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 :)