A rude welcome….

…but a necessary one.  Our nine new arrivals had their check-ups at Rose Hill Veterinary Services yesterday.  Here one of the British bull calves—“Churchill“—stands more or less stoically as Dr. Derek Vandrey uses a wire saw to remove his horns.  That green paint on his ear is where he’s just been tatooed.  Working with Derek is veterinary student Camille Lewandowski.

After the horns are off, Derek uses a hot iron to cauterize the site both to stop the bleeding and limit the possibility of infection.  We used to do this here at the farm but now prefer the environment at the clinic.  So does Churchill.  He’s had a local anesthetic and is feeling no pain.

It’s been a tough couple of days for our newcomers.  First separated from their mothers…then rounded up and re-tagged in North Carolina…divided into two groups…loaded onto trailers….brought here to Thistle Hill where they have to become accustomed to new grass, new water and new herd mates.  But from this point on, it’s all gravy.  As more than one visitor has remarked:  “If I come back as a cow, let it be to Thistle Hill!”