Common etiquette suggests that you should never ask a woman if she’s pregnant, even if she looks that way. I guess the same can be said for cows too. It’s been a good season, and all of our cows are fat. But we can comfortably say they’re not preggers because we have no bull!
We lost a young purebred Droughtmaster bull to bracken fern poisoning about 9 months ago. He was too young to be working yet, and we were broken hearted. Then just a few months later we lost our young working bull, a handsome and good-natured Murray Grey to the same thing. We’ve been without a bull ever since.
In recent days one of our cows has become flighty. That’s her on the left in the picture above (taken before all this lovely rain!). She wouldn’t come when we called and she hung back from the mob with one of her friends. She was fat, but not that pregnant sort of fat; more the sort of fat-as-butter, all-over-rounded plush and shiny I’ve-eaten-far-too-much during this good season kind of fat.
Yesterday she went missing, so this morning Bert and I went to look for her! Of course looking for missing cows works better if you have a stick in your mouth.
We found her all on her own, down in the river paddock. She still looks fat. But if you peer closely into the grass you’ll see evidence of something else.
Yep, that little underage Droughtmaster Bull left a legacy for us, in the form of a tiny fat red bull calf to carry on his line.
Yippee! I’m so excited. Can you help me think of a name for him?
That is an incredible surprise! Sneaky bull!
Seren – short for Serendipity “a pleasant yet unexpected surprise!”
That’s an awesome story Nicole! Love it and love that your cows have a handsome young bull to ‘entertain’ them!! 🙂
Just for fun, I thought of Aarushi. It’s sanskrit for “first ray of the sun”. He has been a ray of sunshine after the loss of your bulls and found after all the rain we’ve had. Sounded nice.
Good luck with the naming Nicole.
This is so cool, Nic 🙂
A friend has recently encouraged me to read your blog Nicole to help me out of the “blues” post radiation treatment. Today it has worked for sure. What a beautiful story about your new born calf and the way he has come into the world. I really like the suggestion of Phoenix for his name too. Look forward to learning when you and your hubby decide on his name. Lucky little bull to be living with you. Thank you for your blog. xx
What a love!
Murphy….. after all it is “Murphy’s Law” that something like this should happen.
Just putting it out there, but how about Red Bull? 😀
Congratulations! I know how good you are at thinking of names for your calves, so I’ll leave it in your capable hands. 🙂
Oh how sweet!
What about “Legacy” for a name?
What a gift! I’m just thrilled for you. Some delight has been needed on your side of the pasture!
I reckon he should caled Phoenix one who has risen again !
Oh let the Trekkie in you out and go for Scottie!!
Wow – how fantastic! Call him ‘Surprise
I noticed someone else has said Legacy. … How about Bluey ??
Onyx. As he was totally onyxpected!
LOL
Screams at the cuteness!!!!! Congratulations and yes, I know……he’s going to be a proper working bull and I probably shouldn’t scream at his cuteness :).
What a delight and sounds like you are healing? Sending you healing love and light and have you in my prayers and meditations. Name Bimby just popped up for me 🙂
congratulationns with the new born bull. I hope he will bring you new generations of cows on your farm. I don’t know what time it takes to be full-grown with bulls.He looks strong and healthy. Love and light, Jetske 😀
First, so pleased that you are feeling much better Nicole. How about the name of a gem stone like Amber, about his colour? Is he a red poll? Very handsome!
Joan
That’s fabulous, congratulations xx
awwww cool! i like the name ‘kahn the bull’ (sounds like carnival if you play around with the way you say it). congrats and welcome to the new life at the farm. may he bear you many more lil treasures!
Aw, that made me grin with the silliness. Kahn reminds me of Wrath of Khan because I am a tragic Star Trek fan…
Molly…. Not sure why this little calf looks like Molly? She just does .What a beautiful surprise. Enjoy your new family member. Love Lyn xxxx
I love the name Molly, ‘cept this one’s a little boy. Mind you he could be Molly after Molly Meldrum! 😀 xx
Oh what a little sweetheart! 🙂
He sure is! 😀 Yay!!!
He looks like Joe to me. So cute and perfect!
Straightforward and simple! Love it xx
Fantastic…how wonderful indeed…my name choice “Gobi” like the desert, even in the bareness of places life springs forth…and it is so majestic…just like your strong young bull…Happy Days for sure!
Isn’t that a great analogy! Thanks beautiful Satisha xx
What about Bracky for a name ? Great story I had a friend who was so proud of her Paint mare and was looking forward to her having a foal. Was a big suprise when she gave birth to a mule. The donkey up the road had somehow got in first ” Where there is a will there’s a way !”…. Have a wonderful day Nicole enjoy your new addition xx
Oops! Mind you, I love mules. Hope your friend didn’t mind too much! Hugs to you xoxo
Legecy
He is indeed! xx
Maybe Jeshua (which was the original name for Jesus) as he almost seemed an immaculate conception!! 🙂
Yes, that naughty underage bull! Thank goodness for almost immaculate conception 😀 xx
I call that splendor in the grass. Not a name for a cow but a happy thought hehehe.
I snorted tea out my nose reading that. Splendour in the grass indeed!
Surabhi – Sanskrit for ‘the fragrant one’, the particular scent of cows. And baby cows smell heavenly…
Oh, I like that one – although I’m sure my husband will have a good chuckle over it. Puppies and baby cows do have wonderful scents, and so cuddly while small. 🙂 Thank you xx
What a fantastic surprise! I’d say you deserve one at this point.
Thanks, and yes, I agree! Bless xx
That is such touching news. You must be over the moon with delight.
Yes, after all the heartbreak of losing both our young bulls last year, to have this chance pregnancy and the miracle of a newborn bull calf is just so life-affirming and hope restoring. 😀 xx
…. or maybe Touch’n’Go
He looks like Mischief to me 🙂
I reckon that’s right on the money!