Reindeer Update 2010

1. Here is the herd this morning. They decided to come over and check us out. Notice the big bull's antlers? They are still growing, of course. When they arrived last fall, all of their antlers had been cut off so they wouldn't impale each other during their trip to Alaska. And they remained antlerless all winter - I am certain they will look much more majestic this year.
   That's little Rosie in the front, she is just over 4 weeks old. Virginia (laying by the feeder way in the back) was sick yesterday, she is only 1 week old. Darren called and asked me to pick up some injectable antibiotic from the feed store on my way home from work. He didn't think Virginia would make it, she was weak and wobbly, she was not nursing. But since he didn't want to wait all day for me to get home with the meds, he gave her 2 amoxacillin pills (for animals) that we had on hand and washed it down with baby formula that he mixed up in one of Elijah's bottles (hopefully he will wash it well). He thought it would do in a pinch to keep her hydrated and get some nutrients to her in her weakened state.
   Apparently it is very difficult to milk a reindeer, as they have very small teats and only put out a couple ounces at a time. They have to do this up at the University (University of Alaska Fairbanks) Reindeer Research Facility because they have several cows every year who reject their calves, probably from too much handling or stress shortly after birth.
   By the time I got home with the $60 antibiotics, Virginia was up and about and nursing just fine. Darren heard back from the University regarding the antibiotic. They had initially recommended it but then said that it is very potent and just might kill an animal that is already weak. It also ruins the meat in the vicinity of the injection, even if given subcutaneously (under the skin). Not that we were planning on eating Virginia, she will be instrumental in increasing our herd. When young animals get very sick or are frequently sick during periods of rapid development and growth, they often will never reach their full potential. They are usually never as large, robust, or productive as the animals who did not get sick. We have seen this often with our chickens and turkeys. Thankfully, Virginia was cured quickly through fairly gentle means so I doubt she will suffer any lasting effects from her illness.
   We try to limit the kids exposure to people germs as much as possible for the same reason. I have seen many studies proclaim that it is actually a benefit for children to be chronically sick as infants and toddlers so that they will have fewer illnesses when they start school. I think it is wise to wait at least until they are capable of blowing their nose and coughing productively. Our pediatrician agrees. Plus, they have plenty of exposure to farm germs.

Here is Serena greeting Lefty the young bull. She seems to be more at ease with the reindeer than she was when she first arrived. She still wants to chase the turkeys, though.