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.