I was walking back from getting the mail and the calves were all enjoying their full bellies and warm sun shining down on their black bodies. Our little Heifer gal, Ruby, just 6 months old now, was completely laid out on her side doing a a great imitation of a dead cow. I stopped to make sure she really was alive by watching her breathing. I got a really interesting show instead. Her eyes were moving back and forth in REM sleep, her mouth was opening and closing, and her little tongue was darting in and out. Then she started kicking her front legs back and forth. Her whole body would then relax, and a soft sigh would emit from her little throat. Then the whole thing would start all over again. At one point, her dream must have been really good, since she got deep into the whole thing very vigorously, complete with little moo-ing noise.
I wonder what she was dreaming about? Was she nursing on her mom again? Was it a particularly tasty bit of hay? Maybe she was licking and chasing Sock the barn kitty?
Its such a pleasure to watch the animals when they don't know they are being watched!
Blessings!
Fat Turkey Farm