Are you preparing for your first calving season or dealing with a first-time calver? In this episode, Kelly and Becky share practical tips for a smooth calving process, recognizing signs of labor, and handling common complications confidently. Broke down for newbies, this episode provides essential insights to ensure healthy deliveries and happy calves

.Key Topics:

• Understanding the normal timeline of a cow’s pregnancy (283 days) and how to track due dates using gestation charts
• Signs that indicate labor is imminent: tail kink, relaxed muscles, mucus discharge, and pin drops
• Setting up a calving or tagging box with necessary supplies: palp gloves, OB chains, towels, iodine, and vaccines
• Step-by-step process of assisting with calving: when to intervene, how to check foot presentation, and the importance of working with contractions
• Recognizing abnormal presentations: breech, upside-down hooves, or twins, and calling the vet immediately
• How to safely help calves that are backward, stuck, or require manual assistance
• Post-birth care: cleaning the calf, ensuring they nurse, passing the afterbirth, and potential complications like prolapse or retained placenta
• Managing first-time calvers’ behavior and ensuring a calm, quiet environment during labor
• Dealing with twins and understanding their behaviors, including signs of twin calves and potential complications

Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: calving season tips

02:10 - Tracking pregnancy length and due date calculations

07:25 - Signs of approaching labor: tail, discharge, pins dropping

12:15 - Preparing your calving setup: supplies and safety tips

16:55 - Recognizing active labor and when to call the vet

22:00 - Monitoring delivery progression: hooves, nose, and presentation

30:19 - Handling abnormal calving scenarios: breech, upside-down hooves, twins

39:00 - Assisting with stuck calves and pulling techniques

48:23 - Post-birth care: cleaning, nursing, and passing the afterbirth

54:30 - Complications to watch for: prolapse, infection, twins

63:48 - Managing herd behavior and protecting your new mom and calf

69:55 - Importance of vet support and when to call for help

76:33 - Essential equipment: chutes, head catches, and confinement tools

82:45 - Final tips: staying calm, educated, and prepared for successful calvingResources & Links:

• Iodine/Navel Spray
• Calf Tuber
• Connect with Kelly and Becky:
• Kelly - Xbar6 Miniature Cattle
• Becky - Clear Haze Cattle
• Facebook Group: Lil Hooves Podcast Community

Additional Tips:

• Always consult your vet early and keep their contact info handy.
• Observe your cows carefully in the weeks leading up to due date.
• Maintain a quiet, stress-free environment during calving.
• Be prepared with emergency tools and supplies before labor begins.
• Educate yourself with videos, pictures, and farm visits to recognize normal and abnormal signs.

Getting calving right means less stress, healthier calves, and more confident farming. You're doing great—trust your instincts and keep learning! We hope this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your first calving season successfully. Happy calving!

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