Once again, I'm writing the day after my ranch visit. When I arrived, Nala looked like she was ready to pop. Yet, by the end of the day, she had decided to hang on to that little cria and not let it come out. Darn it! It's time for a new baby!
At about 1PM, a family arrived with their 3 pet males (all born at All American Alpacas). They had made arrangements with Rick to shear them. This was a new experience for me, as they were shorn on a shearing table, by none other than Rick himself. The table is pretty incredible. You walk the Alpaca between what looks like a large piece of plywood and what looks like a tumbling mat on the other side. Of course, all this is connected to iron poles and pulleys and all kinds of stuff. Once the Alpaca is in and turned around, you squeeze the Alpaca between the wood and the mat. After making sure the Alpaca is in the proper position, you flip the device over and poof, the Alpaca is laying on a table! Before you lift the mat portion, you secure the Alpacas back legs and one front leg and make sure the head is firmly positioned against the wood. Since the Alpaca is haltered, it's pretty easy to hold the head down by securing the lead under your foot while holding the head, or wrapping the lead tightly underneath the table. Once the mat is lifted, the fun begins. I was amazed at how well this contraption secures the Alpaca. Even if they start to wiggle, they can't move much. Rick did a great job shearing these guys. I think he used all his blades as all 3 boys were real poofy. Lots and lots of fiber. Rick finished up their heads in the show pen, with the boys standing up. They were so cooperative!
This family not only has the 3 pet males, but also horses and goats. Apparently, all the animals get along and get to play together in the same area all day. At night, everyone has their own fields. The love they have for the Alpacas was very apparent. While they were at the ranch, they decided to look at some other little boys. Well, they fell in love with Shaq and Landis, and decided they should be part of their family. So, the family that showed up yesterday with 3 pet males left with 5. It was really hard to say good-bye to Shaq as he's a little love bug.
If you recall, I said in an earlier posting that I was on a mission to get Shaq haltered and take him for a walk. Well, yesterday, with Rick's help, I was able to get a halter on him and we walked around the ranch. Considering it was only the 2nd time Shaq had been on a halter, that was quite a feat. I was really looking forward to working with him, but.....I do feel really good that he will be spoiled rotten and that his best buddy, Landis, got to go too. I'll look forward to seeing Shaq and Landis next year when they come for shearing. Do you think he'll remember me?
Felix also went for a walk and never ceases to amaze me. He will walk up and down steps and wherever I ask him to go. He did draw the line at stepping into a horse trailor, however. I opened the horse trailor door and got in to see if he would follow me. He peeked in and looked all around, but wasn't real willing to step up. We'll work on that some other time. At least he got to see the trailor, and sniff it. I wonder if he misses Shaq and Landis? Probably not, as now there is more hay in the feeder for him (yes, he's a piggy). Now there is more room in the Boy's Town Hotel, so my baby ALPHA, and his buddy Scirocco, should be checking in soon.
The never ending saga of Star's breeding....nope, she hasn't sat yet. Maybe it's her metabolism (you know how us girls can be) and the shot hasn't totally taken effect yet. Or, maybe she needs dinner and flowers (that's my girl!).
Rick let me help feed treats before I left. I LOVE giving treats. I love being surrounded by the Alpacas. For a few minutes, I am truly their best friend. Manda Smith's favorite spot is with her head in the bucket, and Princess ate treats out of my hand, as did Whitney, Marquita, and Dusty Rose. How cool is that?
FYI, I read in the latest Alpaca magazine that Fig Newton's are good treats for Alpacas. So, I loaded my purse up with Fig Newton's for my trip to the ranch. I broke them up into little pieces, put them in a plastic bag and headed for Boy's Town. Guess what? They don't want Fig Newton's.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
I, actually, went to the ranch yesterday, but am writing this on Mother's Day, hence the title. I want to wish a very special Happy Mother's Day to my girl Princess and all her lady friends that are moms or soon-to-be moms at All American Alpacas. And, a very Happy Mother's Day to the ranch Matriarch, Pati :)
When I first arrived, Rick told me a family was coming for a ranch visit to celebrate their mother's 85th birthday. She had always wanted to see Alpacas, so her son arranged the visit with Rick. Before they arrived, I went to Boys Town to see how Felix was doing. He had his head buried in the feeder, which is his normal spot. He seemed happy to see me and let me love all over him. His little incisions seem to be healing very nicely and he was walking around with no problem. He looked like he was up to a little walk. When the family arrived, I haltered him up and walked him over to the fence to see the people. Rick had me walk Felix into the main field to attract the Alpacas around where the people were standing. As they all walked over to see their old friend Felix, the lady got a chance to be surrounded by them, and also pet Felix.
The smile on her face was priceless. You could tell she truly enjoyed every moment of being with the Alpacas, and Felix was the perfect gentleman. I continued to walk him for a little while, but didn't want to overdo it and make him uncomfortable. As usual, he was happy to get back in his field with his friends.
I've decided I would like to be more useful at the ranch on Saturdays, and start halter training all the little pet boys. After all, if they are going to be pets, I'm sure someone would want to walk them from time to time. And, it would develop a trust between them and humans. I tried to halter Shaq, but he wasn't going for it. I also tried haltering Landis, and did get the halter on. BUT, before I had a chance to fasten it, he jumped and the halter came off. Obviously, I wasn't doing something right. Rick gave me a video on Halter Training, which I am watching right now. By next weekend, I should have more of an education and understanding to make the experience pleasant for the Alpaca and me. I promise, next weekend, one of the little boys will go for a walk!
After the ranch visit, Blade and Fred got to have a date. Carmella and Blade as well as Emma and Fred had a great time (if you know what I mean). Star, on the other hand, has to wait for 7 days after her injection to see if it will do the trick. So, Rick will try introducing her to Mo on Thursday. Sit girl, sit! Vanilla continues to be very curious during breeding and likes to hang out at the fence. No little girl, you are still too young.
I finally remembered to pick up the bags of fiber yesterday. I weighed each bag this morning, and here are the results: Felix produced 4 pounds, Star 5 1/2 pounds, Vanilla Sundae 4 pounds, Princess 2 pounds (just "firsts", her seconds were discarded), and ALPHA 2 pounds. This was Felix, Vanilla Sundae and ALPHA's first shearing, Star's second, and Princess' eighth (or so).
I wonder how many skeins of yarn 17 1/2 pounds of fiber will produce? I'll mix the fiber to obtain beautiful beige yarn.
It is so cool to have new crias in the field. There was a dry spell between the first of February and early May. Bella and Sweety are buddies and are so cute to watch. Duke, the newest addition born last Thursday, is a little unsteady on his feet and seems more comfortable when cushed. He will let you pet him and love all over him and he's so soft! I'm anxious for the rest of the moms-to-be to deliver as nothing is more fun to watch than a field full of young, energetic crias.
Maybe they'll be a Mother's Day cria :)
When I first arrived, Rick told me a family was coming for a ranch visit to celebrate their mother's 85th birthday. She had always wanted to see Alpacas, so her son arranged the visit with Rick. Before they arrived, I went to Boys Town to see how Felix was doing. He had his head buried in the feeder, which is his normal spot. He seemed happy to see me and let me love all over him. His little incisions seem to be healing very nicely and he was walking around with no problem. He looked like he was up to a little walk. When the family arrived, I haltered him up and walked him over to the fence to see the people. Rick had me walk Felix into the main field to attract the Alpacas around where the people were standing. As they all walked over to see their old friend Felix, the lady got a chance to be surrounded by them, and also pet Felix.
The smile on her face was priceless. You could tell she truly enjoyed every moment of being with the Alpacas, and Felix was the perfect gentleman. I continued to walk him for a little while, but didn't want to overdo it and make him uncomfortable. As usual, he was happy to get back in his field with his friends.
I've decided I would like to be more useful at the ranch on Saturdays, and start halter training all the little pet boys. After all, if they are going to be pets, I'm sure someone would want to walk them from time to time. And, it would develop a trust between them and humans. I tried to halter Shaq, but he wasn't going for it. I also tried haltering Landis, and did get the halter on. BUT, before I had a chance to fasten it, he jumped and the halter came off. Obviously, I wasn't doing something right. Rick gave me a video on Halter Training, which I am watching right now. By next weekend, I should have more of an education and understanding to make the experience pleasant for the Alpaca and me. I promise, next weekend, one of the little boys will go for a walk!
After the ranch visit, Blade and Fred got to have a date. Carmella and Blade as well as Emma and Fred had a great time (if you know what I mean). Star, on the other hand, has to wait for 7 days after her injection to see if it will do the trick. So, Rick will try introducing her to Mo on Thursday. Sit girl, sit! Vanilla continues to be very curious during breeding and likes to hang out at the fence. No little girl, you are still too young.
I finally remembered to pick up the bags of fiber yesterday. I weighed each bag this morning, and here are the results: Felix produced 4 pounds, Star 5 1/2 pounds, Vanilla Sundae 4 pounds, Princess 2 pounds (just "firsts", her seconds were discarded), and ALPHA 2 pounds. This was Felix, Vanilla Sundae and ALPHA's first shearing, Star's second, and Princess' eighth (or so).
I wonder how many skeins of yarn 17 1/2 pounds of fiber will produce? I'll mix the fiber to obtain beautiful beige yarn.
It is so cool to have new crias in the field. There was a dry spell between the first of February and early May. Bella and Sweety are buddies and are so cute to watch. Duke, the newest addition born last Thursday, is a little unsteady on his feet and seems more comfortable when cushed. He will let you pet him and love all over him and he's so soft! I'm anxious for the rest of the moms-to-be to deliver as nothing is more fun to watch than a field full of young, energetic crias.
Maybe they'll be a Mother's Day cria :)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
In Memory of "Cabazon" 10/26/06 - 5/8/07
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an Alpaca dies that has been especially close to someone here, they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can pronk and play together. There is plenty of orchard grass, water, treats and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the Alpacas who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The Alpacas are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all pronk and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, pronking over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy hummm is music to your ears ; your hands again caress the beloved head and neck, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your Alpaca, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
Cabazon was everyone's friend. He welcomed every ranch visitor and made them smile. Unfortunately, he had insurmountable health concerns since birth. I'll sure miss him nibbling on my jeans and sucking on my fingers. He was a very special little boy.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an Alpaca dies that has been especially close to someone here, they go to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can pronk and play together. There is plenty of orchard grass, water, treats and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the Alpacas who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The Alpacas are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all pronk and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, pronking over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy hummm is music to your ears ; your hands again caress the beloved head and neck, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your Alpaca, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
Cabazon was everyone's friend. He welcomed every ranch visitor and made them smile. Unfortunately, he had insurmountable health concerns since birth. I'll sure miss him nibbling on my jeans and sucking on my fingers. He was a very special little boy.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Sir Felix Loses His Title
I don't usually go to the ranch during the week, but yesterday was an important day. Dr. Thacher was coming out to check the new little cutie pie "Sweety" and her mom Cantana. Mom and cria are doing very well. While Dr. Thacher was there, she was also going to take care of some "things" with Star and Felix.
Star got a shot that should help her to be more cooperative with the boys. Her best buddy, Meg Ryan, got one too. Hopefully, in about 7 days, the shot will have done it's thing and both girls will want to sit.
To back up a little bit, when Felix was born, he was named Sir Felix. Well, yesterday, Dr. Thacher surgically removed the "Sir". I just had to be there while my little guy went through this procedure. Without going into the details, I can say it was much simplier than I expected (sure, that's easy for me to say....maybe we should ask Felix). He was a perfect patient and it was all over in a matter of minutes. It took him about an hour to come out of the anesthesia and shortly thereafter he was standing and eating like nothing had happened. There are 2 very tiny incisions that do not require stitches. To give him some time to start healing, he spent the rest of the day and last night in the nursery with Dutchess and her new cria. Today, he will go back to Boy's Town with his friends. After the procedure he was just as loving as ever. I think the hardest part for him was being away from his buddies so long. I'm anxious to see him tomorrow when I go out for my regular Saturday visit. Not quite sure if we'll go for a walk. We'll have to see how he's doing. But, he can count on alot of hugs and kisses!
After Dr. Thacher left, we sat around on the patio, talking and drinking champagne while keeping an eye on Felix. Then, we went to dinner at Red Lobster (yum!). It was great to spend some time with Pati as I hardly ever get to see her. Percy (for those of you that don't know Percy, she was born at 291 days - the youngest on record to survive...and had to be tubed and wear diapers for the first several days of her life. When Rick found her in the field she had no temperature and was gray - today, she's a healthy, happy little girl and the apple of Rick and Pati's eye). Well, apparently Percy has been pinching fiber out of the bags in the barn, and selling it to raise money to buy Pati flowers for Mother's Day. So, doing as Percy asked me, I delivered a miniature red rose plant to Pati yesterday, with love from the herd :)
While we were hanging out on the patio yesterday, we discussed the upcoming "First Annual Pacaribbean Cruise", October 19, 2008. We booked it (yes, the reason for the champagne) and got some the best cabins on the ship! I anticipate a great group of people on this cruise and no doubt, we will all have a blast!
Well, must get ready for work. More tomorrow....
Star got a shot that should help her to be more cooperative with the boys. Her best buddy, Meg Ryan, got one too. Hopefully, in about 7 days, the shot will have done it's thing and both girls will want to sit.
To back up a little bit, when Felix was born, he was named Sir Felix. Well, yesterday, Dr. Thacher surgically removed the "Sir". I just had to be there while my little guy went through this procedure. Without going into the details, I can say it was much simplier than I expected (sure, that's easy for me to say....maybe we should ask Felix). He was a perfect patient and it was all over in a matter of minutes. It took him about an hour to come out of the anesthesia and shortly thereafter he was standing and eating like nothing had happened. There are 2 very tiny incisions that do not require stitches. To give him some time to start healing, he spent the rest of the day and last night in the nursery with Dutchess and her new cria. Today, he will go back to Boy's Town with his friends. After the procedure he was just as loving as ever. I think the hardest part for him was being away from his buddies so long. I'm anxious to see him tomorrow when I go out for my regular Saturday visit. Not quite sure if we'll go for a walk. We'll have to see how he's doing. But, he can count on alot of hugs and kisses!
After Dr. Thacher left, we sat around on the patio, talking and drinking champagne while keeping an eye on Felix. Then, we went to dinner at Red Lobster (yum!). It was great to spend some time with Pati as I hardly ever get to see her. Percy (for those of you that don't know Percy, she was born at 291 days - the youngest on record to survive...and had to be tubed and wear diapers for the first several days of her life. When Rick found her in the field she had no temperature and was gray - today, she's a healthy, happy little girl and the apple of Rick and Pati's eye). Well, apparently Percy has been pinching fiber out of the bags in the barn, and selling it to raise money to buy Pati flowers for Mother's Day. So, doing as Percy asked me, I delivered a miniature red rose plant to Pati yesterday, with love from the herd :)
While we were hanging out on the patio yesterday, we discussed the upcoming "First Annual Pacaribbean Cruise", October 19, 2008. We booked it (yes, the reason for the champagne) and got some the best cabins on the ship! I anticipate a great group of people on this cruise and no doubt, we will all have a blast!
Well, must get ready for work. More tomorrow....
Sunday, May 6, 2007
ALPHA gets a reprieve!
It was a pretty uneventful day at the ranch yesterday. No new babies (although Nala is getting real close). Star is still shunning the boys' advances. Rick calls her a "silly maiden" that just hasn't quite figured out what to do. How hard can it be to sit? That's ALL she has to do!
Maybe next week.
ALPHA and Scirocco were supposed to move to Boys Town today (my baby, ALPHA, turned 6 months old on May 4th). But, Rick decided to wait a couple weeks because their new field is kinda full. Soon, Landis and Shaq will go to a new home and then we'll move the boys over. I'm happy to see ALPHA gets to stay with Princess through Mother's Day. I know, I'm a wus.
I took Felix out for his walk, and he continues to do very well on the lead. I felt really bad, though, because I walked him into the sun room, through Rick's office, and then on through the house to surprise Rick, Carol & Scott (who were sitting on the patio). Just before Felix reached the door, he started slipping and sliding on the tile floor and totally lost control. He didn't hurt himself, and once outside the door seemed to be just fine. Rick loaned me a 2 videos "Alpaca Training and Handling" and "Click & Reward", which I will watch today. I'm sure they will help me alot in trying to train Felix as a therapy animal and PR for the Alpaca industry. At the end of the walk, Rick weighed him and he is now 84.9 pounds, and will be 9 months old on May 7th.
Go Felix!
I never thought being a travel agent could be meshed into Alpaca ownership. Rick had the idea of organizing a Caribbean cruise for Alpaca owners & breeders, and offering relevant seminars (including Neonatal) onboard the ship. I am very excited about putting something like this together, as organizing cruise groups is what I do best at the agency. It's truly in the planning stage right now, but I believe we will have all details buttoned up and ready to promote the "PACAribbean" Cruise very soon. We're looking at Fall 2008 sailing, giving everyone plenty of time to plan.
At the end of the day, I went out to the main field for photos. It was pretty windy and no one was very cooperative for the camera. Meg Ryan and Fantasia were very interested in my tennis shoes/shoe laces. Maybe they could tell I just washed them. Bella, the newest cria, is as cute as a button and quite independent for her age. Aerosmith sleeps so soundly that when all the main field residents went to the nursery for treats (earlier in the day), he didn't hear them leave. He then woke up to an empty field. It was so sad to see him looking around, and humming, for all his friends (and especially mom). I went out to the field and he followed me up to the barn, just as everyone started coming back down.
Vanilla Sundae is doing great and is just as laid back as ever. She does tend to be very curious when breeding is going on. She likes to hang out at the fence and watch. Sorry, little girl, you've got several months to wait before your first date.
In a nutshell, Star is still a "maiden" (darn it!), ALPHA gets to spend Mother's Day with mom (cool!), and the First Annual PACAribbean cruise in the works.
Maybe next week.
ALPHA and Scirocco were supposed to move to Boys Town today (my baby, ALPHA, turned 6 months old on May 4th). But, Rick decided to wait a couple weeks because their new field is kinda full. Soon, Landis and Shaq will go to a new home and then we'll move the boys over. I'm happy to see ALPHA gets to stay with Princess through Mother's Day. I know, I'm a wus.
I took Felix out for his walk, and he continues to do very well on the lead. I felt really bad, though, because I walked him into the sun room, through Rick's office, and then on through the house to surprise Rick, Carol & Scott (who were sitting on the patio). Just before Felix reached the door, he started slipping and sliding on the tile floor and totally lost control. He didn't hurt himself, and once outside the door seemed to be just fine. Rick loaned me a 2 videos "Alpaca Training and Handling" and "Click & Reward", which I will watch today. I'm sure they will help me alot in trying to train Felix as a therapy animal and PR for the Alpaca industry. At the end of the walk, Rick weighed him and he is now 84.9 pounds, and will be 9 months old on May 7th.
Go Felix!
I never thought being a travel agent could be meshed into Alpaca ownership. Rick had the idea of organizing a Caribbean cruise for Alpaca owners & breeders, and offering relevant seminars (including Neonatal) onboard the ship. I am very excited about putting something like this together, as organizing cruise groups is what I do best at the agency. It's truly in the planning stage right now, but I believe we will have all details buttoned up and ready to promote the "PACAribbean" Cruise very soon. We're looking at Fall 2008 sailing, giving everyone plenty of time to plan.
At the end of the day, I went out to the main field for photos. It was pretty windy and no one was very cooperative for the camera. Meg Ryan and Fantasia were very interested in my tennis shoes/shoe laces. Maybe they could tell I just washed them. Bella, the newest cria, is as cute as a button and quite independent for her age. Aerosmith sleeps so soundly that when all the main field residents went to the nursery for treats (earlier in the day), he didn't hear them leave. He then woke up to an empty field. It was so sad to see him looking around, and humming, for all his friends (and especially mom). I went out to the field and he followed me up to the barn, just as everyone started coming back down.
Vanilla Sundae is doing great and is just as laid back as ever. She does tend to be very curious when breeding is going on. She likes to hang out at the fence and watch. Sorry, little girl, you've got several months to wait before your first date.
In a nutshell, Star is still a "maiden" (darn it!), ALPHA gets to spend Mother's Day with mom (cool!), and the First Annual PACAribbean cruise in the works.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
