New Baby reindeer to my herd

I love that they all wanted to say "hello" to you. Even Katya gave a quick "Hi", before getting down to business.
Thanks for the great chuckle video. If you had been standing at the gate, Katya would have had a run for the money.

 

Perhaps they might just 'loan' you Freddy for this rut, and then he could be given to them next year? Is Lexi small enough to be bred with Freddy? (I've given up trying to keep track of who's too closely related to whom!)
What if only one female was kept with Freddy at a time? Would the female be more likely to breed with him if he were the only male, and she was the only female? Or maybe 2 females, if female competition exists in reindeer?
Even if you only had one baby (and it could be a male to sell or trade and cut losses for this year's rut), it would be wonderful!!
It is hard to imagine a year without those precious babies!!

(Just throwing things out there, like Sanddollar!!)

 

I might have a lead for a boy that is about be castrated but haven't got a direct contact, just through a middle man. I have offered rental plus a next years calf. I wish I could speak to the person directly, as if she castrates now she could loose him so close to rut (reindeer bulls cannot cope with anaesthetics when their hormones are raised)...
Aside from the stress - we should have called Storm "Domino" as now his baby coat is moulting out his adult coat has 3 distinct spots on his forehead..

 

He looks very cuddly now!

 

Oh my gosh!! I would be going bonkers not being able to talk directly to these people! 1st don't they have a clue on when to snip or when not too?! 2nd When might you know if a deal can be made?
Fingers crossed that it is a healthy intact male!
And now, just how cute is Storm!!? Like Lilaclady said he looks soooo cuddly!

 

Well that lead has fallen through. Apparently they purchased him in a poor state and have nursed him back to health so won't risk him leaving them... I wish I could talk to them directly (I have asked) and ask them to visit my herd... but so far not been given their direct contact details... I understand, I wouldn't have let anyone else look after Hector for any money!!!!
The hunt continues and I am turning grey as time is running out. The rut doesn't start for a couple of weeks but in order for my insurance to cover a "rented" bull they require a full health check which can't happen once a bull goes into rut.... That would be considered an EXTREME sport!!!
I wish the people that say reindeer hire is expensive could understand that nobody wants them other than the 3 weekends running up to Christmas and the rest of the year we have to jump through Hoops to keep our herds going.......
Stress stress stress!
No pictures again, sorry as this week has been major work parties changing handling facilities (not finished yet), timber purchased for reinforcing willow enclosure (but as yet not started). Ongoing willow harvests to build up weight for Winter and today pooh picking and collecting "used" willow branched to burn... So no time to find that perfect pose.

 

Unfortunately you are in the "Perfect Storm" due to Bans in the UK, your awful losses, and rut quickly coming it seems like there is no where to turn! And I would imagine even if there where a bull to rent as you say, health checks on both sides are a must! You don't want a sick bull on your farm and the renter wants to know you and your farm is run properly! It is enough to make your head spin! I am keeping my fingers crossed that some how something will work out! Most of us who post here know you are a working farm and don't always have time to take pictures, so just keep on doing the jobs that need to be done and "we" will check in from time to time to catch up with you and your wonderful herd!

 

Don't worry about the pictures, the most important thing to know is that you and your beautiful reindeer are well.

 

Maybe tomorrow for photos... Not sure.
I have loads of major maintenance jobs still to do but no help tomorrow, so not sure what my game plan is, do I try to do alone or wait for another set of hands???..
AND I think I finally have to give up on Freddy's antler healing. Until Yesterday it had seemed to be fusing (at an angle) but I think it has been knocked again. It isn't moving when running or head shaking but gentle manipulation showed it wasn't fusing..
So I think I have to remove bandaging and tie off blood supply and cut away broken piece. It will hurt him while I do it but then the pain will be over... Poor boy. I can handle him easily for most things but if it hurts may need to wait for a second pair of hands to hold him while I do the "icky" bits...

 

Sorry about the antler! Poor little guy!

 

Bless him, hope that you can "sort him out" without it being too painful for him.

 

oh I hope Freddy will be fine soon without feeling much pain...

 

Freddy is now looking like Metal Mickey... Bless him, he was absolute star. I managed to remove bandages, cut through his velvet to remove unfused bone spray with terraycin and then a topcoat of Aluspray without a second pair of hands.. Can't say he was happy BUT he and I worked alone and now no pain for him. Just have to keep an eye out for infections or flystrike..

and a general baby picture from today

 

I am pleased that Freddy let you deal with him on your own and that he was a big brave boy!

 

Awww, Freddy is just a sweet boy! Looks like a beautiful day in that picture, and the babies are sure growing fast!

 

Even little Jeeves is doing well... Not growing as fast as others but he's a little orphan fighter!

 

Bless little Jeeves. Are you keeping him?

 

Not sure yet Brooke. I'm trying not to get too attached in case I have to use him as part Exchange for an elusive bull from another herd as we need to share genetic potential now that imports have been banned. It's hard but these things have to be done.

Twig was having an identity crisis today..

 

She is just adding branches to the tree already growing on her head! She does have that "Look at me" expression on her face!

 

Thus....her name is so appropriate!!!