A year in the making

Last October, we decided to get some bulls to graze in our pasture. The idea was that it would save money not having our workers cleaning it by hand (which is a lot of work), it would provide a lovely environment to young bulls that may see an untimely demise, and the effects of grazing and natural fertilizer (manure) would promote healthy, organic regrowth.

We have procured, through rescuing or purchasing for a nominal fee, seven of our own bulls, and Martin's two out of three bulls remain. So, nine bulls roam our pastureland at the moment. Kevin has been instrumental in giving them a good start in life from bottle feeding them, to giving them loads of affection to shepherding them to the safety of their shelter every night (up to four or five months old). Our poor little Redford was brought back from the brink more than a few times and would surely have not made it without Kevin's love and care. It's been quite the experience to watch them grow and thrive. I thought I'd share some 'then and now' pictures.

This picture is of Martin's two bulls... Pinto (on the left) and Chocolate... at about four months:

I went for a hike this morning and came upon Pinto, now about 16 months old:

And here is a picture of Martin with Jackson at about a week old, all skinny and still wobbly:

But look at him now! He tries to hide in the tall grass and blackberry bushes, but he's just too big to get away with it at nearly a year old. He is SO beautiful. His coat is like velvet.

We've been warned that bulls can get aggressive as they get older, but so far, none of our bulls are displaying any cranky qualities. They still love to be stroked and cuddled. They don't charge at each other or at us. After taking pictures of both Pinto and Jackson, I went up to each of them and scratched under their chin, which they welcomed in a docile manner. Bobbie McGee followed me on my hike and did her own visiting with her bovine friends. I noticed that she continues to play with them, nipping at their heels, sometimes pulling their tail, then rushes in front of them to give them a big kiss. And the sweetness of it all is they kiss her back.