New Baby reindeer to my herd

I'm screaming Sand!!!
For all those people who are only interested in reindeer for the two weeks running up to Christmas & then only the weekends/those that expect us to turn up for free .... WALK IN MY SHOES! Nobody on here, thankfully, as you follow us throughout the year.. I wish all did...

What I am proud of today... a young lad who is enamoured with my herd and visits us often, is on holiday (not sure where, will find out when they are home). Mother has just texted saying he is incensed after visiting a museum displaying "reindeer Horns"... He's 9 and planning on sending them a stinking letter as A "they are antlers, NOT horns" and B on display where not reindeer antlers but probably red deer!!! Go Eddie, put them right!

 

Karen, I'm not sure you realize just how many people, and young people, you might have reached through your Face Book page and here on this thread! We all may not be in the same country, but the knowledge we are getting from you about your reindeer herd is just wonderful! And the proof is that 9 year old boy knowing the difference and then willing to set them straight is just brilliant!

 

Don't be a reindeer herder. It is too traumatic... I am so close to quitting but it would mean finding homes for the ones I love... So it won't happen.. An annus horribilis, I have just lost the orphan Jeeves (yesterday morning)...

 

I am so sorry Karen. I grieve with you.

 

Oh No!I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Oh Karen, I'm so so so sorry to hear about sweet Jeeves. The only solace I can offer is he is frolicking with his Mom and Hector up in Heaven.
You and your herd have had a bad year, maybe a year free of babies(and the extra stress) will be a little easier for you.
I am grieving for you.

​

 

Much love and many hugs to you, your family, your reindeer and all your friends and followers during this very sad time.
Kiss all your kids for me, please.

 

Much love and hugs for you.

 

So very sad to hear your news.

 

I've been hiding as was so down but I'm back & with a Major apology to Mischa and one to make you smile.

I finally got my livestock scales set up. I couldn't believe it Mischa was 0.2kg lighter than Katya. I re weighed both 3 times as I just couldn't believe it. I would have guessed Mischa had an extra 10kg - just goes to show there must be something in the "heavy bones" quote!
Mischa

Katya

 

Bless her, and there you were all this time calling her fat. Or maybe she did go to the gym before you weighed her lol!

 

Wow, looking at both pictures, I never would have guessed Mischa is lighter! Even Mischa's feet look heavier! I don't mean that in a bad way Mischa!

 

Karen, I am so sorry to hear you lost another one of your precious reindeer!!

I agree with Brooke that perhaps a year free of babies and their extra stress will ease what you have been through this year, and return your full joy back to you. Maybe the rest of us, too, as we have all grown to love your herd and the lovely, sweet way you care for them.
You are a true blessing and joy to this Forum, and a marvelous Instructor of all things 'Reindeer'!
Thank you for continuing to post your 'family photos'.

 

Well a very odd day for us here today in UK.
This morning it was extremely Autumnal - very cold and dew on the reindeer coats but by this afternoon very warm.

Call me mad but I transferred many thousands of pounds into the bank account of the lady that has been messing me around (not contacting/replying to me since she said I could purchase Digby). She finally said this morning, that all was on for tomorrow to collect. So as far as I am concerned he is now mine.... even though I have never set eyes on him! I don't know if he has gone into rut yet (most adult males in US and UK are and pretty hormonally angry now). Hubby has taken a day off work, just in case he's dangerous already, my vehicle is loaded up with pretty much everything I can think of in case...... A bull pole, three long ropes with quick release fastenings, a wire antler saw in case we need to remove them on site, injectable wormers, probiotics & vitamin drench (as it would be better doing on his home "turf" less stress). Trailer is loaded with new tasty straw, hay, willow and reindeer moss and I am planning on picking up some of his pellet ration to mix with what I feed... This will only be the start of the "problems" as I need to quarantine, get full blood works (if he isn't too angry) and then once quarantine ended find a way of moving him from holding area to rutting paddock safely!!! Thinking about a long rope attached to vehicle (only 100 yards but a scary 100 yards!) - I'll work on next plan BUT it would have been so easy 2 weeks ago before hormones started to rise!!!

 

I don't know if I should Congratulate you, or Commiserate, but Yea!!! ... anyway.
You made your choice and went for it. You do seem to like a challenge though.
Best of luck in your new adventure. A lot of people will be pulling for you!

 

Well Karen, wishing you, hubby and Digby all the best! Maybe because he is so under sized at the moment he will start rut a little late! Do they do that? As usual you are more than prepared for this new adventure. I hope you do not need to travel to far! Good luck and keep us posted when you can please!

 

Travelling time should be under 4 hours... Handling time (and trip to A&E might take longer!!). Should be able to update by 2pm ish GMT.. (approx 19 hours) - if we survive an angry bull!!! Heehee

 

Good luck Karen!!!!