Yesterday, Alan noticed that Chick was showing signs that she would be delivering her calf in the next day or so. We prefer the cows to deliver their babies in the barnyard, so we can assist as needed. And since she's not a very big cow, her babies are always small (and could easily be taken by a predator). So last night when we were locking up all the critters and doing our evening rounds, we coaxed her into the barnyard with a bucket of alfalfa cubes (aka Cow Cookies). In the wee hours of morning, Chick delivered a little black bull calf. Here are some photos for you!
Chick wasn't too hip on me being nearby, so I stayed a good distance away. While she was in the barn she was pawing the ground, kicking hay and dirt all over the place, letting me know she didn't want me close. That's why she's covered in dirt and bits of hay.
For day 1, he's up and at'um!
Here he is with Alan. He's soooo little...and CUTE!
It will be fun seeing just how small he is when he gets to meet the other calves! Alan picked him up and estimates that he weighs 25-30 pounds. Just a riblet. *grin*
Congrats on your new arrival! It's amazing to think that your critters are still having babies while in Nebraska we're all huddled up trying to stay warm! It's actually snowing outside today!
Posted by: Anne S | November 30, 2010 at 09:50 AM
So stinkin' cute!!! I totally love the name, too! Thanks so much for always sharing your life on the farm (as well as your wonderful creations)!
Posted by: Michelle Martin | November 30, 2010 at 09:13 AM
Time to hit the thesaurus to come up with descriptive words for this new darling! :) Princess is due next, right?
Posted by: Shala | November 30, 2010 at 06:44 AM
Congrats on the new arrival. He is just adorable! I'm glad all the cows are having successful deliveries. I would love to get my hands on those babies! They are just THE cutest! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | November 30, 2010 at 06:32 AM
Awwwwwwwwwww......... how adorable!!!!!!
Posted by: Holly | November 30, 2010 at 06:01 AM
Congrats on the new life on your farm. All baby animals are cute and cuddly. What will you do with your new bull calf?
Have a great day on the farm.
Posted by: Nebraska Dave | November 30, 2010 at 05:50 AM
What a cute little one! I really love your blog! It's so very cool to see all the wonderful things you all experience on the farm! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | November 30, 2010 at 04:59 AM
Riblet is the epitome of cuteness!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | November 30, 2010 at 04:15 AM
Love seeing your life on the farm pics. Riblet is the cutest of the new crop of calves. How are you doing on naming the others? Riblet got his name awfully fast!
Posted by: kathynruss | November 30, 2010 at 04:04 AM
He is adorable. What a sweetie he is.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 30, 2010 at 03:24 AM
So cute. I can hardly wait to see him.
Posted by: Lora | November 29, 2010 at 06:33 PM
Oh he is soo cute!!! Congrats on the new addition!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | November 29, 2010 at 05:12 PM
I just love seeing these pictures! He's soooo cute!
Posted by: Lisa Kind | November 29, 2010 at 04:48 PM
Awww, Don't ya' just wanna give him a hug? He's a cutie for sure.
Posted by: Dee in N.H. | November 29, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Awwwww, another precious little baby! That's so cute and funny that his mama pawed and kicked dirt and hay all over herself to warn you away. :) He's adorable!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | November 29, 2010 at 01:11 PM
Congratulations on the latest addition. He's quite the looker isn't he? Great job on the photos.
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | November 29, 2010 at 12:27 PM
AAAAAAH - I hope it's not "Nomen est Omen".... He is sooooo cute!
Posted by: Andrea Thieck | November 29, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Riblet, not *Chicklet!* Boy is he tiny and cute. Ya, boys can be cute when they are small. Then they get handsome. :) HUgs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | November 29, 2010 at 12:22 PM