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.