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Our last
newsletter reported our reindeer herd had dwindled to one lonely
reindeer, Crystal. But, on April 2, 2001, Crystal didn’t come when we
called her for breakfast. We searched and found her lying on the
hilltop under a spruce tree. As we approached we noticed she was
nestling a black ball of fur. A tiny 6 lb. male reindeer had arrived
two weeks premature.
After bringing
food and water to Crystal it was evident this baby reindeer was in
trouble and unable to stand or nurse. We finally bundled him in a
towel and drove quickly to the local reindeer vet. The vet mixed up
some lambing replacement formula, gave us a lesson in tube feeding
reindeer and outfitted us with the necessary supplies for bottle
feeding
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and antibiotic
shots. After several unsuccessful bottle feeding attempts that
afternoon, the calf was tube fed his evening meal with the assistance
of our friend, Judy a small animal vet. Luckily after two tube
feedings he decided to give the bottle a try. We then began the two
hour bottle feeding schedule in freezing temperatures. After each
feeding, we propped the calf under Crystal trying to teach him how to
nurse. Following a couple of tiring days mother and calf finally got
the knack of things and he no longer wanted the bottle…..and we could
get some sleep. Soon our baby reindeer was running up and down the
hill with mother Crystal chasing him and barking discipline. It was
time to give this little guy his name…..Jade.
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We had great fun watching Jade quickly grow. He loves to be petted
and follows us everywhere. In line with our plans for reindeer
pulling a sled, we began halter training Jade within days. At times
this was a challenge, but we soon worked out the bugs. When Jade
realized it was a treat to go outside the pen and search for mushrooms
and dandelions, he began standing at the gate waiting for his halter. |
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