I’ve written about the calves a couple of times recently, but – honestly – it wasn’t until we were looking at them all this weekend that I realized just how huge the original Chucks have gotten.
Our 3 newest baby Chucks are only a few weeks old. They’re currently living in the pole barn in the indoor-outdoor kennel that was left behind by the previous owners. This thing has turned into an epic holding pen for new animals arriving at the farm. We’re able to check them out, hold them away from the rest of the livestock to check for worms, etc. And, generally, it just gives us a great chance to know their personalities before releasing them into a larger space where we don’t see them as often.
The new babes are doing wonderfully. They came to us after their mommas abandoned them in the fields. They were all weak and sickly at the start – but with a little hand-feeding, they’ve turned around fast. Unfortunately, even once they’re stronger, their mommas won’t claim them back and they would struggle to grow with the herd. So, they stay with us and our misfit gang of rescued corral cattle.
We’re not complaining. They’ve been awesome to have around.
The small stature of these new babies only goes to emphasize how huge Chuck Steak, Ground Chuck and Chuck Norris have gotten. They’ve been in the corral with Big Momma Chuck for a few months now. We move them to new grass now and again. They have constant access to grain and hay. And maple leaves (a surprising calf favorite!). This all-natural diet has shockingly packed the pounds. They’re all tipping a little over half the size of Big Momma and it’s kind of impressive.
Chuck Norris continues to think he’s a dog. He was the OG Crossley Farms calf and labeled as Isai’s – so naturally he’s taken a bit of a special place in our hearts. He’s the first to trot to the gates of the corral. He sticks his head under your hand to be petted. Then, he sticks out his tongue to see if you have anything to snack on.
I’m honestly astonished at how quickly they’ve all started to grow. Big Momma will be destined for the butcher soon. The older three are likely to hang around at least until the middle of next summer. Of course, by mid-winter, we should have the new calves out in the corral with them too. An empty pen in the pole barn is a pretty dangerous thing, though. It’s never long before we’ve filled it again!