Monday, April 6, 2020

Doctorin' In the Desert

These photos were taken 2 weeks ago, but it's just taken me a while to get a post together. I know the world as we know it has temporarily changed for most folks these past few weeks. Many of you are staying home while others are on the front lines, working hard to save lives and help slow the spread of this virus. Everyone is doing their part. I don't think I'd do well if I was in the house for days on end so for those of you stuck inside, I thought you'd like to tag along today and soak up a little of our desert sun and muddy roads:


 Right now DH is feeding 7 days a week, hitting each pasture every other day. It takes about 6 hours each day. With the recent rains, we're celebrating wet roads and puddles:

                           

Ranching in the desert means we don't get a lot of rain. Our annual average rainfall is 11" so when it DOES rain everyone celebrates:


DH noticed a sick calf and stepped out to make a house call:


It pays to be handy with a rope:


And yes, the calf is fine - we can't doctor him if we can't catch him


DH marks him with the wax crayon stick so that he will be easy to spot when we check on him:

                                        

Then the calf gets a shot of antibiotic


DH's carries this leather doctoring pouch with him. That little bottle of Draxxin costs $367.00! The cost of the shot depends on the size of the animal and the various antibiotics are for different ailments . This little fella's doctorin' cost about $15.00.


Mama keeps a wary eye on her baby


It doesn't take but a minute


A shake of his head


And he's reunited with Mama


Be well little one.


I sure wish fixing the current state of affairs in the world was that simple.

7 comments:

Chantal said...

Amen to that. Unfortunately, the current state of affairs in the world has to do with humans. Some aren't as docile or as smart as cows and follow the rules the good guys provide. Hope the little fella gets well soon. ;^)

Sherrill said...

Kinda like a snippet from Dr. Pol. When my friend first told me about the program, I wanted a little and was like 'ugh, he's always got his hand in some cow's butt'. It is a different life but I really enjoy that show. That must take a lot of gas making those feed runs!!

Rebecca said...

Ok... What are the signs of a sick calf that you spot without a close encounter with every calf in the herd?

Donna said...

Great photos! The cow with the muddy face is hilarious! I didn’t know cows liked mud so well!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Me too! I have a soft spot for sick and injured animals--my father like your husband was part farmer/rancher and part vet, Be well little one

sandi s said...

I’m glad your able to treat some of the ailments they get. I love the picture of the cow with red mud all over his face. Reminds me of my grandson when it rains, he too likes to play in the mud. Take care. Hugs,

Nancy said...

Oh my goodness, I love the photo of the cow celebrating the rain. How did he/she get so much mud on her face?! And the mama waiting for your husband to finish -- she looks very protective. Thanks for letting me tag along with you on your ride!

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