New Baby reindeer to my herd

That is an amazing video! It is mind boggling to think about all those reindeer, and that nomad type of lifestyle. Not and easy one either for the humans or the reindeer!
On the Alpaca topic, IMHO I believe that is where "they" are spending their money! The Alpaca will bring in money through their wool, and other products, where as the reindeer need to eat BUT are not supporting themselves, so therefore little or no food for them! I don't believe it is a case of not knowing what to do for them..how about basic food! I will not say anymore!

 

Would alpaca and reindeer compete for the same natural food sources?

 

I don't remember you sharing the website, BoHoKaren, but it probably wouldn't be that difficult to find them from the original photo you posted which is down now.

I'd like to know where the reindeer are if that's OK. I live not far from you and I know there's an alpaca place near me. If they are near me and I can help in some way, like taking more photos or something, I'd like to help. Those poor reindeer.

You can IGM me the website if you like...farm name --Shimmer--

 

Karen you didn't share the website but it wasn't that difficult to find via Google. I was just being nosey!

 

BLZ - they are kept separately, I believe.

Shimmer - thank you for your offer but I have alerted two reindeer owners in this vicinity that could also be on hand to help if required but I don't feel in a position to share details elsewhere but thank you for your offer. If you live locally, then you are very welcome to visit my lot.

As to today's update from my Home Paddocks.
Most of the herd have really started on their annual moult, so looking as if they have a severe moth infestation . Hector's antlers are growing well and I am delighted to say that he is really starting to put weight on after his first rut and Winter. The girls are getting rounder by the second and Mischa will be on VERY close watch from Sunday. I have had to exercise Wilma (my tractor) as the grass was growing too fast, but negotiating the reindeer roadblocks was fun!

 

I bet Hector's antlers are going to be gorgeous this year, just like him! The reindeer probably thought "why is she getting in our way when we are trying to help her cut the grass"

 

You mean....they are Not afraid of the tractor?? (wilma??? too funny!!!)

 

Hector does look like moths have gotten into his winter coat! Yes, and if Mischa can hold off till May 1st then her baby boy lol will be born on my brothers birthday! Wilma and the reindeer obstacle course, and new title of some sort! lol It is all getting pretty exciting as the mums are getting ready to give birth! Can't wait!

 

Wilma, got her name from the Flintstones... to fix her I always need a hammer and you can often hear my shouting "Wilma"! Get the picture??

Edit... Sanddollar, there's a pretty good chance that either Mischa or Twiglet's calf will be born on the 1st May as they are both VERY close.

 

Karen....I love it!!! I'm a big Flintstones fan....Fred: "Wiiiilllllllmmaaa!!!!"

My bet is Mischa....and it will be a boy(hopefully as wonderful as Hector!) Speaking of Hector, he sure is putting on a magnificant rack!!! He's going to give Boris a run for his money this year!

 

Thank you for all the lovely pictures. I'm glad you've made a decision you can live with on the other reindeer. Sorry I've been absent for much of the discussion. RL kicked me in the ...

Keep up the lovely work and please, share as many pictures as you can. I need that.

 

No problem. I understand it's important to keep on good terms with the owners if you want them to accept help from you. I'm glad the reindeer will be getting better care.
Thanks for your kind offer to come and see your lovely reindeer but I just don't have time at the moment.

 

Thanks for the photos; they really do look like the moths have been at them! Can't wait for the first baby photos! Love your reason for naming the tractor Wilma! The Flintstones were always a favorite of mine.

 

h ohh, so excited UK reindeer calves have started to be born.
First I heard of was in North East UK on Wednesday and then a close friend of mine had one this morning and has another girl pacing the fence line (so another by morning)... This friend, we always have a friendly competition on, but she has beaten me this year (I won last year).
Stress levels are beyond, I am pretty sure my first will be on Sunday (and maybe even 2) but I was still pacing the paddocks at 5 am this morning, just in case, while my reindeer were quietly browsing... on the plus side I saw a beautiful sunrise... on the downside, after the excitement of Jennie's calf being born I feel stupidly bereft this evening! Must be a hormone thing... I'm Broody!!

 

I will be thinking of you and the reindeer this weekend and looking forward to any news. I hope that you will not be pacing the paddocks all night!

 

Karen, how very exciting! Remember good things come to those who wait! It takes time to create little Hectors! I would be going bonkers if I was there! I hope you can rest a bit before all the action starts but I would be out walking the paddocks waiting for something to happen also! You don't want to miss the 1st birth of the Spring for your farm! Fingers crossed all goes well and you have healthy babies and mums that are no worse for wear!

 

I think Mischa MIGHT be today.
Early check showed Mischa laying and fidgeting or standing and gazing vacantly, not grazing. Something is happening, maybe just her calf moving into position but I think it may be coming later today!
Some girls are real pacers and even running a fence line but Mischa is always a calm calver... (my bet a good sized bull calf)

Watch this space later today, hopefully a happy update.
Mischa gazing vacantly this am.

 

Please forgive Mods for double posting but I think this really needs a different post rather than an edit.

IT'S A BOY!!!

Born an hour ago to Mischa (a year to the day after she had Thor). He's a big strong healthy lad - I will re-weigh later as scales playing up, fluctating between 6-7kg. So he's about twice the weight of Freya & Lotte at birth.

Have loads of pictures of the whole process but just a couple for now. Also a video of Mischa licking to remove sack with Hector watching on - will post this later.

 

So e-x-c-i-t-i-n-g!!!!......will be checking back often!! I hope you are right - a bull calf...just like Hector....well, almost. There is only one Hector Lol!!

Edit: WOW!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What a great FIRST for this year!!! And this one is dark and handsome! It may be a little early to ask, but have you decided on a name yet??

#1!!!
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No name yet and no pictures of walking, feeding as I am leaving them alone for a few hours to bond but doesn't look as if they'll be a problem with that.