New Baby reindeer to my herd

Hi, how are the cute little reindeers doing?

 

Oh boy, I didn't think I could post an update as I couldn't see any posts after my last one. I hadn't seen it had gone on to another page - I'm a numpty!
Decided that there is no way I can sell little Hector, he will have to have the "snip" as he is such a character.
Had quite a few problems this last week as he is a little rough while feeding & his mother is producing a lot of milk. This has caused him to just drink from front 2 quarters and rear 2 have become hard and painful. So I have been massaging and drawing a little milk from Katya or she won't let him feed.
Have lots of recent photo's but think I can only put one on each post... so this ones quite cute - think it was 2 days ago..
Little Lotte is doing very well too - she's starting to look like a teddy bear..

 

How adorable

 

Thanks for the update They are growing and still very cute

 

As I haven't updated for a while, I am posting a second post today as this is another of Hector's "portraits" from this last week.

Little Hector is getting quite a following from reindeer owners' too - luckily most are in Alaska or USA, as some have offered to kidnap him due to his unusual colouring and white face

Thanks all for your interest, love sharing my babies (big and small).....

 

If he is getting that much interest, maybe you should reconsider selling him. Unless his coloring is undesirable for reindeer genetics (and the interest in him makes me think it isn't) it might be better to not "snip" him. Maybe you can work out an arrangement where you can still own part of him and after a few years, bring him home after a surgery? (Yes, I know that the snip is much easier at an early age.) That way, his genetics would still be preserved but you could have him at home later. Is there another breeder close to you that you might be able to arrange something like this with?

 

Before you "snip" sweet, adorable Hector, maybe someone would pay big bucks for stud fee? He is absolutely gorgeous! Love the pic and that you made it your avatar!!!!

 

Collection of "genetic material" can be taken at the time of snip. I think it is probably expensive to store the "collection" but have lots of time to look into that as I can keep him entire until the Spring and maybe even the Spring after next - depends how brave I am during the Rut.

In North America/Alaska, their babies are a lot darker than ours. In the UK, most originate from Northern Finland and vary in colour a lot more but white blazes aren't very common. I have a couple of adults with spotty noses and his father had a tiny white star. I was just lucky that Hector was born with a few attractive features.

PS I wish these darn crops would grow, 10 minutes to replant, then back out to the babies..

 

Thank you for the update!! Go Lotte go! She is looking really fluffy! I want to pet her all day long! Hector is an amazing looking reindeer. Your posts inspired me to do a little research on them. I read, looked at pictures, and even viewed the birthing videos on youtube! He really is one of a kind!!

 

Hi Karen, love the pics and updates! If you ever need to employ someone to help look after them, I'd deffo consider a relocation! especially to live in the country!

 

Ah, good about the collection. Didn't know how viable that option might be. Cryo and AI varies with species. You should definitely do some research.

 

Hi Cali, AI is practiced with reindeer in the USA but not here, yet, (but then not much research has been done with reindeer - rather behind the States) but the UK is very successful with other farm species. So it should be possible, just need to contact reindeer vets in Alaska (and there are some who specialize) and talk to cattle AI specialists over here!!! As I say, needs time, research and thought!

Brookenham
Quote "Before you "snip" sweet, adorable Hector, maybe someone would pay big bucks for stud fee?"

Stud isn't really practicable with reindeer as you can't get close to them for 6-8 weeks during the Rut, when their hormones are rampaging (the rest of the year they are lovely & cuddly) but entire males are dangerous during this time... The only option is AI and the "collection" (changing words due to open forum) for AI is only done from a reindeer that dies or during a snip operation... Hope you know what I am trying to explain without using words that might need to be censored...

And for everyone - Hector gets most of the "Limelight", so wanted to feature a picture of my little (premature) teddy bear girl - Lotte... who I thought wasn't growing that much, but she is now having to duck under Mumma's tummy, while previously I could see lots of daylight between.. Decided to post a cute close up (to see her few white hairs on nose), as the one with Mummy was further away. Maybe a mother and daughter photo tomorrow...

 

I think they're all gorgeous! And if there's an 'underdog' I usually fall for them as I feel sorry for them!

 

Too cute. I love seeing the wild deer round by us but those reindeer are just adorable.

 

She's not quite the underdog... as she has a wonderful calm temperament, so will be far more important to my herd, as she will be out sharing the joy of Christmas with the children and will eventually join the breeding mummy's as well. Not all reindeer should be asked to leave their paddocks (Twiglet, Lotte's mother never has, as she only trusts me - so she's an At Home Reindeer) - Some are Poser's and charge into trailer as they don't want to left behind... Boris/Misha/Katya & pretty sure Hector and Lotte will be the same!

"Self Loading" Hector - I wasn't planning on posting this on their FB page but don't know how else to publish on here... If anyone can let me know how to easily... (Remember - Techno Numpty here!!!)

 

Awwww Hector wants to go for a ride!

 

Do you need to trim their toes? If so, do you start working with them early to get them used to the handling?

He is very cute but then so is Lotte.

 

That grin on his face is precious!!! LOL "Self loading Hector"!! When taking the reindeer for showing during Christmas, do you dress up? Do you put special halters on them?

 

Yes they need their hooves trimmed. Some grow more than other and depends on surface they have access to. Mine are (maybe luckily enough) to be in pasture land year round, as we have good grazing but it means more often hoof trims for some..

Yes they have fun Christmas harnesses but Boris also has a serious pulling harness too, as he helps me collect firewood from the paddock...
Picture is Boris and Misha playing "Best Man and Bridesmaid" for Wedding photo's in December just gone.. with fun Xmas harnesses

 

They look so beautiful dressed for Christmas
(So they are models too?)