Yesterday we worked hard at getting Poppy’s farrowing quarters ready just in case. Though I seriously think she will be going to her third date which is May 17.
And while we were working hard in the barn I kept getting glimpses of Lady Astor. Her behaviour was different yesterday. She was swishing her tail a lot, moving to and fro, lying down, getting back up. Moving away from the herd. But her tail was not up and her udder is not ready. Though other areas of her body are.
She seems perfectly happy. I led her inside the barn last night and as I fastened the gate back she stood next to me with her head positioned at exactly the right angle for my hand to drift across and give her a scratch on the crown of her head. Even leaning her head onto my hip at one point. As I shut the big doors and filled her water she followed behind me like a really enormous dog. Pausing when I paused. Moving forward as I moved, always putting her head and throat right where I might stroke her.
She was cuddly and content. Then as I was leaving her focus shifted from me back into herself and walking backwards she backed her vast behind into a corner and pushed. She has ten days before her due date but something is brewing with her. Maybe her baby is shifting down into position and making her uncomfortable.
I looked back to when Naomi was born and from the way I was talking/writing I had no indication that she was ready to calve at all. Considering that I did not have a date for her to calve last year that is not too surprising. But she did calve very quickly after Elsie. And Naomi was so small. One wonders. She is all in one piece this morning so hopefully she will hold on for another week.
We will see. It is fun to speculate. I am ready when she is.
The rain that was forecast held off last night, there is a possibility for a little this afternoon but it is much cooler this morning. Good weather for working in the gardens.
Lots of love,
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
34 responses to “Lady Astor”
We’re all excited about the upcoming new arrivals – I hope all goes well. We once had a goat who had twins, which I named Oberon and Fairy. Little Oberon was 2nd and he hit the barn floor hard, enough though the pen was straw lined. I forget if I’ve already told you, but I made him a brace for his leg so could nurse and, after a day or two, he didn’t need it anymore. As you said, you just never know what might happen…. just like when humans give birth.
Sounds very endearing how Lady A. is letting you know how she’s feeling and wanting to be closer to you. It would be very exciting to be there with her and share her excitement and pleasure of a new babe. Heavens, just think of all the extra milk you’ll have to play with… cream and butter and baking and cheese and yogurt and…. drinking too, of course. Oh and let’s not forget ice cream! I’m getting carried away here… heh heh Hope you have a great day! ~ Mame 🙂
” I am ready when she is.” That’s the best attitude to have with cows! (If there’s a storm, will the baby arrive then? Just curious if it’s like a full moon for human births HAHA)
Now an urban gal just guessing, but – looking at Lady Astor lying down . . . perchance my imagination but isn’t that her bub’s body in exactly the same position in her tum? Somehow I see a body and head and possibly a bony limb further down . . . . well, thank God, they are coming a little apart and you do not have to look after a number of newborns trying to survive at the one time . . . Chickie is already firmly ensconced . . .
Lovely post as usual, Celi. Lots of love, Gayle…never having been pregnant. My kids were both adopted.
I love your passion Celi
Your attention to details and kind soul shines through every post 🙂
Daisy deer has always returned home the month before she births fawns, and she’s quite needy for attention during those last 3 or 4 weeks. She loves to be brushed and waits patiently while I scrub and pull ticks and other parasites from her thick coat. I think it must be a very uncomfortable time that last bit of pregnancy. I love the way you observe your “herd”. 🙂