Wednesday 24 March 2010

Highland Cattle

The paddock in front of The Cottage has three Highland Bulls inhabiting it.  The Alpha male in the top photo has been there as long as The Cottage has been here.  One went into a freezer last winter and one developed cancer and was put down a few months ago.  So then there were two. But now there is a new bullock on the block.  He spends a lot of time standing in the drinking trough.  Why would a bullock do that?  Do they not teach them manners in bullock school?

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11 comments:

  1. :) My guess is that it refreshes it's feet. Cows are funny critters, you know. Thank you for the wonderful birthday note I just received ♥ I still can't get over that you're a full day ahead of me everywhere you go.

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  2. Dressed in a fur-coat like that, in your climate, I don't wonder if he's looking for ways to cool off a bit. I'd say rather clever, if it wasn't his drinking water as well! ;)

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  3. You start with three - "One went into a freezer last winter and one developed cancer and was put down a few months ago. So then there were two." !!!!! That's Gordon Brown maths, that is...

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  4. Hmmm. I could say what our Chief Clerk, Henry, used to say when he thought someone was falling asleep during proof reading or when he made a genuine mistake - you never knew the difference which was "Just checking!".

    Actually there were 3 bulls and a cow. I think it was the cow that was eaten and the bull than was culled. So there were 4 and then 2 and now 3 again.

    I think I've got it right this time. I'm not sure that my initialsake GB has though!

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  5. You know how you read a few words of a sentance and finish it in your head? I read "Do they not teach them manners in".....and my ending was.... Highland School. Ah well, I thought it was funny!!

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  6. Aw! They look so sweet and furry and cuddly, but I'm sure they're not really... (the horns could pose a problem.)
    ;^0
    He is definitely soaking the weary feet, tired from holding up all that weight! Maybe some epsom salts would help.
    ;^)

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  7. I've never seen cows with that much fur!!! They're screaming to be brushed!
    As far as the feet soaking, I only have two words...cow patties. I'd say he was the only one with manners. :)

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  8. Cynthia: The idea of epsom salts in the drinking trough sounds good until they drink it. I assume the laxative effect works on cattle too!!

    Shabby Girl: Yes. Cow patties in the drinking water after Cynthia's epsom salts. Hmmm.

    Seriously though he's still doing it. I wonder if he has something wrong with his feet. He was being a young bullock yesterday and galloping up and down the paddock to the obvious bemusement of the other two.

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  9. What a great collection of photos! We're surrounded by cattle out here, but I forget how many shapes and sizes they come in. I loved looking at these guys!

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  10. The last time I saw Highland cattle was ooo aahh about half a lifetime ago. There were about half a dozen, standing in the water on the lapping edge of Dewentwater. Looking perfectly scenic. Did someone once tell me they like to eat waterweed? Or did I dream that?

    That was a rhetorical question.

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