Working the Calves

We are selling some of the calves later this week, so this evening Alan and I had a little rodeo in the barnyard. I only snapped a few photos -- there's not a lot of time for taking photos when I'm doing half of the work and need to be focused on operating the chute while Alan's moving the cows. We try to make the process safe, quick, and easy on the animals, and us. It was their first time in the chute, but they all did surprisingly well.

When it was Cassinova's turn in the chute, he pouted. Our chute is sized for full-sized animals, and well... even our adult Dexters don't fill the chute. When we're working with the smaller critters, we find it works best if we steady their heads with a rope wrapped around their horns. It keeps them up on their feet, and keeps them from bonking their head around on the chute rails.

Here is Cassinova just before I gave him his vaccination shot. Doesn't he look thrilled? They all took their shots really well, especially Cassinova. He didn't make a sound, and not a single tear was shed -- not even by me! *grin*

Here Alan is getting ready to set one of Cassinova's ear tags. Alan looks closely at the ear to make sure he doesn't hit a blood vessel when he clamps the tag into place. He's very good at setting ear tags .... piercings, anyone?

Pixie Stix wasn't too thrilled about the entire process. But now she's all ready to go to her new home. Moooo!

Comments

[Aunt min]

Looks like Alan does have a steady hand. He MIGHT be ready for "card punching" duties.

[Shellie Daniel]

Much less painful than branding and cutting the little bulls. I used to hate that part when we lived on a ranch for a year. :( Your calves have a comparative cake-walk. Do you ever have to dehorn them?

[Troy Louise]

It must be hard to see them go. Thanks for the interesting pics & description of what's going on for us city slickers! Hugs.

[Dee in NH]

Snifffffff, I always dreaded market day. That and off to the butchers day always sent me into a spin. Every seen a family with 3 kids stuffed in an old station wagon loaded with 6 chickens, 2 sheep and a pig? That was probably us! One year our truck was broke and dear old Dad hobbled up Mr. Piggy and shoved the rest in and off to the butcher we went! The cow got a reprieve that day! LOL!

[Sherri D.]

What's a road brand? Thinking it must be kind of hard to see them go. Such beauties! Thanks for the link to the hatchery...choices, choices, choices!!

[Carol Dee]

I bet it is hard to see them go. IT does look like all went easily. I imagine it helps that they have been handles and loved on and trust you and Alan. Hugs....

[Diane McVey]

It sounds like they did really well! My Dad bought my husband a chute for Vet school graduation! We really needed one, and didn't have the money! They are essential for working the cattle...I don't know how folks used to do without them!
Hugs to the ones leaving, I will miss them. :(( But such is the cattle business...you can't keep all of them forever as pets! You have such a wonderful herd of Dexters. They are such a beautiful breed! *HUGS*

[SweetMissDaisy]

Hi Dad,
Nope, no road brand here -- we ear tag, and tattoo the ears (of our registered critters).

Cluck, cluck!
-Anna.

[Kathy Martin]

Hey! I suggested naming her Pixie Stix! Love that you liked the idea! :) you come up with the best names! :)

[D K Wight]

Hum, very macho. Somebody needs a slobber rag. Youse guys gotta road brand? Or do they need them in Texas.......Just wonderin, I've never seen any on the herd so brands aren't used anymore in Texas? Dad

[Simmy]

awwwww. I wouldn't be able to sell them. I'd be crying. Pixie Stix looks like she's crying here too :-(