New Baby reindeer to my herd

@BoHoKaren, yes it was those Huge antlers that gave her away! I feel so bad for the herd with those itches! There is nothing worse than an itch that you can not reach to scratch! They do have some moves though!

 

Amazing how they can scratch and stand on 3 legs with those big antlers - very acrobatic!

 

A stressful day for the 3 larger babies and me - weaning... Always hate it but has to be done.

I separated, first thing and they all seemed to be calm by lunchtime but this afternoon Lexi charged gate at full pelt to jump through higher bars and broke an antler (Twiglet/mother hadn't been too bother so not staying by fence line)..
Will try to add photo of broken antler as well.

All calm again now...

 

I hope it stays calm for you and the babies. It must be stressful for them and you!

 

Put a shout out to other reindeer owners as to whether to cut off break, leave it be or try to splint. Some leave it be (but it's painful.. broken bones rubbing). I have cut off complicated bone fracture in past (her mother Twiglet has broken her antlers last two years) but Lexi's break is sort of straight forward...
She hasn't damaged velvet. So If I can get helpers tomorrow to sit on her while I reset bone wrap in pipe lagging and gaffer tape is first option.... if not then cutting the break off is the next resort

 

Oh poor little Lexi I never thought of it as being bone, if you can splint it will it heal like a broken bone would? I've come across broken pieces of antlers in our woods but never really thought about them....of course we only have little white tail deer here.

 

Antlers are bone and this time of year, still growing bone, so mainly bone marrow.. Very fragile and very sensitive. Always a worrying time of year to not knock an antler...

 

Oh poor Lexie and her broken antler....and the 3 babies missing their mommies.

 

So sorry for Lexie and the stressful day for all the babies!

 

Sadly we couldn't save Lexi antler. Even if we managed to reset it would have been touch and go if it would mend.

It was wedged at a right angle and just wouldn't budge and very painful when trying to manipulate. A quick decision had to be made to cut it off as the continued rubbing would give her more pain.

Her stump is still about 4 inches and will be pain free now.
The boys had scraped a little velvet trying to get to their mothers, but not a problem.
All babies seem to be settled now, thank goodness.
Hate weaning!!!

 

Karen so sorry you could not save Lexi antler. But she is not in pain. She is still so beautiful. I am glad all has settled down for you and the babies.

 

I am so sorry about Lexi's antler but glad that she is not in pain. Pleased that the weaning has not caused too many problems for you or the babies.

 

Antler break will/may be an ongoing problem as while growing it isn't yet solid bone. Lots of bone marrow exposed. I have treated with terramycin and then sprayed with aluspray... but will be a worry for a while... either fly strike or an infection (which would/could go directly to brain)... Scary times but she will be on "close watch".. Scary times..

 

I will be praying for Lexie and that no infection sets in.
I adored the pic of the 2 boys at the feed trough. They seem to be comforting each other with the loss of their mommas. At least when they go to their new home....they will have each other.

 

Blessings for a quick healing for Lexie and no infections; so glad she is without pain now. Will the antler grow any more this year?

Love the photo of the boys at the trough - you have a real eye for interesting photos!

 

BoHoKaren I all the pictures and videos you post!
It has been a while since I last came here but I am so glad you keep posting about your reindeers.
So now that is summer and it's hotter are they getting warm? How do they feel about the change of weather?

 

Does the antler grow from the bottom or the end of it? I was just wondering if you could put something to totally seal it so the flies can't get to it.

 

I do hope that Lexi does not get an infection and that she stays well.

 

Lottidah, antlers grow from the tip (unlike horn) so no more growth this year for Lexi's amputation.

Ariel - they were all in short summer coats (but winter coats starting to grow in) but the surprising thing is our weather has been a lot cooler than Alaska and they are up to 23 hours of 100oF!!!

Lexi's antler. She is on Close Watch for fly strike and spraying with an aluminium sealing spray whenever it wears off...

Weaning.. The boys have accepted it well but Lexi is still honking (stressing). Ana is still with her daughter Freya (in with the babies) so not an issue unless Ana tries to feed all babies but hasn't so far....

Katya's udder is getting solid, so will have to keep an eye on mastitis.

And the picture updates... I have received my head collar orders from the US... They are a little large. Only the boys were big enough to wear them.. but can you tell who is who now they have different head gear?

 

I'm guessing Thor has the green head collar (halter) but I could be wrong. I'm glad the boys have settled down with weaning. Hope Lexi gets over the "trauma" soon.