I decided to look for a new foster calf for Buttercup to help bring up her production and also as a relief milker for me, especially for when we take our trip to South Carolina. Yesterday, I found an ad on Craigslist for a Jersey/Milking Shorthorn 1 week old bull calf.
It was an 80-mile (one way) trip, but Frank and I haven't been out for a drive in some time, so we were game for it. This little guy was well worth the drive and the $25 we paid for him. Very healthy, kept in a pen on the outer edge of a shed, so exposed to fresh air. The pen was almost a foot deep in clean, dry straw and the little guy was bedded down with two buddies, one of which seemed like he wanted to come along, too.
Rachel has named him Chupa-Chup, which is Spanish for lollipop, because she says he is so cute and sweet she'd like to eat him up! We'll call him Chupa for short, though. Chupa is very calm and laid down in the box we used to transport him. He only peed once in there by all appearances and wasn't stressed by the long trip home at all.
It took a little bit to get the idea through that milk comes from a cow and not a human's hand, but once he latched on he was an instant pro. Butter tried to kick him off a couple of times, but I gave her a little rap on the front of her leg with the cow cane, then held the cane across the fronts of her ankles while Rachel helped the little guy get latched on. Butter wasn't happy, but she did stand well once she realized I wasn't going to put up with any nonsense.
I only allowed him to nurse from one quarter and not too long, as I wanted to prevent scours, but he managed to take about a quart (she came up that much short from what I expected), so he was pretty efficient. I plan on putting him on for a bit again this morning, then milk her most of the way out, then allow him to finish up. I think that is the best way to keep him from overeating to start with and to also encourage her production to increase.
I'll get pictures next week when it is supposed to be sunny and dry and get them posted.
