New Baby reindeer to my herd

He and Freddie re going to Ythanbank , sad face is only that the are leaving me as Ythanbank look after my babies beyond and will send regular updates (Thor & Loki's new owners)... but they will both be hard to wave goodbye to. I will need my virtual hand holding once they fly the nest!

 

Great pic of Storm! You are a brave reindeer mommy! I don't think I would be able to let those 2 cuties go. Holding out "virtual" hand for you to hold.

 

I am ever so happy that is where they will be going as they seem to be caring, loving people!
And you always have a virtual hand here across the pond!

 

Storm is just stunning. He is going to be one majestic reindeer, when he's not walking headfirst into poles that is!

 

Myself and my Luxlyk Herd are beyond grateful to my Farm(arama) friends, who hold my "virtual" hand throughout the year.
In R/L, unfortunately, the majority of the general public are only interested in reindeer in the 3 weeks running up to Christmas!
I often see "bumper stickers" saying a dog isn't just for Christmas - I need one saying my reindeer AREN'T JUST for CHRISTMAS!

 

Oh Karen you are SO right! In RL people seem to have tunnel vision and can only see the here and
now, and then move on to the next thing they might be interested in for 10 minutes!
I think it should say "My Reindeer are Wonderful even after Christmas!"

 

You have always got a virtual hand here to hold. I just wish that they were not doing so much work on the A14 near me at the moment, then maybe I could have come to visit again before you get busy at Christmas time. I think a bumper sticker saying "Reindeer aren't just for Christmas" or what Sanddollar said is a great idea.

 

This is crazy... I have hunted the entire country (I think) for an entire male reindeer before the rut - offering a limitless purse (even remortgaging house) I can't find one for sale at any price! Imports have been banned to UK with CWD status in Europe.
Turning grey here! No babies next year it seems.
Goodness, how much would Hector have been worth if I could ever have parted with him???
And I know Storm and Freddy would now be worth a fortune but let's not go there as I promised them to Ythanbank & I will not change that.

 

Too bad AI is not an option. Love all the recent pictures!

 

Hmmm, knowing your situation might the Ythanbank farm maybe let you keep one of the boys promised to them? OR loan you either Loki or Thor, or have they been snipped or too closely related?
I am trying to figure a way! Forgive me but my brain goes into overdrive all by it's self!
And about Hector, you know you would not have sold him at any price!

 

They're missing out! Reindeer are best in the late spring/early summer when they're all cute and tiny. Thank you for showing me that!

I've been thinking about something for a while. We know reindeer breeding is coming up sometime reasonably soon. Would you like it if we put a request in to have one of the breeding reindeers named for your herd, in the English translation of the names? I know the game team have far far more suggestions than they can think about implementing, but this is a single entry on a database, so shouldn't be much trouble to do. Between all of us we could also give it a lot of support on the suggestion thread.

If you like the idea, what would be a good name? I thought possibly 'Lucky' reindeer for Luxlyk herd, and because your reindeer are lucky to be so well looked after! Or it could be something else, maybe a memorial name. Your choice of course.

 

Sand you are right - Hector would not have been for sale at ANY price! And I mean any as I can't buy a dodgy wild boy even for the price of a new car (or more)! As to Ythanbank, I have thought of asking to keep Freddy but he would only be able to cover 4 or 5 (genetically) and to be honest he is just too young. Even if if was tall enough the girls would be unlikely to accept a bull that was not very impressive in size/age.. so not prepared to go back on my promise for just a slim hope...
Edit, Thor and Loki had the "snip" in April..

 

Oh no!! Thor or Loki might have been a good fill in for this seasons rut! Back to the drawing board!
I totally agree, a persons word IS their bond, BUT in a case like yours IF they weren't so young, you would have to think a "friend" would make the offer to loan or rent the promised boy for the rut season!
Just my "over active " brain again!

 

It isn't beyond the realms of possibility (now) that I might ask Ythanbank if I can retain Freddy but to be honest even if they agreed (which I am sure they would under the circumstances), it would be even more difficult for me as I would have to use him as a bargaining tool next Spring to source similar from someone else and "Trade him in" .
My head is scrambled - all imports have now been banned into UK and no-one is parting with reindeer, the prices people are offering have skyrocketed but still no-one will part.
I do have Gandalf on order, but I can't rest my laurels on getting him (he is promised) but Jennie has lost older calves every year & we still have the issue of her cattle's TB tests... If any of the false positive results become real TB cases then her reindeer will need to be tested and slaughtered even if only "false" positives and before any of her stock (reindeer or cows) can be moved they need 2 clear tests. The next can't be until October due to harvest and the second December... but if a reactor is found in cattle in either test then back to "square one"... I am turning grey!
In the meantime... my silly reindeer being called for their afternoon feed - Katya wins the prize knowing that she has to come through gate not come to me at the fence trying to film!

 

Well there is a sliver of hope for Gandalf, if all the pieces fall just right!! I will keep everything crossed! How likely is it that the ban could or would be lifted to get imports into the UK? Of course that creates a whole new set of possible issues too! Oh my I am using way to much grey matter! But you and your herd are in my thoughts! Way to go Katya, no flies on her she is going straight to the food!

 

Love the video, Katya is obviously a very intelligent lady! I will also keep my fingers crossed that all goes well for you and that Gandalf becomes one of your family.

 

Sand, the ban is now in place for 2 years, at the moment, but to be honest I truly believe that DEFRA won't lift it.
CWD won't go away in Europe that quickly and DEFRA have been twitchy for years about the number of reindeer imported that die in their first year due to people just buying in for Christmas. At the moment all that love and care for their reindeer won't part with any due to uncertainty of the future...
Although for the moment everything is "pants" for me, I agree with the ban and hope once everything has settled then the true reindeer lovers/breeders can work together to share bloodlines and healthy stock..
Doesn't help me for now but I am in favour of import ban

 

Doesn't Ythenbank have any entire males? I can't believe they sniped your two males. I would have thought they wanted them for breeding.
I loved your video. I guess we know who the smart one is.

 

Yes, that sounds like a smart and well thought out ban they have in place! And like you say under your circumstances it could not be at a worse time BUT in the long run and for the safety of all animals involved it is a good thing!

 

Lottidah, Ythanbank intentionally only have a herd of castrated males (they are the easiest) not a breeding establishment at all. They purchased Elsa as they loved her colouring but soon found she was causing trouble with their castrates - hence me getting her and then having my boys (to castrate and be much loved pets, exhibition reindeer). 95% of male reindeer are castrated (as so are horses) to make them handleable.