Caddis on the right and Christie as a calf with big antlers already – September 2017.
Christie is a wonderful reindeer for many reasons. She was born in 2017 making her seven years old. I’m particularly fond of all that cohort as they were all born the year I first became a reindeer herder and so I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow up.
She’s a beautiful lass and very distinctive with her gorgeous freckly nose and back legs. She comes from a wonderful family line, her mum Caddis was also big and beautiful, and her younger brother is Sherlock, perhaps one of the most ‘famous’ reindeer in our current herd due to his enormous antlers. Christie has now had a calf every year for the past four years and all four have been male, dark, and very similar looking.
We rarely breed the same female on the trot year-on-year but Christie is just such a good mum and always comes back after a summer out free ranging in great condition, with a cracking set of antlers, and a stonking big calf by her side. Often mothers with a calf at foot may grow smaller antlers or look a little bit lean as they have diverted their energy to their wee calf, but not our Christie! This of course might change as Christie gets older and I’m sure she’ll enjoy a year off from motherhood before too long.
Gelato, Espresso, and Christie feeding next to each together – October 2024.
Below is a load of photos of her four lovely sons. They look so alike that for some of pics I only know which is which due to the date taken!
Akubra – born 2021
Christie and new born son in May 2021 – we later named him Akubra.Finding a bunch of free rangers in August 2021 including lovely Akubra! What a big lad, now 3 months old.Akubra in August 2024. He’s now a trained ‘Christmas reindeer’ and can pull a sleigh like a pro!
Gelato – born 2022
She’s done it again! Christie with new calf in 2022, we later called this little lad Gelato.Gelato in August 2022, aged 3 months.Christie and Gelato – September 2022.Christie and Gelato in February 2023 – not sure that Gelato is too impressed with his mum’s attention!Christie and Gelato in April 2023 right before Christie calved again. Christie reunited with her yearling son Gelato in August 2023 – practicing their synchronised dance moves!
Colorado – born 2023
Another stonking male calf for Christie in May 2023, we later called this lad Colorado.Christie and Colorado posing beautifully – November 2023.Christie and Colorado adopting the same sleeping pose!Colorado and Christie in Feb 2024 – both with broken antlers!
Espresso – born 2024
Another one! Newborn Espresso in May 2024.Espresso with Christie behind – May 2024.Christie and Espresso free ranging in July 2024 looking very scruffy as they go through the moult.Espresso and mum in September 2024 after returning from the free range!Espresso and Christie in October 2024.
Ruth
2 Replies to “Christie and her boys!”
Thank you so much for such a lovely, informative blog. Emma another herder sponsors Christie for me, so this was particularly special.
Sorry Ruth, I did look for your name before I replied to you blog but couldn’t find it! Of course now my comment is posted… I saw it! Anyway it gives me the opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you put into this blog once again. Emma sent it to me incidentally. Well done again Jean.
Thank you so much for such a lovely, informative blog. Emma another herder sponsors Christie for me, so this was particularly special.
Sorry Ruth, I did look for your name before I replied to you blog but couldn’t find it! Of course now my comment is posted… I saw it! Anyway it gives me the opportunity to thank you for the time and effort you put into this blog once again. Emma sent it to me incidentally. Well done again Jean.