New Baby reindeer to my herd

To be honest, I keep their Facebook page alive as my reindeer have lots of followers and it's easy to share pictures from there... it would be a major problem if I had to upload to some random site... but from FB easy. You just get less videos as I can't share from FB and have to go through Utube which is a pain!
PS still haven't got my new camera (Birthday present from In Laws) for zoom shots and good videos. So you may have to put up with dodgy for the calves first few steps... It will arrive once I have drawn a few breath and can accept In Laws descending on me!!!
IF I had a REALLY good friend then they could stay elsewhere!!! ... I wouldn't wish that on my enemies!!
Edit... I have a fellow Alaskan Reindeer handler arriving tomorrow to meet my herd.. She has been travelling for 3 days, via Los Angeles, JFK, Dublin and then Heathrow... Apparently no direct routes from Anchorage to LHR at this time of year.... Now that's commitment... I hope my little herd are worth it!!!

 

I think the Alaskan Reindeer handler is just going to be amazed at your little herd! I hope they are all on their best behavior (giggle, giggle) I must say that is some trip they are making though! I hope you all have a great time!

 

I think your little herd have the best possible chance of a high survival rate in their babies because you are such a pro active and hands on breeder who has a great familiarity with each herd member and a very quick response time when things start to get iffy. However, I think we are all aware that things can go wrong and preparing for the worst case scenario makes a great deal of sense.

 

Sorry for lack of updates... it has been rather manic here.. but as of 5 hours ago, I am back to normal as I have waved goodbye to Alaskan reindeer owner... A lovely lady but it has been busy. I am delighted to say that she was very impressed with how easy they were to handle (she can't pick a hoof up without them being in a squeeze shoot, let alone in the middle of an open field), she was impressed how health and relaxed also... and they walk to meet me even if their feed troughs are full... Feeling very happy at the stamp of approval from a very large herd is Alaska!!!

Anyway back to reindeer news...... Not sure were I've got to on which girls have dropped antlers and which ones are starting to look "mangy" as some are really shedding with our early Spring but I know you haven't seen Hector's antler growth. They are really starting to GO now - since yesterday both antlers have started to bifurcate... but he's shedding his coat (and putting on weight ) so he's not looking great coatwise.... But here's today's antler's - I must do a weekly update on these as I think he's heading for a cracking set this year.

 

Oh how big and manly Hector is looking!!! I'm sure you greatly impressed the Alaskan reindeer herder!!!! All your reindeer love and trust you(maybe even Elsa).

 

Darn Tootin', you get all kinds of stamps and all Approving!!! You Rock the Reindeer Roundup!
I bet she wanted to stick Hector in her suitcase. They are your hearts work.

 

Not surprised the Alaskan lady was impressed. Your love and care for your herd has won their hearts and their cooperation.
(We will overlook the worming and such, no one likes doctoring!)

 

So true what the other posts have said! How could you not be impressed with you and your herd?!
But as you know Karen, you put in the time to reap the rewards! Oh my, it does look like Hector might even out do Boris this year with antlers! lol But I am also waiting to see how Freya does this year too, she won't know what to do with her head for sure!

 

I agree with what everyone else has said. You love your reindeer so much and in turn they love and trust you back. Can't wait to see what Hector's antlers are going to look like this year!

 

Christine took this silly picture of me pretending to ride Boris...
Reindeer males are regularly ridden by native herders... I would love to, but not unless I was half the size.. but bless him, Boris would happily take a rider.

 

Wow they are really small so I will guess the native herders are smaller too.

Karen, how old is Boris?

 

He will be 6 in May. They can carry a lot more weight than most but not me!

 

Is Boris the eldest in the herd?

 

I have several of the same age but he is the biggest!

Yeah.... I've got a new camera, all ready for my calving season. So I have taken pictures of last years baby girls...
Freya is winning as she has lost her second antler today before Lexi!
Will Freya's be better than Lexi this year, as she has more growing time? Only time will tell. Go Little One.


And a little aside... Elsa's calf is now quite active I shouldn't have been worried as I know she may be 3 weeks later than the rest..
PPS Lilaclady rescheduled visit is tomorrow, as she has recovered from the lurgy!

 

Lexi just wants to show off her water hose trick for Lilaclady. I hope you both have a lovely day.
Take lots of pictures, please.

 

Great pictures Karen. Can't wait to see them (and you of course) in person tomorrow!

 

Lilaclady will you see Karen and her reindeers? Wow I am so jealous

 

Blame new camera, as I am trying it out & posting randomly....
But even since yesterday Hector's antlers have grown.

 

Lovely pictures with the new camera Karen.

 

Wow Karen such fun to have Lilaclady coming to visit you and the herd. I know she is very excited as she is my farm neighbor and we chat sometimes! Wow these new pictures look so nice and clear and it will be great to see the new babies clearly! I think we are all pulling for Freya to get some big antlers this season!and Hector is just so beautiful! Have a wonderful day tomorrow!