New Baby reindeer to my herd

BLZ nicely put, I think anyway!

 

Thanks Sand. Hope everyone feels that way too.

 

Yes, well put BLZ.

That was understood as a given, however, and not quite what I was suggesting in order to keep Freddy whole. I do understand Karen's dilemma. She is very good about explaining things to us - one of the reasons we enjoy this thread so much.
I guess I didn't make the suggestion clear enough that:

1. Freddy could be sent to another farm during the rut so there would be no problem/competition with Hector.

2. In order to keep the genetics separated, I suggested trading Freddy's services for a female calf or cow from the herd to which he was sent (having a different father - not Freddy)....again to keep the genetics separate.

This would bring in new genes from the new cow/calf, and Freddy would be allowed to pass on his strong and beautiful genetics to a new herd, improving the Reindeer stock overall.

I apologize to all if I was not clear enough with this.

Ref: posts#2895 & 2900

EDIT: It also occurs to me that by doing this, there would be no risks associated with having another bull..and the herd would still get fresh genetics each year.

 

All I was trying to say is the problem is not just with Freddy - it's that all of the current bulls are closely related to all the cows under 3 years old. And adding in a new cow won't solve the issue.

 

Well Katya surprised me this morning with a beautiful heifer calf (female), the largest I have had to date at 5.535kg (12.02lbs) and very strong too. As ever, Katya was a star and didn't mind one bit with me weighing and treating it's umbilical cord.
And while Hector is loathe to pass on his stripe, Katya has yet again done the honours (love you Katya)!

 

Well done Katya! And congratulations to you, Karen. She has such beautiful colouring!

 

She is the most gorgeous little baby doll.
Congratulations Karen, you are doing an amazing job.
I can't wait to see Elsa's baby. Is she trusting you more now than before or is she still a bit shy?

 

Not trusting at all and also can threaten humans at times. Some days I can stand beside her without a problem but another she will shake her antlers at me & that's when she hasn't a calf to protect! - I'm really rather concerned how I will sort her babies umbilical cord (I am unlikely to weigh Elsa's calf as I am fully expecting her to attack me when I go close).

 

A beautiful new baby girl!! Congratulations, Karen (and Katya)!!

 

Congrats Karen, one left to go! Katya's little baby girl is just beautiful, and as said, her coloring is very pretty. I just love the white stripe on her head! OOPS!
Fingers crossed for you with Elsa, and hoping her delivery is non eventful so you don't have to inter act with her at that time more than is necessary!

 

Mad Max is the father to this little one but Katya is the only reindeer that's provided me with this blaze marking. The funny thing is when I purchased her at 10 months old she appeared to have a white disk on her head but it disappeared at her first moult, with no pink skin underneath.
Katya at 10 months

 

I guess not getting that "blaze" all the time is what makes it special when it happens! Katya was a beautiful baby and a beautiful adult! And she is now having beautiful babies!

 

Congratulations Karen, Another cutie-pie nose you will have to smear with sunscreen.
Ok... Is it just me or does her baby picture look like an x-ray. Either that back leg was wobbling or I need new glasses.
Katya looked like a Love-Bug even then.

 

Ahhh, it's the "Magic" of reindeer, you don't think they are born normally do you - they just become slowly visable!!

She was on the move & as Katya decided to produce in the field shelter my shutter speed was slow as it was darkish.

 

LOL... I like the 'Magic' version better. Also, Yeah!! I don't need new glasses.

 

Katya baby girl is beautiful Congratulations Karen!

 

What a beautiful little baby girl, well done Katya and congratulations Karen, you must be so proud of her. I just hope that you do not have too many problems with Elsa when she gives birth!

 

Congratulations on another safe arrival - and she's a real stunner. Must admit I find the reddish apricot colouring quite attractive especially when set against white highlights.

Am I correct in thinking she is Hector's baby sister through Katya?

Fingers still crossed from a boy from Elsa

 

Another lovely baby! Her coloring is very attractive indeed! Got a name in mind yet?

 

OOPS! I believe you are right as Katya is Hectors mum! Time for more coffee!