The Calf Babysitter

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 I’m always surprised at the people who think cows are stupid (or pigs, or sheep, or chickens, or horses, or heck any animal).

They really aren’t.  They have their pecking order—there is always a ‘Boss’ cow in every herd.  This is the cow that makes up the rules, decides if they are going to walk this way or that, won’t let some other cows get to head up to be ‘too bossy’.  You know the one; we all work with someone just like that (or wants to be.)

And there is always ….a babysitter.  The babysitter isn’t ALWAYS the same cow, they seem to take turns.  Some are really good babysitters….never get all stressed out if the calves jump and play, moo gently to them to stay close by, and in general treat all the calves just wonderfully.

Of course there are those who are NOT very good babysitters…they hang by the ‘kids’ for a short time, then gradually graze off, munching along and not keeping a very good eye on the kids.  I’ve seen the Boss cow come over and head butt a couple of these ‘not very interested’ babysitters until they go back to the calves.

This babysitter is a good one.  She is watching the dogs, not sure if one of them is going to rush the calves.  If they do she will run head-long into them trying to scare them off (works every time for Boomer—he must have been a city/town dog in his former life–he has a V.E.R.Y. healthy FEAR of Momma cows after his FIRST big rush at him.)

—Fuzzy must have been a cow dog when we got him.  He is NOT afraid, has complete command of the situation, and never wanders into an area he shouldn’t be.

If the danger gets too close the babysitter will kick and try to stomp to death whatever the danger is.  Sometimes other (protective cows will come help) and they will also stomp and kick the danger to death –or until it runs off. 

—and just like people there are those cows who stay away from all activity that looks like work.—

So like I say….cows are not dumb.  Just people.

Linda

27 thoughts on “The Calf Babysitter”

  2. Hi Linda, just dropped in from Kathleen’s Eggs in My Pocket blog and enjoyed reading this post about how animals are not dumb, contrary to some people’s beliefs. I also enjoyed the Sunday stills and the story about Boomer riding in the pickup. Nice piece of farm equipment that Terry got at the consignment sale. Our little farm is way too small to need something like that. We mostly grow veggies for our own consumption and to give away to neighbords. Drop in anytime!

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  8. I LOVE the little white one!! My daughter has Holsteins and they had their horns removed when they were young along with their “male” parts. I loved learning all about them!

    Jennie

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  9. Linda, this has always intrigued me with cattle. Who decides who’s on duty on what day I wonder. I’ve just come back from checking one breeder paddock and actually couldn’t find many calves. Kept driving and found about thirty in a group on a creek with one mama cow in charge. They’re beautiful creatures. I absolutely love cattle.
    Or any animal really. As the old saying goes “The more people I meet, the more I love my dog”.
    Pleased you found a hay gatherer too, might make your life a little easier. We still make small square bales here, not many do. Large round bales are easier to handle I guess, mechanically. People here have taken to calling small square bales “idiot bales” . Sometimes I think they might be right.

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  11. My 17 year old cow had babysitter duty every day. She was wonderful. And those last batch of calves she took care of are now my best cows and devoted babysitters.
    I want to see more photos of that piece of equipment you bought. How does it pick up 8 bales?
    I see you don’t have no snow. Doesn’t seem fair.
    I would like to share some of the 30 inches we got on Monday here in Vermont and the 6 we are getting tomorrow.
    Come meet our unusual herd in Vermont:
    http://www.tailgait.blogspot.com

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  12. That was very interesting. You never see a National Geographic special on cows. Those babies are just so cute. Thanks for sharing this info with us…city folks (o:

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  13. Nice, I liked this post! It was was fun to read. Iam also in Colorado, in the city, not far from Denver. But I dream of a ranch life!

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  22. It doesn’t matter how small the herd is either. We have five total and each one of them has a duty that the “boss” gives them. One of our steers actually “mothers” our youngest! It is comically when the little guy escapes out of the pen area into the main part of the barn…all you hear is moooooooing in an angry tone until the runt goes back into the pasture! It is priceless! 🙂

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  24. Fascinating! I don’t think ANY animal is dumb…I tend to think they are a great deal wiser than we think we are! This was such a sweet and informative, fun post, Linda – and that little snowy white calf looks too beautiful!

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  25. I love the community that cows have.
    My favourite thing with them is when a new Mum decides it’s time to re-join the herd and introduces her calf to the others. They’re all just like a lot of human mums, as they gather around admiring the new babe. Lovely.

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  26. Pingback: The Color of Glitter February 25, 2014 | Life on a Colorado Farm

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