During my first year when I was learning the ins and outs of how my next four years were going to go, I learned that I would have the opportunity to be a part of the birthing process of a calf. I was ecstatic. And what feels like a flash of light later, it's October 13th of 2020 and baby Ducky was making her way into our world!
After receiving a call at around 8pm and rushing to the farm from dinner I made it just in time to see her come out. I had been watching her mother, Damsel, like a hawk since I had noticed her showing signs of labor at 4 am the Friday before. As soon as Ducky hit the ground it was all hands on deck to dry her off and make sure she was breathing properly.
Ducky is an exceptionally adorable baby and fits her name perfectly. Fluffy, very curious, wobbly and heart melting, she won us over immediately. She came out as a perfect copy of her momma! We had to make sure she received her colostrum as soon as she could, unfortunately her mother, Damsel, was not able to produce her colostrum with as much nutrients and density that is needed to kickstart a healthy calf. Luckily, we were prepared for this moment and had back up colostrum on standby from other mothers whose colostrum was at the correct levels.
Ducky very carefully and very unsteadily stood up for the first time for her first bottle of the colostrum and ate it all like a pro! Now just over a week later she is the spunkiest little girl. She continues to grow into her personality and her stature and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for us. Both mama Damsel and baby Ducky will continue to be my fan favorites and steal the hearts of everyone that looks their way!