New Baby reindeer to my herd

Oh my Digby looks gaunt and very, very thin! No beautiful bone structure as with your reindeer!
I am a city girl (kind of) but my common sense says to let Digby go and pass on babies this coming year. Unless some other complete male should come from somewhere! This has got to be such a let down!

 

Wow, he does look small! Unless there's something going on with camera angles which is making him look much smaller than he is, I'm guessing he got a bad start in life, poor thing.

 

Do you think with a proper diet and under your loving care that maybe he can become a "majestic" bull, only on the small side.

 

Is that an actual current photo of Digby and not one from a year or 2 ago? He is small and looks thin. I would worry he doesn't have enough weight on him to go through the stress of moving, adjusting to a new place and the rut. You have shared previously that it takes a lot of energy/calories to be a male during the rut season and the bulls lose a lot of weight. Digby doesn't look like he has any to spare. I would agree that a year with you would improve his overall health and would make him a good candidate for next year.

 

He doesn't look like he has enough energy to get himself through the winter, let alone cover your girls (assuming they are impressed enough). What happens if he gets injured or worse? Is he tall enough to successfully service your girls or will he ever be? I don't blame the current owners for his stature as he was most likely worse when they got him but I'm not sure he is your answer.

 

1st of all....Gorgeous Hector!!!! I miss him so much!!!!

I agree with the rest, Digby(if current pic) is sickly looking. His hind legs look like they can barely support him....let alone have him cover your females. I would pass....and concentrate on keeping your current herd healthy and happy.

 

I agree with the others. Poor thing is so thin! While I am sure you could feed him up and vastly improve his condition, I am concerned about his handling any stress right now.

 

I agree with the rest, too. Also, what if his genes have been affected, and he produces inferior babies, or stillborns? Would Ythanbank let you send them Freddy next year instead of this year? He would probably have as much chance with the ladies as poor Digby. Digby's antlers for a three yr. old come nowhere near Hectors even at a much younger age.
Are there any females that Freddy is not too close to? Even one good baby would be better than nothing, wouldn't it?
Oh, Karen, this is so sad! Our hopes and prayers are with you!!

 

Digby seems small indeed, I also agree with the rest. I don't know if you will be able to use him for the purpose you need.
But you can never know. I believe you should buy him if the price isn't so high. It shouldn't be, even thought he is the only one available in the UK...

 

Karen sorry I haven't been here since early last evening. Have got your mail and I am glad that you could post pic on here. I agree with what everyone has said about Digby, is he worth the risk. Obviously no reindeer will ever take the place of Hector in your life but poor Digby does look a pitiful little thing.

 

Wow!! Being a reindeer herder is hard!
You need a break. Throw yourself into something easy like BP's new event, Τhe Great Maze Mystery!
Seriously, thinking of you and your beautiful babies. Best Wishes. Hugs!!

 

Well still no contact from Digby's owner, so I don't know the price, but if it isn't exorbitant & she hasn't changed her mind, then I will purchase but keep him segregated until I have a full vet check on him & I have a few weeks to feed him up.
He will be a risk, but he will have to go through the hormonal side of rut anyway, as he isn't castrated, and that's what causes weight loss rather than the "mechanical" bit. Even if he isn't up to covering girls this year he should be by next and I have decided with the import ban that I need (the stress of) 2 bulls in order to keep myself pretty self sufficient for quite a few years... BUT I still have this feeling that it won't "come off" due to the lack of contact - nobody can be that busy, surely, when it comes to selling their animals???

British Summers!!! Yesterday I needed 3 layers, including a quilted jacket but today it is roasting. Reindeer back to sheltering from flies and they all got a hosing down. All except Elsa need penning up for hosing as they hate it but Elsa I can do in the middle of a paddock... I put it down to her growing up in Scotland, where it always rains!

 

Great picture of the herd! Wow Karen, that is a brave decision you have come too! I really hope she contacts you and the price is right and then it all works out! Do you think she might think you are not interested because you said he was on the small side?! I probably would contact her and say something like "So are you still interested in selling Digby?, and if so what price were you thinking?! lol Then the ball is in her court and you are not left guessing what is going on! Is that just too American?! lol
Still wishing you all the best!

 

I hope that all works out well for you with Digby. I hope you don't mind but I have been "nosey" and checked on that woman's address, seems that there are different businesses going on there, perhaps that is why her reindeer seem to come second in her life! Love the picture of your herd.

 

Heehee Lilac... I have done the same.. found log sales and a beauty parlour BUT can't find her reindeer, if you have found more... let me know... I too am sleuthing!!!

 

Your herd look like a bunch of kids stuck in the house when they really want to go play. Hope the weather co-operates soon so they can get back out!

 

Noelle, the barn is open to the paddocks - just their choice to "hang out" inside, away from the flies.

Another broken antler this morning, this time Tigga. I am beginning to think Elsa is to blame as she is pretty nifty with her front hooves and has a short fuse. It might not be, but broken antlers in past years I have always known cause and seen it happen (ie last year Lexi tried to jump through gate to get back to her mother at weaning).
Tigs break is high and I strapped up before it dropped too much. It might heal as females' antlers grow for a little longer but it is late in growing season. Time will tell.


Also having an issue with tape worm in Jeeves & Tigga, hoping not worm resistance I have wormed again with a targeted wormer but will do fecal counts to make sure it isn't a resistance issue..
Absolutely, no response from Digby's owner (either to how much they want or if I can pick him up on Monday)???? For goodness sake!!!

 

I did figure they could go out if they wanted but they still have that look on their faces, lol!

 

Tigga has either been dancing the night away a little too much or Elsa needs to keep her hooves to herself lol!

 

Some children just don't play well together! lol
Omg Karen it is past "Bite the nails down to the quick time" and moving on to "going off to scream in the night!" But don't spook the herd!