Patches the Calf

Apparently we've been missing the presence of animals around here because on Saturday we introduced a new member to the Toews farm.

Meet Patches, our 2-week-old Jersey calf.

The truth is, we learned that the income from our 3 other calves may not be enough to qualify us for farm status this year, so we needed a little something to bump it up.  Apparently dairy bull calves are not highly valued and can be purchased for pretty cheap.  So... enter baby Patches.

Unlike Russell, Willy and Kevin, Patches is perfectly tame.

He is also completely reliant on us for his sustenance.

Enter me...  Nursemaid Jamie.

I didn't really expect I would spend my summer mixing up formula and washing baby bottles - particularly giant ones the size of 2 litre milk jugs...

But so far it's been an enjoyable task.

Everyone got in on helping with the first couple of feedings...

He's a scrawny little thing - so much smaller than our Angus-Simmental calves.  We think he looks like a baby deer.

It appears he's already learning who the milk-bringer is...

As fun as feeding him is, it's a bit time-consuming and somewhat hazardous as he bumps and prods quite aggressively as he's drinking.  So Dad Toews constructed this handy little bottle holder and it works pretty slick!

Despite the obvious cuteness of this little guy, he will unfortunately meet the same fate as the other 3 about a year from now - as in t-bone, top sirloin, pot roast... you name it.

But for now, he's a pretty fun pet.