I arrived at the ranch about 10AM anticipating a very hot day. I figured we would be doing alot of belly hosing. Nope, it was a beautiful day with a wonderful breeze. I was hoping to witness a birth, but none of the girls agreed. I did get to meet the newest cria, Lancelot (mom: Guinevere).
Fred had already had one date before I arrived. We brought Viviace up to meet Duchess, but she wasn't in the mood. After a little break, we brought Fred back up to the breeding pen to spit test Star. Although she had spit the week before, today she was somewhat receptive and eventually sat. Guess I'm not going to have a 2008 Mother's Day cria. Maybe Father's Day. Star is so funny, she would only sit by the feeder. I guess she didn't want to be too far from the food. She sat for awhile, then would get up, then sit, etc. I'm not quite sure if Fred spent enough time doing his thing to get the job done. We'll know in a few weeks. Yep, Star is definately a "silly maiden". Some exciting news....before Star was shorn, she was medium fawn. Her registration also says she is medium fawn. Now that she's been shorn, her coloring is different. Rick brought out the color chart to check her and she is now LIGHT ROSE GRAY! Since there are not alot of rose gray Alpacas, that will certainly increase her value.
Speaking of rose gray...ALPHA is continuing to change color. He still has about the same number of little white spots on his blanket, but they appear to be spreading out a little. Today, Rick noticed white hairs around his withers and going up his neck. It looks like he may be changing to a rose gray, as well.
Rick walked ALPHA today and I walked Felix. Although Felix was a little stubborn until we got up the hill, he did much better today than he has the last few weeks. Since he has this bad habit of wanting to always turn to the right, I moved the lead to the ring on the left side of his halter (rather than the ring in the middle under his chin), and that really helped. ALPHA didn't drop to his knees once today. He is doing so well on a halter. He even walked on to the patio and looked in the sliding glass door (and saw a very handsome Alpaca in the glass). Rick then walked him in to the garage and he went, with no problem! We walked them both down to the main fields to see the girls and crias through the fence. Of course, all the Alpacas had to run to the fence to see these handsome boys. Several of the girls were in the nursery and Rick walked ALPHA up to the fence. Princess (ALPHA's mom), came up to the fence and she and ALPHA were nose to nose. It was such a touching moment for mom to see her cria after several weeks of separation that it made me cry. It looked like she was giving ALPHA a kiss. Rick started working with ALPHA to prepare him for his first show in September. He got him to stand properly, looked at his teeth, and put his hands all over him as a judge would. ALPHA was super! Considering this is only his 5th time on a halter (1 time for shearing, 1 time for moving to Boy's Town and 3 walks), he is doing very, very well. I am so proud of him. Felix isn't quite his ol' self yet, but was much better today than the last few weeks. Rick & Pati has alot of pepper trees on their property and today Felix had to stop at every one and eat leaves off the branches. He's never done that before. In fact, he was eating leaves, plants, and hay off the ground during the entire walk. Got the munchies, Felix???
Sweety is a riot to watch. In a previous writing, I had described her as the NASCAR girl. She also bounces around, kicking up her heels and looks like a little Jack In The Box toy. She jumps straight up in the air for no apparent reason. She can be alone, or in a crowd and still do it. This girl is "personality plus", growing like a weed, and absolutely gorgeous. Merlin's Majik is getting more stunning each day.
There had been some changes in the fields since the last time I was there. Rick moved the weanlings to the center field because a few were still trying to nurse from the new moms. Most of the new moms are maidens, so they don't seem to realize the cria trying to nurse isn't theirs.
I learned something today about weanlings. I gave treats to the them and not one would eat from my hand. Rick said they never do. But, my girl Princess made my day by eating treats out of my hand again.
On June 28th, my girl Vanilla Sundae will be one year old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VANILLA!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My First Anniversary As An Alpaca Owner
Wow, it's hard to believe one year ago today I bought my first Alpacas, Fudge & Princess. Two pregnant dams, due in October and November of 2006. I've learned so much in the past year (and have alot more to learn). I've experienced the ultimate heartache (losing Fudge and her cria in October while she was giving birth), and the ultimate joy (witnessing the birth of Princess' cria, ALPHA, in November). There has not been one single minute in the past year that I have doubted I made the best decision in wanting Alpacas in my life. I am just as excited when I go to the ranch now as I was a year ago. I am so grateful to Pati and Rick for allowing me to spend so much time with them to learn all the things I need to know.
Yesterday, at the ranch, we did some breeding. Manda Smith had a date with Fred, and Mooney had a date with Mo. Yep, my little girl Vanilla hung out at the fence, as usual. She's very curious about breeding. I hope she is as receptive when it's her time. Maidens can be a challenge, to say the least. It took us over 2 months to finally get Star to sit. Rick spit tested Star last week and it appears her date with Fred on May 31 did the job. That means she should deliver her first cria around Mother's Day 2008. Go Fred! Rick said he will probably ultrasound Star in a few months to make sure.
We also spit tested Priscilla and Mocha and they both spit off.
Although Gwen is as big as a house, and I thought for sure she would deliver last weekend, she's hanging in there. I told Rick I think she's waiting until today to give him a Father's Day present.
Percy seems to have gotten into Pati's purse for money to give me to buy something for Rick for Father's Day. So, yesterday I delivered the gift of a DVD of Midnight Cowboy from Percy and the herd.
Sciorocco has joined ALPHA and Felix in Boy's Town. Rick and I took Felix and ALPHA for a walk. ALPHA is doing very well on a halter. He still likes to drop to his knees, but doesn't do it as often. ALPHA even let me kiss his little nose today...WOW. Felix, on the other hand, has not been himself for awhile. He's been a challenge to walk and doesn't want to cooperate. I'm hoping it's just all the changes that have been going on in the last few months. I'm sure with continuous walks and lots of love and attention he'll be back to his ol' self soon. They were both weighed: ALPHA is 72.4 pounds and Felix is 90.2 pounds.
I spent some time in the field with all the crias. It is so nice to see so many healthy babies running around, messing with the adults, and teasing each other. Sweety has grown tremendously and is the biggest trouble maker. She needs no encouragement to jump and kick up her legs and run around the field. Merlin's Majik is stunning. Rick was able to get ahold of him to part his fiber and see that he will be a silver gray. There is rose gray on the tips, but below is a beautiful silver gray. His black face really makes him stand out in a crowd.
I got to help with treats...one of my favorite things. Once again, Princess ate out of my hand.
Since she is pretty standoffish, eating out of my hand is quite a thrill.
Not only another great day at the ranch....but a great year having Alpacas in my life.
The following year will bring new crias, shows and who knows, maybe additions to my herd.
Yesterday, at the ranch, we did some breeding. Manda Smith had a date with Fred, and Mooney had a date with Mo. Yep, my little girl Vanilla hung out at the fence, as usual. She's very curious about breeding. I hope she is as receptive when it's her time. Maidens can be a challenge, to say the least. It took us over 2 months to finally get Star to sit. Rick spit tested Star last week and it appears her date with Fred on May 31 did the job. That means she should deliver her first cria around Mother's Day 2008. Go Fred! Rick said he will probably ultrasound Star in a few months to make sure.
We also spit tested Priscilla and Mocha and they both spit off.
Although Gwen is as big as a house, and I thought for sure she would deliver last weekend, she's hanging in there. I told Rick I think she's waiting until today to give him a Father's Day present.
Percy seems to have gotten into Pati's purse for money to give me to buy something for Rick for Father's Day. So, yesterday I delivered the gift of a DVD of Midnight Cowboy from Percy and the herd.
Sciorocco has joined ALPHA and Felix in Boy's Town. Rick and I took Felix and ALPHA for a walk. ALPHA is doing very well on a halter. He still likes to drop to his knees, but doesn't do it as often. ALPHA even let me kiss his little nose today...WOW. Felix, on the other hand, has not been himself for awhile. He's been a challenge to walk and doesn't want to cooperate. I'm hoping it's just all the changes that have been going on in the last few months. I'm sure with continuous walks and lots of love and attention he'll be back to his ol' self soon. They were both weighed: ALPHA is 72.4 pounds and Felix is 90.2 pounds.
I spent some time in the field with all the crias. It is so nice to see so many healthy babies running around, messing with the adults, and teasing each other. Sweety has grown tremendously and is the biggest trouble maker. She needs no encouragement to jump and kick up her legs and run around the field. Merlin's Majik is stunning. Rick was able to get ahold of him to part his fiber and see that he will be a silver gray. There is rose gray on the tips, but below is a beautiful silver gray. His black face really makes him stand out in a crowd.
I got to help with treats...one of my favorite things. Once again, Princess ate out of my hand.
Since she is pretty standoffish, eating out of my hand is quite a thrill.
Not only another great day at the ranch....but a great year having Alpacas in my life.
The following year will bring new crias, shows and who knows, maybe additions to my herd.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
ALPHA Takes Me For A Walk
It was a pretty relaxing day at the ranch today. Rick had some ranch visitors and also had a lady drop off a female, with her month old cria, for breeding to Fred. Michelle from Aces High in Anza stopped by, as did some of Rick & Pati's neighbors. It was more a day of visiting with adults than Alpacas.
ALPHA seems to be settling in to his new home quite nicely. I decided to start getting him used to walking on a halter. His first show will be in September, so I want to make sure he has good manners for the judge :) It took a couples tries to get him to come out of his field in to the center "alley". Once he's alone, it's easier to get him in a corner and get the halter on. He's such a little baby. The minute the halter goes on, he drops to the ground and plays dead. The nice thing about that is he lets me touch him and get a good look at his fiber. He seems to have a few more spots this week. Whether or not he'll end up rose gray is still a mystery. I, finally, got him to walk out of the gate, walk two steps, sit, walk two steps, sit.... I decided today would be his day and he could walk me. He did pretty good, considering this is only his second time with a halter. We just stayed out for a little while today. Each time, we'll stay out a little longer. Soon, maybe I'll take him for a walk instead of him taking me.
I, also, took Felix out for a walk today. He really hasn't been himself lately. Not quite as lovey, and certainly not as cooperative on the halter. I think he's just had too many new experiences in the past month (shearing, gelding, losing friends to new homes and getting new roommates).
I'm sure he'll settle down and be his ol' self again real soon. It would probably help for me to watch the Halter Training video a few more times.
There is a new baby at the ranch and boy is he a looker! Arianna (sire: Merlin) gave birth on Thursday to Merlin's Majik. He is stunning. He's a silver gray with a black face. Rick said he's only seen one other silver gray male with a black face and he sold for BIG BUCKS! I know Rick & Pati are thrilled.
I spent a little time hanging out in the main field and enjoying watching all the crias. It is so much fun to watch them run and play. Sweety is a NASCAR girl. She speeds around the fields, and cuts corners like a pro.
Not quite sure, yet, if Star is pregnant. I should know in the next week or so. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Looks like we'll probably wait until January to breed Vanilla Sundae. That should bring a Christmas 2008 baby. We could breed her a little sooner, but don't want to chance her delivering her first cria while we're on the First Annual PACAribbean Cruise in October 2008. Why not consider joining us? Visit www.pacaribbean.com for details.
ALPHA seems to be settling in to his new home quite nicely. I decided to start getting him used to walking on a halter. His first show will be in September, so I want to make sure he has good manners for the judge :) It took a couples tries to get him to come out of his field in to the center "alley". Once he's alone, it's easier to get him in a corner and get the halter on. He's such a little baby. The minute the halter goes on, he drops to the ground and plays dead. The nice thing about that is he lets me touch him and get a good look at his fiber. He seems to have a few more spots this week. Whether or not he'll end up rose gray is still a mystery. I, finally, got him to walk out of the gate, walk two steps, sit, walk two steps, sit.... I decided today would be his day and he could walk me. He did pretty good, considering this is only his second time with a halter. We just stayed out for a little while today. Each time, we'll stay out a little longer. Soon, maybe I'll take him for a walk instead of him taking me.
I, also, took Felix out for a walk today. He really hasn't been himself lately. Not quite as lovey, and certainly not as cooperative on the halter. I think he's just had too many new experiences in the past month (shearing, gelding, losing friends to new homes and getting new roommates).
I'm sure he'll settle down and be his ol' self again real soon. It would probably help for me to watch the Halter Training video a few more times.
There is a new baby at the ranch and boy is he a looker! Arianna (sire: Merlin) gave birth on Thursday to Merlin's Majik. He is stunning. He's a silver gray with a black face. Rick said he's only seen one other silver gray male with a black face and he sold for BIG BUCKS! I know Rick & Pati are thrilled.
I spent a little time hanging out in the main field and enjoying watching all the crias. It is so much fun to watch them run and play. Sweety is a NASCAR girl. She speeds around the fields, and cuts corners like a pro.
Not quite sure, yet, if Star is pregnant. I should know in the next week or so. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Looks like we'll probably wait until January to breed Vanilla Sundae. That should bring a Christmas 2008 baby. We could breed her a little sooner, but don't want to chance her delivering her first cria while we're on the First Annual PACAribbean Cruise in October 2008. Why not consider joining us? Visit www.pacaribbean.com for details.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
ALPHA moves to Boy's Town - Meg Ryan Is A Soprano
It was a bittersweet day today. It was time to move ALPHA away from mom, and to Boy's Town. Rick corraled him in the show pen and didn't have much trouble haltering him for the first time. As soon as he put the halter on, ALPHA cushed and played dead. Rick was bending over him and parting his fiber and motioned for me to come in the pen. When I looked at ALPHA's back, I thought he had little patches of white fuzz on him. NOPE. Apparently, he is changing color and Rick thinks he might end up being a rose gray. Right now he is considered light brown. Rick said if he ends up turning to rose gray, he will be spectacular in the show ring because his fiber is so soft (grays are usually not soft). If he stays light brown, with the little white spots, that would work against him in the show ring, but wouldn't hurt his chances as a herdsire. This is going to be interesting. He wasn't too bad getting him to walk to his new digs, but every so many feet he would cush and squeel like a squeeky toy. Rick got Flash to walk with him, and he did much better. Now he is in a field with Felix, Flash, Storm, Ares and Harrison. He grew up with Felix and Harrison, so they aren't all strangers. They all spent time checking each other out. I'm sure he'll adjust and be just fine. I hung out with Princess for awhile and it appeared she was looking for ALPHA. Princess, your boy has gone on to the next stage of his life....with the big boys. I'm sure after 7 months of nursing, she'll be relieved. Now she can focus on the baby in her tummy that is due in November. Think pink!
We did some breeding today and it was too funny! Meg Ryan (Star's best buddy) got to meet Snowmass Jericho's Conquisador (Fred), yet wasn't quite sure what to do. She looked a little confused. To give you some history; Meg is a blue eyed white, deaf, and a maiden. Attempting to breed her hasn't been successful as she wouldn't sit and appeared confused. She got a hormone shot the same day Star did last month. So, we moved Fred out of the pen, and Rick gave Meg a shot of PacaValium to relax her (of course, that's not the medical term - I just don't remember what it was called), we waited about 45 minutes, and POOF, Meg sat for Fred. The funny part was she sang soprano the whole time! Not like a hurt or scared sound...more like a high pitched horse winney. That is not normal for females being bred so it was pretty funny. So funny, Rick videotaped it. Now Meg Ryan and her best buddy Star have both been bred to Fred, and if the breeding took (cross your fingers), they will both deliver around Mother's Day 2008.
We also bred Mo ("Show Me The Money") to Summer today. It's been a challenge getting Mo interested in a girl, although he is a very experienced herdsire. I know Rick was very happy that he finally did the job with Summer. During both breedings, my little girl Vanilla Sundae was hanging on the fence. It was almost like she was saying "me next, me next". Nope. You've got more growing to do first, little girl. She will be a year old on June 28th, but probably won't be bred until the Fall. Rick says she needs more hip width and maturity.
I took Felix for a little walk, but he wasn't very cooperative. Probably because of the new tenant (ALPHA), he wanted to stay in his field. He had a little eye infection, but it seems to have cleared up. I'm sure he'll be more up for the walk next weekend. Today, when Rick was ordering halters, I ordered one for Felix with his name embroidered on it. After all, once he is able to leave the ranch to visit nursing homes and walk in parades, he'll need a really cool halter.
It's blue with white lettering. He'll look so sharp. When I get it, I'll post a picture of him with it on.
I spent some time in the field with the Alpacas and took pictures. I love all the little ones running around! Duke, Sweety and Nancy Ann are buddies and so cute to watch. Hopefully, there will be a couple new crias born this week. I think Rick said he is on "baby watch" for 4.
I'm really excited about going to the ranch next weekend, as Rick is going to ultrasound a female to see if she's pregnant. That will be a first for me. Cool!
We did some breeding today and it was too funny! Meg Ryan (Star's best buddy) got to meet Snowmass Jericho's Conquisador (Fred), yet wasn't quite sure what to do. She looked a little confused. To give you some history; Meg is a blue eyed white, deaf, and a maiden. Attempting to breed her hasn't been successful as she wouldn't sit and appeared confused. She got a hormone shot the same day Star did last month. So, we moved Fred out of the pen, and Rick gave Meg a shot of PacaValium to relax her (of course, that's not the medical term - I just don't remember what it was called), we waited about 45 minutes, and POOF, Meg sat for Fred. The funny part was she sang soprano the whole time! Not like a hurt or scared sound...more like a high pitched horse winney. That is not normal for females being bred so it was pretty funny. So funny, Rick videotaped it. Now Meg Ryan and her best buddy Star have both been bred to Fred, and if the breeding took (cross your fingers), they will both deliver around Mother's Day 2008.
We also bred Mo ("Show Me The Money") to Summer today. It's been a challenge getting Mo interested in a girl, although he is a very experienced herdsire. I know Rick was very happy that he finally did the job with Summer. During both breedings, my little girl Vanilla Sundae was hanging on the fence. It was almost like she was saying "me next, me next". Nope. You've got more growing to do first, little girl. She will be a year old on June 28th, but probably won't be bred until the Fall. Rick says she needs more hip width and maturity.
I took Felix for a little walk, but he wasn't very cooperative. Probably because of the new tenant (ALPHA), he wanted to stay in his field. He had a little eye infection, but it seems to have cleared up. I'm sure he'll be more up for the walk next weekend. Today, when Rick was ordering halters, I ordered one for Felix with his name embroidered on it. After all, once he is able to leave the ranch to visit nursing homes and walk in parades, he'll need a really cool halter.
It's blue with white lettering. He'll look so sharp. When I get it, I'll post a picture of him with it on.
I spent some time in the field with the Alpacas and took pictures. I love all the little ones running around! Duke, Sweety and Nancy Ann are buddies and so cute to watch. Hopefully, there will be a couple new crias born this week. I think Rick said he is on "baby watch" for 4.
I'm really excited about going to the ranch next weekend, as Rick is going to ultrasound a female to see if she's pregnant. That will be a first for me. Cool!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Star Sits On May 31st!
I apologize for not writing for awhile. I've had my family here from Washington, including my 2 grandchildren, ages 3 & 5. It's been a whirlwind 10 days. We all went to the ranch on May 25th to have lunch with Pati & Rick and see the Alpacas. I haven't been at the ranch since then, but will be going tomorrow, as my family leaves this afternoon.
I did get a very exciting e-mail from Rick on May 31st. As you know, we've had a little issue with getting Star bred. She's a maiden and acted like she didn't quite know what to do. Then, Rick thought she might need a hormone shot, which she had a few weeks ago. At first, it didn't seem to help. WELL....Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador (Fred) must have whispered sweet nothings in her ear, and got the job done! Go Fred! I am thrilled to be expecting another "Fred Baby", as he is also ALPHA's dad. Fred produces magnificent crias. According to my calculation (and providing the breeding "took" - I hope, I hope, I hope), Star will deliver her first cria right around Mother's Day 2008. Thanks, Fred...you're "the man".
I'll write more tomorrow after I get back from the ranch. If Rick hasn't already done so, I expect we'll be moving ALPHA to Boy's Town as he will be 7 months old on Monday. Rick told me Princess has started pushing him away when he wants to nurse. Mom knows best and must realize it's time for him to leave the nest, so to speak. I'll need to start halter training him, as I intend to show him at the Monterey Pronk and AlpacaFest West in the Fall. Then, next Spring, on to the Nationals.
I did get a very exciting e-mail from Rick on May 31st. As you know, we've had a little issue with getting Star bred. She's a maiden and acted like she didn't quite know what to do. Then, Rick thought she might need a hormone shot, which she had a few weeks ago. At first, it didn't seem to help. WELL....Snowmass Jericho's Conquistador (Fred) must have whispered sweet nothings in her ear, and got the job done! Go Fred! I am thrilled to be expecting another "Fred Baby", as he is also ALPHA's dad. Fred produces magnificent crias. According to my calculation (and providing the breeding "took" - I hope, I hope, I hope), Star will deliver her first cria right around Mother's Day 2008. Thanks, Fred...you're "the man".
I'll write more tomorrow after I get back from the ranch. If Rick hasn't already done so, I expect we'll be moving ALPHA to Boy's Town as he will be 7 months old on Monday. Rick told me Princess has started pushing him away when he wants to nurse. Mom knows best and must realize it's time for him to leave the nest, so to speak. I'll need to start halter training him, as I intend to show him at the Monterey Pronk and AlpacaFest West in the Fall. Then, next Spring, on to the Nationals.
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