New Baby reindeer to my herd

LOL ....I adore how playful your reindeer are!

 

Lack of pigment in the iris in reindeer eyes seems to display as blue (true albinos in reindeer), rather than the normal pink in most albino animals, most probably caused by the extra "cones" or whatever required for them to see in the ultra violet spectrum (reindeer are the only mammals that have this ability).
Very little research available for reindeer.. It was only discovered about 18 months ago that they are unique amongst mammals for their ultra violet ability. Wonderful creatures.

 

That is an amazing bit of information about the ultraviolet ability. Wish there were more studies on these lovely creatures.

 

Wow! 18 months ago. Isn't it amazing with all the science we know and yet we are still learning new things about animals.

 

It's thought their ability to see in ultra violet spectrum helps them locate their only feed source in Winter (lichen) under many feet of snow. I do find it amazing that the first animal ever (purportedly) domesticated (the reindeer) has had little research but then it is probably that they aren't a commercial commodity to any but the Sami.
Elsa is still keeping me on tender hooks..
But in the meantime, my boy, that shouldn't have made Winter (Frodo), and the father to the calves with his two babies to date, Fergie and Herman.

 

Karen, to me that one picture of Frodo and his two babies, speaks volumes!

 

Sanddollar......... Make that 3!!!!

Elsa has finally given birth to her long awaited calf. It's a baby boy 4.2kg (9lbs 4 oz), smaller than the other two but he seems very lively.
It's a year for brown calves for me this year. It will be a challenge spotting who is who from a distance!

 

Congratulations Karen on making it through all the trials and worry of caring for the herd through the winter and baby watch. Your newborns are beautiful and the rest of the herd looks great too. Another generation to keep you going. All the uncertainty of last year with not expecting any babies at all and now 3 beautiful babies. God is good and prayers are answered.

 

Aww congrats! So happy for you Karen... and so proud of Sir Frodo (and his very determined brown genes lol). Been a rough year, but considering what you and your heard have been thru, calving season seems to have brought it all to fruition! And the gift of 2 male calves to sell or trade is just a little extra icing on the cake for you

Is that milk froth around the baby's nostrils, or is that a small dusting of white markings? Can't believe Elsa's big beautiful blaze did not make an appearance AT ALL lol.

 

Awww such happy wonderful news, and what a beautiful new addition to your herd! Congratulations to you for getting Frodo
to where he is today, and to Frodo and Elsa for carrying on the circle of life! And puppiesnponies said it just beautifully!

 

What fantastic news, congratulations to Elsa, Frodo and you!

 

Congratulations to you and Elsa for the adorable new boy!!!!!

 

Peeps I think it is a few white hairs in his nostrils - but I didn't check on my quick umbilical treatment and weighing this morning, as Elsa complains about too close inspection in the early days... Full antler shaking and pawing of ground and she looks as if she means it too! Luckily she doesn't back it up but I give her space unless I really need to interfere until she relaxes.

Herman at 2 1/2 weeks thinks he is a big boy now and wants to eat from adult troughs but boy has he grown.

Foreground Herman (boy do they grow quickly) & background today's baby boy (as yet unnamed, although hubby wants Ernie - we'll see).

 

Herman, the monster, is certainly living up to his name! Already wants a seat at the grownup's table!

 

Herman sure is a big boy! It also looks like he may have some white on his tail! He really is very cute!

 

Congrats on the new baby boy! We rejoice with you!
Love the photos - and Herman! He is such a character; may rival Boris for antics soon.

 

Herman stretching full out to reach the adult's trough pulls that tail straight up! Neck muscle connected to the tail muscle. Congrats Karen on three beautiful healthy babies, Frodo really surprised you! And that was after just a few weeks of your TLC, imagine what he could do after a year. Your going to have your hands full with Gandalf & Frodo this fall. Glad you have this summer to get ready for 2 intact males. Thanks for sharing your herd with us & all the time you take to post photos.

 

I hope you get lots of human helpers with the fencing... not sure how much longer it would take with reindeer help alone.

 

As to the two entire Bulls Dafodily - it will be a nightmare in September/October/November - if I stop posting then you will know I lost the battle. Eeek

Herman and Fergie have been given their first head collars (same size) Fergie's needed to be tightest hole, Herman hole 3 despite him being 10 days younger - he's going to be a big boy.

New baby has a name - he's Bruno. I am a little worried about him (but maybe just because I have nothing else to worry about!). He is feeding, and his mother is taking very good care of him but his joints do not seem to be tightening as quickly as I would like AND he seems so tiny still...
I'm never happy unless I am worrying!
BRUNO.

 

Great picture of Herman and Fergie, they are cute together! As long as Bruno is eating and being taken care of by Elsa, I am going to leave the worrying to you...right now! Nice picture of Bruno and Elsa too!