I was keeping an eye out for a coyotes and badgers that have been frequently visiting our area. I let the hens out earlier, so I was a little concerned for their safety. I also noticed another buffalo calf was probably being born. A couple of hours later I noticed what I thought was a young bear. I got the binoculars to check it out and have Number One verify what I was seeing when we realized it was a buffalo calf outside the buffalo enclosure. The real problem was that the herd was at the other end of the ranch. Buffalo mamas do not leave their calves. In fact, the whole herd protects the calves. But this calf was abandoned.
We called the rancher to let him know, but he was hours and hours away. I still had my pajamas, robe and house shoes on when we went to rescue the buffalo calf. The calf needed protection and colostrum as soon as possible. The little calf was very strong and healthy. We were able to easily capture the calf and offer her protection in our chicken enclosure, but we had no colostrum or any way to feed her. She had to wait for her first feeding.
About 4 1/2 hours later the rancher and his wife were able to give the much-needed nourishment to the calf by tube feeding her. She would not take the bottle and they were concerned that she was using too much energy fighting the bottle.
The rancher brought his whole family, including their three beautiful children and two dogs to pick up the calf, and welcomed this new little calf named Faith into their family. They checked on their buffalo herd and headed to their other ranch where they live. Faith will have to be fed every 2-3 hours for the first six weeks of her life.
We were happy to help save this little "big" newborn calf. Buffalo calves usually weigh 70 pounds when they are born. That is a pretty impressive size. Number One lifted her into the back of our vehicle, and I rode in the back with her on the ride home. It took her about an hour to warm up to us. After that she welcomed being scratched and petted. She also welcomed the company. At this point, Faith does not know her mama isn't a human. The hens and nesting bluebirds were a little confused about the intrusion into their space, but as for us it was a great day!
Mrs. Smith
