New Baby reindeer to my herd

Yummy Mummy Club.
Two more confirmed members - Lexi & Lotte.
So that's one each for Gandalf and Frodo. Gandalf still in the lead 4:3.

 

Great news about Lexi and Lotte. You will be running a kindergarten very soon

 

Aurora borealis. What a magical backdrop for Magical Beasties... so envious.
Hope you enjoy.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=774641339589444

 

It is very mystical and beautiful, with the magnificent reindeer in the foreground! Thanks for sharing!

 

Such a beautiful video.

 

Back to babies I am so excited not just for the number of baby hooves BUT my pairings have been in order for me to "prove or disprove" my theories on genetic colourings in reindeer. Eeek, I have to wait for them to be born to know if my theories are correct or if I have to rethink!
Mischa, Elsa, Lexi and Belle (if Belle is in calf) I expect to have some form of facial markings in calves, Katya's may or may not as I believe she is only a carrier of recessive gene.
Frodo's calves will most likely be brown but if any have markings I will know he carries a recessive gene too... Next year I will put different girls to him (maybe) to see if he actually carries what I consider recessive genes. Lotte will run with Gandalf next year, as I know she carries the albino gene BUT only a one in 4 chance of producing an albino. Her one and only calf (to Hector) was a late abort and an albino - this year I didn't want to risk another abort so ran her with Frodo so that she has the best chance of a viable calf..
Many theories to prove, only calving will tell.

 

Wow Karen, all that makes my head spin! lol Good luck to you keeping it all sorted! Looking forward to many beautiful healthy mothers and babies come the Spring!

 

Thanks for the link to the video; such a wonderful sight! I would love to see the aurora in person someday.
It will be interesting to see if your genetic theories work out.

 

My girls are starting to go for the streamlined look.
First Elsa lost one antler yesterday but today Mischa had lost both overnight.
There is a theory (myth) that early antler losses in cows means they are not in calf... but I know both are, as I have seen kicks in both their bellies.
I'm just hoping it means more growing time/better antlers for this year, as long as they don't have Big Hungry Boys!

 

So your annual antler hunt is on. Such beautiful fuzzy faces.

 

Elsa lost her second today too and has gone from being a pushy girl to grazing away from herd... How the mighty fall.

Another four tiny hooves diagnosed today.. This time neither Gandalf or Frodo can claim it as their own as it is Eli in calf (who only joined us last month).
That makes 8 confirmed babies but this one we can only enjoy for a few months as she/he will be going back to her mother's owner. BUT 8 babies!!! and still two tummies to watch!!

 

I'm so sorry to hear of Elsa's loss. She is a beautiful gal!

 

Elsa lost her 2nd antler so all good. Karen you will be very busy in a few weeks. Please take care of yourself as well.

 

Elsa must feel strange without her antlers! Such wonderful baby news! It is going to be a very busy Spring for sure...can't wait!

 

Such exciting news!

 

I also can't wait for all those tiny hooves to appear. I hope all goes well with babies and their mums

 

Not long now for the first babies to arrive, maybe 6/7 weeks?
Still no definitive kicks in Tigga or Belle but I am sure I have seen movements - if they are in calf they will calf in late May/early June I think. Mischa ,Twig, Elsa I am expecting late April(ish)

In a way I am hoping Belle isn't in calf as she is much like her mother Katya was as a youngster - gangly and not carrying a lot of weight. I removed her from the rut once I saw her growth spurt, but I think Gandalf's leaping of fences was when she cycled, so I think he "got" her late... Hoping not but we'll see.
So many first time mothers' this year - will they all raise them? or will I have a kitchen full of babies, only time will tell!
I am not one for "pulling babies" for hand rearing (of any species) as all have a better chance of survival with their mothers.
I hope I don't have to take over any - I don't mind the round the clock feeding but survival rates will go down and that's what I will find hard.
Once again I am stressing about things I cannot control.

 

Thank you Karen for the updates. Maybe your meditation tapes will help with the stress. They worked wonders for me.

 

Brilliant idea Joanc... I haven't played/thought of for ages... I'm back on Shivva Chants now - just need to skip ads to get the peace.


Edit.. Joan, this one is from a different continent, the Sami reindeer herders so also very relevant to me and my herd.

 

Thank you for bringing them forward. I wrote down the page #, but can't always find it when needed[stressed].