Here are a few pictures of Lady’s udder. Many of you have experience in these things so you can join in the guesswork. There are 6 days to go until Lady Astor’s due date. May 1st. I personally don’t think she will go the full six days. Lady A is a Dutch Belted/Holstein cross. This will be her fifth calf. So she does know what she is doing but there are no guarantees that all will go well. The last few days she has been doing a lot of lying down and yesterday she did not get up immediately for a little grain I had brought out for her.
Every night she comes into the barn because although I would rather the cows calve in the field in the day time – I don’t like that happening in the night time. We have big packs of coyotes roaming this year and local dogs that are loose and even though the coyotes have never given me any trouble, I have always been careful not to supply them with the opportunity. 
And you never know when a cow will surprise you with an early calf.
Yesterday she saw the dogs off twice which is not like her and was dropping thick mucousy strands. Her teats are getting smaller and harder and her rear is getting softer. (This tail is flying due to the wind, I have always found the raised tail and seeking a quiet space to be my best indicator of imminent birth).
And can you see how she has dropped down from her hips. Baby is getting into position. Though she was doing a lot of grunting yesterday afternoon so I hope that baby is in the right position. It will be in the next few days I think.
But I don’t mind when she calves, as long as the birth goes well, we get a good healthy calf and the milking season commences. If all goes well. That sounds like a lot to ask for doesn’t it.
The apple tree is smothered in blossoms this year and Tima is happy to be back in her apple blossom pen.
Now. Off I go to check our cow again, turn her back out into the fields, then begin the days work. Conor is right behind me so we will get piles done this week before he leaves in a week.
I hope you have a lovely day.
Love celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
38 responses to “6 Days to go …”
She’s definitely wearing a, “Go away and leave me in peace look” 🙂
She is a beautiful looking cow .. Soon to be a Mum. Tima looks particularly happy …
I hope that the baby is in proper position and all goes well.
Everything possible crossed for a happy outcome!
love,
ViV xox
How about your eyes, Viv? Got them crossed, too? Heheh, Gayle
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Twins , today or tomorrow 🙂 Both her baby bump and udder look huge compared to last week. No experience here though. Laura
Goodness, she’s a heavy girl! As for your apple blossoms, we just now seeing a few leaf buds appearing. Spring is so slow this year, and last night we had another hard frost. Cold air from the arctic blowing through here all week. >
Lady Astor very definitely wants to be left alone methinks!! She has dropped a mile since the last photo: at that stage the bub was visible and facing the right way . . . . but a vet I am not, just used to bringing ordinary two-legged babies into the world way back when 🙂 ! Good luck to mother, babe[s] and Miss C . . .
Good luck with Lady A. Tima looks very pleased at her position under the blossoms.
Oh to be a cow and have you look after me!
Fingers crossed that all goes well for Lady A. You are greening up there aren’t you, as Misky said our spring is very late this year.
She has the eye of a lady ready to go. 24 hours?
Oddly enough, I’m watching two right now. Going well so far. They usually pop out without us knowing, but one is a first time birth, so we’re keeping an eye on her. The calves this year aren’t too big, so I think she’ll manage.
I won’t be surprised if your next post includes a calf picture.
When a doe starts producing the mucous strings, and the ligaments at the base of the tail go soft, it’s time to coax her to the place where you hope the kids will be born.
Good luck, Lady Astor!
Sounds like you might have a new addition by this time tomorrow methinks. Good luck.
With all the signs you’ve reported, I’d say you will have a new calf by Wednesday. I love that lush green grass! Best of luck with the birthing.
Good luck! I know nothing about cows so I won’t guess.