New Baby reindeer to my herd

Love the picture of Herman and Fergie. I am sure that Bruno will soon be able to pack a punch like Frank (Bruno) In case you wonder I am a heavyweight boxing fan lol!

 

In 3 weeks I am getting to the anniversary of loosing 3 reindeer in 10 days... Freya, Anna & my heart boy, Hector. It was a dreadful time as we don't know for certain why they died.

We had a draught, and my best guess is that the Arum Maculatum became more palatable. I had also killed off the nettles in the hedge bottoms earlier in the year, which would have exposed them... Was that the cause of those wasted lives? I don't know. I have exposed, poisoned, dug up every native lily hidden in my hedgerows (that I can find) this year, just in case. And we haven't a draught but I am still very concerned...
These unknown losses have never happened before but I will worry until the next few weeks are over...
I love my "job" but there are many times I am filled with self doubt... Have I missed something?

Bruno continues to be a worry, he's very lively but very small and his co-ordination isn't brilliant. I am pretty certain he will make it, as Elsa is an "angry" protective mother... chasing the boys into next paddock if they even look at him.
Seems harsh, but losing an apparently healthy adult is so much more crushing.
I am watching, panicking and have my fingers crossed.

I am only in the (close) loop of about 25 babies being born in UK (there's far more) but from friends babies I know 5 have died already... So scary..

 

I will be thinking about you and your beautiful herd and hoping that nothing happens like it did last year. I will be keeping fingers and toes crossed for Bruno as well.

 

I too have been thinking that the terrible time from last year is soon coming! I hope and pray that whatever caused the loss
of your beautiful reindeer last year will NEVER strike again! Karen, I believe you have done, and are doing, everything possible for your beloved herd! Try not to second guess yourself as I am sure it will drive you mad! Hoping this will be a wonderful summer and all the herd will grow and thrive! Fingers crossed and wishing you all the best!

 

Karen - I can't imagine how difficult it was for you to lose those 3 gorgeous reindeer...especially your "heart boy, Hector"! We all grieved for them/you....and I continue to miss Hector especially. All our fur-babies are special...but Hector and his precociousness and personality was extraordinary!
I will pray for all your reindeer to make it through....but I'm sure like sanddollar and Lilaclady have said, that you have done absolutely everything to keep your herd safe!

 

I agree with what others have said. You are amazing in your care and concern for the beauties in your charge. No one could do more that you have. Prayers and blessings to you and the reindeer for a happy and healthy year.

 

Sorry to "download" on you but there are times that I really feel inadequate, as our fur bunnies can't tell us if anything is wrong. Hubby just says don't worry and vets just don't seem to come up with suggestions (for any of them) - they just run tests I ask for... but they are the ones with the years of training, not me.
Picture from today of Herman and Bruno (2 1/2 weeks between their ages). Bruno seems very perky and reindeer babies do grow quickly but he is still so tiny in comparison. Lotte and Tigga were born more than 2lbs lighter and they made it!

Bruno with mother, Elsa.

 

Awww Herman hanging out with his little buddy Bruno!

 

Love the picture of little Bruno with his half brother. Herman is certainly a big young man but I am sure Bruno will soon catch up!

 

Is it a trick of lighting or is Herman lighter in color than Bruno? They are both such fine young fellows!

 

Willow yes Bruno is darker now as Herman's coat has become more pale as he has grown. It is always surprising how their colour changes slightly over their first few months of life.
Just Herman saying hello today.

 

Herman really seems to like the camera! And he takes wonderful photos!

 

What an absolutely adorable pic of Herman!!! He is a cutie!!!!

 

Herman is just gorgeous!

 

Maybe he wants a napkin. He is adorable!

 

I am so pleased that Elsa was one of the few girls pregnant this year.

She hasn't got the temperament to want to be a show reindeer (so she always stays at home) BUT she just loves being a mother. She regularly appoints herself to baby sitting duties, even chasing away their own mothers. Luckily she doesn't interfere with babies nursing but rounds them up and protects them as often as she can. A born mother.

 

Elsa "The Protector", how wonderful! Sweet pictures of the napping little ones, and Elsa on guard! It must be nice for
the other mums to get a bit of a break!

 

Love the pictures of the youngsters snoozing while Elsa watches over them.

 

Great photos! Babies are so adorable! It is so interesting to see the different personalities expressed in the reindeer. Some love show dates and being with people, some are clowns and here is Elsa, the protective nanny!

 

Willow I am vaguely wondering about trying Elsa & Bruno, on Twiglet's past booking at a lovely Christmas tree farm. It's the only "long term, 2 weeks" booking I take on as it's a lovely family business, wife a vet and husband a farmer.. It's no stress as reindeer (a mother and her baby) are loose in a pen, just looking pretty and it's up to them if they want to interact with public for loads of lichen.

Twiglet and calf have always pigged out on lichen. Elsa loves lichen and the booking does not involve anyone having her on a lead rope or touching her, which is her major worry. Twiglet also hates being touched but she loves this booking and begs for her treats now (and comes back with lots of condition from all the lichen she consumes...
I'm still thinking but it may do Elsa the world of good - not that she'll ever be a Boris, Mischa or Katya (who are happy to jump in lifts (elevators) or anything that is asked just for attention).. We'll see, it may be Twiglet and Fergie but maybe, just maybe I'll try Elsa and Bruno. If she's not happy I can always swap them over.