New Baby reindeer to my herd

Just think of the two girls you still will have.

 

Yes...that's great advice SC! But I know Karen, it's going to be hard to let your baby boys go. I have my hands open for as much holding as you need.
I hope at their new home, they will be able to send pic's and videos so you can watch them grow up. How are the boys going to get there? Will you ever be able to visit them?

 

Oh my goodness, they are so cute together! I think we will all need some hand holding when
they go! For me the good news is that they will be on a farm together! and that you know these farmers!

 

I think we might need tissues at the ready as well, but as Sanddollar said, at least they will be together with people you know who will love and take care of them.

 

They will keep in touch, they are lovely people- as to visiting it's about 7 hours drive and in the UK, that's a long way for us!! One day hopefully but maybe they'll be in their dotage... but I will get photo's and share with you all from time to time...

Today's update not exciting as a chore day.

I dug ragwort in Long Meadow and poisoned in Rutland while hubby topped Home Paddock, just in case I can use it again soon.
So only a few snaps
Boris

Hector and Lotte (with Thor and Loki in background)

and Hector on snooze time (a couple of days ago but don't think you have seen it)

 

the pictures! Sorry it is a "work" day for you and the hubby, but as "we" say, someone has to do it! I also Mr Hector with the oh so sleepy eyes! He is soooo beautiful!

 

I have to agree sanddollar.....Hector is so wonderful! I love his white stripe....and oooh aaah his antlers are so impressive! But Boris takes the prize as most stellar set of antlers!!!!

 

Can't see well from this angle but if Boris' antlers grow much more they will be a worry as two sets of tines are about to grow into each other... He also has developed "antler warts" on lower edge of bottom tine.... Never had this problem before (seems to mainly happen to castrates but also seen in the odd female and entire bull). They are like fatty deposits and are stripped off with velvet, only become a problem if they restrict vision.. Boris' won't this year but will try to share a photo of serious antler warts...

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Antler warts

 

I wondered what that was on his antlers. Thought maybe the velvet was getting loose. Lots of antlers showing with the picture of Hector. So nice.

 

Boris' antlers are heading for a collision if they don't stop growing... that's another problem to consider (but maybe next year as I don't think they'll grow much more this year)...

Let me know who you want to see updates of as they change almost daily...
Lexi's facial markings are becoming more obvious..

Hector is getting closer to being rutty... keep an eye on the glands under his eye - as they open his hormones increase, at the moment only just starting to open. (Just below tear duct) I'll get a better picture for you..

and I'm 'sort' of claiming that Freya has antler... magnifying lens can be provided!!!

 

Lexi's coloring is sure changing! Yes, please keep the pic's coming! I adore seeing them!
Boris...please slow down....we don't want the rut to begin this soon!
Question: Do the antlers on each reindeer grow in the same pattern each year? Or do they change from year to year?

 

Lexi certainly has beautiful eyelashes!

 

Brooke, each individual reindeer grow in the same pattern every year - like a finger print (only usually bigger each year but same pattern).
But what I have noticed with Mishca this year... it has been the first year that she has fed a calf and her antlers (so far) aren't as good as last year, we'll see but I have her last years "discards" so will compare once this seasons growing is finished. It may be interesting...

 

Lexi's facial markings are so pretty. Will you breed Hector this season...do you have any females not in his bloodline or will you have to send him out somewhere. I would so love to see some little Hector's running around.

 

JJenks... Hector will be the Daddy this year... my problem is only keeping him away from Katya as he may take down fences to get to her... in the wild a dominant bull will cover all females but I will try to keep them apart as much as I can..
The other girls aren't a problem.

 

Come on Freya! At least get some nubs.

Hector, slow down!

Can you send Katya out to someone else to be bred? (That would solve the fence issue too.)

 

Karen - Thanks for the info! That is so interesting that they grow back the exact same way each year! Is Boris your eldest male? I like SC's idea of farming Katya out during the rut. I can anticipate Hector will be a major handful during breeding.

 

Katya was going to my friend but due to TB issues (we are in a TB free zone, they aren't) and to be honest I'm not sure who else I would trust to have her for 2 months... We'll see.

Same friend has today lost her oldest calf (of 3) - she appeared fine 36 hours ago but went downhill very quickly...
These beasties bring a lot of joy but much sadness too - I never met the calf but sobbed this morning as she was going downhill quickly.

On a happier note, a picture of the creche. The babies are far more independent now and in the next few days I will be weaning the larger 3 to give their mothers time to dry up and put some weight on (not that Mischa needs anymore - fatty!).

 

Very, very, sad news that your friend has lost her calf! And that TB issues will keep Katya from going to her farm! I love this picture of all kids, and it is real easy to find little Freya

 

Sandollar, guessing you could see her "HUGE" antlers...

Just adding an itchy scratchy antler video.. not great as I was walking at times but hope you may like seeing the whole herd, most having problems with itches...