New Baby reindeer to my herd

My plans, at the moment, are to let him go through next year's rut and then give him the snip (but don't tell Hector).

I was going to give him the snip in the Spring until somebody on here pointed out he isn't related to Lexi & Freya and potentially very pretty babies (I had only been thinking about Katya) - he will NEVER be sold, while I'm alive and kicking anyway .

But I am thinking about buying in another young bull to cover Mischa next year and future female calves. My problem will be from where??? Would love an English bred, pretty boy, who has been raised with lots of interaction BUT we are talking about finding chicken's teeth/rocking horse poop or I buy in another Import and except the bruises, punches etc. until they know life is good. And I also have to invest in new fencing to keep two angry boys apart for the rut...
All good fun.. I will change my mind Many times over the next 6 months.

 

I'm so happy to hear you will never sell Hector!!!! Otherwise I'd have to figure out how to get him here to my home in CA.
oooh Hector and Lexi and Freya babies would be so cute and loving!!!!

 

Thank you Karen, I knew in my heart you would not sell Hector! and the rest will fall into place
as usual!

 

I am also very pleased to hear that you will never sell Hector. Although I would offer him a home any day!

 

I have had a couple of approached to buy Hector already... Even if they won the lottery they couldn't afford him..
HE WILL NEVER BE FOR SALE.. He's my cuddles bunny (outside the rut)!!

 

I totally agree,some things just can't be bought, and HECTOR is one of them! As long as he behaves himself! and Good Luck with that! ha ha

 

If Hector produces well, you might decide not to snip. You can always sell "Hector, Jr." and "Hectoretta".

 

Hector and snip is a difficult one..
If he stays entire I will never be able to take him out to meet his adoring public as he will either be "rutty" or no antlers in the run up to Christmas but he loves people and would be one of my best assets.
Today I started Freya on her lead rope training - she was even easier than Lexi and had no trouble getting the lead rope tangled in her "HUGE" antlers... I have to keep telling her they are huge


Rutland update.
This morning Twiglet and Ana had started to strip their velvet. By afternoon feed Ana was stripped out BUT Twiglet's report card says "Must Try Harder"! Hopefully tomorrow.

 

I cannot wait to see babies of Hector!!! I think you should at least breed him with Lexi and Freya ....and then decide. But, please don't send him out for stud service. He would miss you too much....and I'm sure you would miss & worry about him!

Kudos to Miss Freya and her lead training! Are the girls affectionate?

 

He's going nowhere, ever, unless I am with him... Especially during the Rut, it's a very worrying time for both girls and boys but the rutting bull (if he is your pet) is especially worrying. It is a danger to remove one of a rutting bulls girls from his paddock if the are ill (but only to humans) but if the bull himself is injured it's another story.. They cannot be sedated during rut... any sedation they die while their hormones are raging... So my rutting bull stays at home.. always... IF he should need stitches, injections or whatever...I will battle their hormones/anger nobody else will take them on..

 

Freya is just a petite little lady, her antlers are the same! One day I am sure her antlers will be "huge"

 

It is quite possible that you may get a "Hector, Jr." that would be suitable for snipping and greeting public. Hector "Sr." could still make off season visits.

Antlers are only a part of the whole and they get replaced every year. She may be your best ambassador some day!

Plenty of time. No worries. Soon you will wish for the calm after the "rutting" storm.

 

I agree with Lilaclady, that one day our petite Freya will have huge antlers! I smile Karen as
I read your posts, as you are a wonderful and caring farmer, and your herd is so lucky to be living on your farm!

 

Apologies for no updates, as I am in the middle of a hectic time. Hubby having to feed and give tlc to my babies and I only have a few minutes per day to check that he is not missing anything.. (hate handing over the reins - kills me).
Back to taking charge on Monday but have a whole host of reindeer enquiries stacked up and insurance/vet check to sort for Katya on Monday as I think I have organised a bull for her to visit Tuesday.. but a road Trip... So may not be back to normal till Wednesday...
In the meantime just a snap of babies that I managed to take on my brief check up today.

 

No apologies necessary! We understand that this is a very busy time of year. Glad to hear that you may have found a bull for Katya.

Always love pictures of your babies! Look at those nice antlers!

 

Just for a laugh.. I have just ended manic period working elsewhere. Still crossed eyed from working silly hours but hauled through enquiries/emails/quotes etc. then went on to security video footage... Found this... I saw a reindeer with crazy headgear.. I showed to hubby he saw my backside and shirt... I can see he is right now BUT!!! Heehee - am I just overtired or can ou also see a reindeer in scary headgear???

 

No Karen, I suggest you go get lots, and lots of sleep!

 

OMG! what is wrong with me? The very first thing I see is the reindeer with scary headgear. After looking for several minutes I could make out your shape. What a clever accidental clip. (off to check there isn't something wrong with my specs)

 

Thank you Elemeef, we both need to check our specs !!!

Rut update... all girls have now stripped their velvet (Katya being the last today) and Katya is off to visit an unrelated bull in the morning. She'll be gone for between 3 and 4 weeks - I will worry everyday she is away but she is such a good mother, produces lovely friendly calves & tends other calves as well as her own and it would be such a shame for her not to have a chance of a baby next year. Hard decision but I have made it.

 

LOL I wish Katya a productive, yet safe breeding visit. I know you worry when one of your herd is away. Please get some rest and try to think only good thoughts of her while she is away.