At midday local farmer Rob (a kind and gentle and skilled herdsman who has helped us out in times past when our sheep had fly strike and who put ear tags in the bullocks last year) is coming to tag Lexy and debud her horns.  By law all farm animals must have a registration number and the cows and sheep must have ear tags showing their id number and the id number of this smallholding.  As with ear piercing it just takes a moment or two but is less traumatic if done whilst the animal is young and easy to catch.  With the bullocks we had to tie them up as they were so strong they struggled against any procedure so we have decided to get it over with early this time.  And, if left, the Dexter cows (like our Jacob sheep) grow horns.  The bullocks left here with long horns but as Lucy and Beattie were dehorned soon after they were born we have decided to do the same with Lexy.  Not looking forward to separating calf from mother at midday.

In the background of this photo by the fence is a black shape, Mabel.  She had just been fed but, feeling a little peckish and lively, had caught herself a field mouse and was taking it away to enjoy on her own.  Mack is too lazy to run around after breakfast and will take any bits that Mabel leaves for him.