven't received the papers for the calves yet but looked at the list of A2A2 sires and it looks like Ron's sire choices in the adult heifer (her sire, GS, etc) are all A2A2, including the sire of the unborn calf.
Here's the A2 status list if you haven't seen it: http://www.usguernsey.com/a2bulls.htm

I haven't thought far enough ahead as far as what to do with large amts of milk! I went from asking advice about one little unbred Jersey heifer to owning three, almost four Guernseys!

Judy in IN · #4 01/14/13, 10:45 PM

Lord above! That sounds like me. I wanted one, may-be two, and wound up with four!

I may be able to tie into our local real food coop, so I think I'll be keeping three. I've got Bella, Peaches, & Pet. I'll be selling Lacy and Amy after I get them tested.

Dusky Beauty · #5 01/14/13, 10:51 PM

So gorgeous! I love those sweet guernsey faces... too much milk for me though I think

SueMc · #6 01/15/13, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusky Beauty

So gorgeous! I love those sweet guernsey faces... too much milk for me though I think

Don't let the sweet face on the smallest one fool you. She just kicks for the fun of it. There's been no hoof-my leg connection yet!

Skookumchuck · #7 01/15/13, 05:49 AM

We had Ayreshires growing up and I am looking to get a milk cow now that we are getting the homestead set up. I have been looking at Guernseys or jerseys, what if you don't nind is a hiefer going for?

Miss Kay · #8 01/15/13, 06:17 AM

They are so pretty. Guernsey's have such a loving personality that it won't take long before they come to you like a puppy.

SueMc · #9 01/19/13, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skookumchuck

We had Ayreshires growing up and I am looking to get a milk cow now that we are getting the homestead set up. I have been looking at Guernseys or jerseys, what if you don't nind is a hiefer going for?

I'm sorry, I just saw your question. The seller was asking 400-450 for the smaller heifers, 900ish for the bred heifers and I don't remember the price for the babies. I didn't ask the price for the Jerseys.

Judy in IN · #10 01/19/13, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueMc

Don't let the sweet face on the smallest one fool you. She just kicks for the fun of it. There's been no hoof-my leg connection yet!

Well I guess I got the right ones! None of them have offered to kick. They are wearing halter a now, and they know who brings the food. When I get back from vacation, we'll get serious about leading.

How close is your heifer? Did you get a breeding date?

pancho · #11 01/19/13, 06:12 PM

Those are some nice looking animals.
One of my favorite breeds.

farmer9989 · #12 01/19/13, 06:49 PM

lots of brushing and rubbing will take care of the kicking

Hannah90 · #13 01/19/13, 07:05 PM

Aw so jealous!

SueMc · #14 01/20/13, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmer9989

lots of brushing and rubbing will take care of the kicking

It's nice how that works. I first stood in the middle of the pen and brushed the little one's backs as they ran around me. They got slower and slower and now stand until I get tired of brushing. They've got me trained very well!

Judy....The older heifer was due yesterday. Lots of mucus and BIG udder now. I just got in from checking on her. Ron said the Guernseys tend to go a little over their due dates. I figure she's waiting until Monday or Tuesday when the temp is in the single digits again.

Judy in IN · #15 01/20/13, 01:38 PM

LOL! Sue! I'm flying out Tuesday morning. Got the round bales out, the auto waterers working, and hopefully no ewes will lamb while I'm gone.

Are you planning on hand-milking, or machine?

79 degrees in Cancun yesterday.

HAVE FUN MILKING!