The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Other => Topic started by: SMarshall on May 13, 2012, 04:18:46 pm

Title: Reindeer calf....any experience?
Post by: SMarshall on May 13, 2012, 04:18:46 pm

Hi all.

We've had a surprise arrival today and I wondered if anyone had an experience with reindeer?  Little one seems a bit small and mum, whilst protective, seems as unsure as to what to do as us (it's her first calf)! It doesn't seem to have been suckling from mum (she doesn't stand still long enough for little one to try) but it's drunk from a bottle that we've prepared to make sure it can drink on guidance from vet  Would dearly love not to hand rear but it's looking like it might be the only option.

Thanks for reading.
Steph

Title: Re: Reindeer calf....any experience?
Post by: jaykay on May 13, 2012, 06:45:01 pm

Is mum edgy around people or do you think she's not feeding it when no-one's watching too? I have sheep that won't stand to feed when anyone but me is about - but they definitely are feeding their lambs when all is quiet.

Title: Re: Reindeer calf....any experience?
Post by: omnipeasant on June 17, 2012, 12:07:27 pm

Hope they are okay. I agree that sometimes mums won't feed while you are watching but I have also got it wrong with sheep by thinking they were getting milk when they were only sucking without feeding. My advice would be to make sure it has milk in it's tummy until it is strong enough to persevere by itself. What do you do for colostrum with reindeer? I always give artificial ewe's colostrum to lambs in this situation but no experience with reindeer.

Title: Re: Reindeer calf....any experience?
Post by: Herdygirl on June 26, 2012, 10:00:45 pm

I also hope they are okay

you need to chat to Peter Boddy (0783) 1222384

he has a lovely herd of reindeer and has had them for many years

good luck