New Baby reindeer to my herd

Hector is out on his first visit tomorrow to a special needs school, wish him luck. I'm sure he will steal the show despite having the "old stager" Boris with him

 

Have fun Hector! Be good!!!

 

Hector has grown into such a handsome young man, I'm sure he will be on his best behavior. Of course Boris can show him how it's done. Good Luck

 

Hmmn "Be Good Hector" he needs to bear that in mind.. he has taken to using me as a head rubbing post - so pleased his antlers this year face backwards... May need to teach him manners before next year!!! Eeek

 

He is truly handsome! Can't wait to see him all decked out for Christmas!

 

BohoKaren - I know you take your lovely reindeer to hospitals etc. for visits...but have you ever had field trips to your place...where people could see them at home? I have enjoyed you filming them being fed and interacting with you...I'm sure others would like it too!
Yes, Hector..be on your best behavior on your 1st outing.

 

Brooke, I can't really do that as I have no "facilities" on site. A very few people do visit but only on the understanding that I have no hot running water and only alcohol based hand washing. I also like to keep them quite well hidden as they are very valuable animals and mine are a little too trusting so could be stolen quite easily.... From experience I know people will pay silly amounts of money for tame reindeer (even wild ones) at this time of year... They need them NOW but it is very sad to say that they either don't want them for the rest of the year OR even worse many try but don't understand their needs and the reindeer they buy die ..

Not saying, at all, that I am an oracle but reindeer need very close watching, a keeper needs to know them individually. They show very few signs of illness right up until death... for instance only a couple of weeks ago Boris wasn't interested in his breakfast - very unusual for him (if I just put feed out for all and walked away I wouldn't have known). I watched him for a few more hours and thought his breathing was just a little shallow. Called vet out, temperature hardly raised but breathing a "little" raspy - expensive drug (Draxxin) used as works wonders with chest infections but silly price, vet costs £300 (about $450) - he "might" have been okay untreated BUT it may have been the start of pneumonia - with reindeer you have to keep on your toes.
Worms are another issue - most livestock build up a tolerance but reindeer don't, so unless you take the problem seriously you will lose your reindeer - I do faecal worm count monthly. My adults have had zero counts for the last 4 months but the babies in same paddocks have needed worming monthly...

 

Well no wonder your reindeer look so beautiful - you work very hard to keep them healthy!

 

I now understand BohoKaren. Reindeer are not just pets...they are a ton of work...and need a very dedicated owner. You are a truly a rare breed of person to devote so many resources and so much time to your beloved reindeer. They are lucky to have you! And we are very fortunate that you share them with us! Thanks!

 

The "Boys are Back in Town" - Both back safely in their paddocks.

So proud of my little Hector he was so well behaved (on his very first outing) with the Special Needs children. He snuggled, hand fed and really interacted, lots of smiles on faces.... the only problem was their car park with "rumble strips", I think it worried him slightly getting back into his trailer which he usually loves... rumble strips are a minor.. we'll work on that, as long as he loves the children!

 

I think he will get over the rumble strips if you can figure out how to give him more practice. Glad to hear both boys were good with the children.

 

Glad they had a good day and were able to put smiles on those children's faces This remains one of my most favorite places to visit for updates and I thank you for sharing your stories and photos.

 

Thanks BoHoKaren for posting this information, I found it really interesting & had no idea reindeer could be such high maintenance. You obviously take great care with yours & from their pictures they look very healthy & well loved. And how wonderful are you to take them out to visit special children who need all the smiles they can get. I hope you, Hector & Boris have a great time over the next couple of months as I'm sure the Xmas period is a very special time for all of you

 

WillowP - Mischa, Katya and Lotte will be out and about too..

Oh such an awful,awful day... or at least last night - I only heard this morning... Our love to all our French friends...
I am not against any religion but I am against the atrocities in the name of religion... Hugs to all..

 

Howdy!

Your reindeers are very cute, I wish I could see a reindeer in real life.

Where are you from? I guess you are from Canada, Russia or Scandinavia...​

 

We're from the UK - may post updates tomorrow. The ones I had planned are not important today! Sorry a bit deflated - my happy just doesn't compute with the world atrocities! Love and hugs to France

 

Very sad as well BoHoKaren. Your post reflects the feelings of many!

 

My babies have a new present, a 24' x 12' field shelter, erected yesterday. I have put their feed troughs in so that they don't get wet but for preference they still sleep outside in the elements (an expensive way of keeping food dry !!!). This field shelter is far bigger than my others (perhaps subconsciously I am thinking of increasing the herd size - no, no - can't keep all the expected babies!!!)

A hoolie of a gale blew up last night and I spent all night worrying that the wind would turn it over and smash it. Thankfully this morning it was undamaged so today I have driven stakes in the ground and lashed it down..

 

Amazing avatar BoHokaren, and my thoughts also!

 

Yes, animals used to living outside quite often prefer to be there in all but the nastiest weather. My horse is a prime example of that. Standing outside in the rain/snow unless the wind is really strong or hail shows up.