Big apologies, once again, for not writing sooner. I was at the ranch last Saturday. Since then I've been crazy busy and stressed to the max. Finally, I'm slowing down enough to put two thoughts together.
It's hard to believe it rained on Saturday and I wore a sweatshirt all day. A few weeks ago, it was 110! Crazy. The Alpacas don't seem to mind the rain at all. The crias enjoy playing in drizzle, but head for the covered feeders (and mom) when it starts pouring.
Little did I know that Rick had planned to trim teeth today! Wow, that was a first for me. We brought Merlin up from Boy's Town and put him in the schute. He is such a good boy. Rick has an apparatus that is amazing. There is a metal thick plate type thingy that goes in the mouth (once you get the mouth open, that is), and someone (me) holds the head real still while Rick hits the button and POOF, the teeth are trimmed. The guard on the apparatus keeps you from going down too far. I think they are ground. At least that's what is smelled like. Smelled like a dentist's office. Plus, I didn't see any teeth pieces flying around anywhere :) It's really fast and didn't seem to both Merlin too much.
THEN, we took Merlin back and got Ambush. He's pretty hyper so Rick wanted to give him a little Pacavalium to calm him down a little before his teeth got trimmed. I got to give Ambush his shot! Wow, another first. And, of course, there is the textbook way to give a shot; then there is the "Rick way". To make sure you don't stick the needle in the animal too far, Rick cuts a piece from the syringe needle plastic cover. The remainder of the cover serves as a guard. Only a small part of the needle is exposed, therefore, you can't stick it in the animal too far. How clever is that? I held Ambush's lead pretty close to me, wrapped my left arm around his neck, put my right arm over his shoulders and gave him the shot near the right shoulder. We waited about 30 minutes, and escorted him into the schute. Once we got him all secured, Rick noticed Ambush's fighting teeth have grown back. So, until he can trim them, Ambush got a reprieve on having his front teeth trimmed.
Little Oliver is still a bottle baby. It's so sad. He is such a cutie pie, but can't seem to quite get the milk thief down real good. Rick said if a mom delivers a cria soon, after a 12 hour period, he could rub the new mom's placenta on Oliver and she will think he's her cria too. You have to wait at least 12 hours because you want the new cria to nurse that long to obtain the collostrum they need for their immune system. After that, it would be O.K. for mom to nurse her cria as well as her "adopted", Oliver. The next mom to deliver is Carmel Sunday and she has lots and lots of milk, and is a super mom. She's my Vanilla Sundae's mom.
A couple times the rain really came down hard, but for a very short period of time. It was pretty cloudy most of the day, with occasional peaks from the sun. I only walked Felix. He was his wonderful self, until he saw his mom! I walked him all through the "alley" around all the fields of girls and crias. He was having a good time sniffing the little girls as he walked by. Then, we got to the North Field, where his mom is with her cria. I think I've mentioned before she has "issues", so I won't go in a field with her. Well, Felix stopped at the fence and she came running over. Felix started clucking and lifting his tail. I thought it was so sweet that he seemed to recognize his mom. While nose to nose with him, she spit right in his face! That, clearly, upset him. Heck, it would upset me too. He was very hard to walk from that point until we reached his field. There was never a doubt in my mind that these wonderful creatures have feelings, emotions and a sensitive soul. This event just reinforced my feelings.
Guess what happens when you walk through a field of Alpacas right after it rains? If you are looking at Alpacas instead of where you are walking, you'll think you've slid in to first base!
Oh yeh, those little pellets that look like bunny poo get pretty slippery in the rain. I was walking from one field to the next and slid about 3 feet down the hill, laughing all the way. As if that wasn't bad enough, Rick was walking in the gate and saw the whole silly thing. Is I graceful? I guess that depends of what your definition of "is" "is".
Dr. Thacher was going to come out and ultrasound Meg and some of the other girls. She came out today and Meg's ultrasound was inconclusive. Apparently, Dr. Thacher could see some amniotic fluid, but couldn't do a more detailed ultrasound. She drew blood and we should have the results by next Monday. I kinda think she is by the way she acts around the boys. No, not spitting, just being her goofy self. I just love her personality. And, if she isn't pregnant, we won't be able to breed her again until mid December. Because of the cruise we are going on next October, Rick & Pati have decided to suspend the breeding program from October 1 until December 15. Our cruise is from October 18-26, 2008. They really don't want crias born while they are gone. If Star isn't already pregnant, that will impact her breeding as well. It was too soon to ultrasound Star today. She did spit off pretty good the last time she was tested. I'll just keep my fingers crossed.
I didn't take any photos today. When we weren't busy doing something with the animals, Rick was helping me set up my new laptop. I'm still adjusting to not only a new computer, but Windows Vista. I'm sure it will all make sense soon.
I helped with treats before I left. Princess will still eat from my hand. Manda Smith insists on eating out of the bucket, with Aria is right behind her. I love helping with treats as there is nothing better than being closely surrounded by dozens of wonderful Alpaca moms and crias.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Meg Is Signed, Sealed & Delivered
I was at the ranch last Sunday, all day. Rick said he had something for me to do that I had never done before, but it was a surprise. First I thought maybe we were going to trim teeth, then I thought maybe I was going to scoop poop, but, NOPE. Rick showed me how to transfer an Alpaca after a sale, online. He let me do all the typing and hit the "send" button. Meg Ryan is now signed, sealed, delivered; baby you're mine :) All my Alpacas are very special and dear to me, but Meg has a personality all her own and she is so much fun to watch. A few weeks ago, I saw her, at full pronk, racing around from one field to another, all by herself. What a magnificent sight. Regal.
We tried to ultrasound Meg again. This time we didn't put her in the shoot. I didn't have much trouble haltering her and short tying her up against the fence. I leaned my body into her, securing her against the fence. Rick was able to goop her up for the ultrasound with no problem. The machine still couldn't get contact. Rick is going to have it done by the Dr. Thacher the next time she comes out. I think she's pregnant. During the ultrasound attempt, Star stood on the other side of the fence up close where Meg could see her. There is an amazing bond there, that is really pretty cool.
We did quite a bit of breeding and spit testing. Blade and Fred got to have some fun. Blade is so loud, and Fred is a squeaker. The weather was perfect for dating.
Little Oliver is still just as cute as can be. I am so upset. I had some darling photos of him I took last weekend, and I THOUGHT I had downloaded them on my computer. So, I erased them from the camera. Well, I didn't download them. Grrrrrr! I'll take more next weekend. He is still a bottle baby, with feedings every 3 hours. Rick took a photo of me feeding him, but I can't seem to get it on to this site. I'll enlist Rick's help on Saturday. Oliver is making friends and appears to be a well adjusted 2 week old cria. He's gaining weight well and is very playful. I just wish (as I'm sure Pati and Rick do also) that he could learn how to be a good milk thief. There are moms in the field that would let him nurse, he just doesn't have the whole process down very well. Hopefully he will learn from the other crias, as several are nursing in the main field.
He, DJ and wild boy Kona seem to hang out together. Kona is a nut. He likes to jump up in the air, flip sideways and plow into the side of an adult. Kinda like a body slam. Oh, those little boys.
I helped Rick hold Harrison to draw some blood from his tail for DNA to register him. Rick haltered him today, for the first time since he was escorted to Boy's Town several months ago.
He jumped up in the air a little, then walked like he'd been doing it all his life. He was such a good boy. Felix walked with him, although he didn't need an escort. Most of the time, Harrison was leading. Felix is still my love bug. He's amazing and I love him so much. He may have his first "outing" to visit a club in Sun City, in December.
I walked ALPHA alone today. He's walked alone before, once or twice. He was great. It takes a little to get close enough to get the halter on him, but then, he's fine. We walked all around, between boulders, on concrete, on gravel, into the garage, the shed, the patio and he was fantastic. It's hard to believe he will be a year old November 4th.
Princess is HUGE. I don't know how her little legs hold her up. She's not a very big girl to begin with. I expect she will deliver sometime in late October. I'll be in Washington from October 17-21, so I hope, hope, hope she'll wait until I get back. But, if not, I know Rick will call and send me pictures. I love the close up I've posted of her. Today, she ate hay, tree branches, then treats from my hand. How cool is that????? She's a special girl and a super mom. Boy? Girl? Color? The suspense is killing me. It won't be long....
Rick had the little girls from center field in the nursery. A few girls are ready for their "dates".
Vanilla Sundae is in that field and came up with the herd. Vanilla cushed at the gate, watching the breeding, and looking like she wanted to raise her hoof and go "me next". I don't think we'll have any problem at all with her when the times comes. She's such a pretty, sweet little girl. Her mom, Carmel Sunday, is due on Rick's birthday, in a few weeks.
It was a great day at the ranch. Beautiful weather, nice breeze, new experiences and lots and lots of Alpacas to enjoy.
Last Thursday, I met Rick & Pati at the L.A. County Fair. We had a great time, especially hanging out with the animals. Lots of darling little pigs (and a mom delivering), cows, sheep, goats (including angora goats - oh my goodness, are they cool), a camel, and even one llama and one alpaca. Neither looked like they had ever been shorn. At least our weather has cooled off so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Saw the Budweiser Clydesdales. Watched a milking demonstration, ate, had a few beers and did some shopping. I think Rick's favorite thing was the corn dogs (yes, I meant that to be plural).
We tried to ultrasound Meg again. This time we didn't put her in the shoot. I didn't have much trouble haltering her and short tying her up against the fence. I leaned my body into her, securing her against the fence. Rick was able to goop her up for the ultrasound with no problem. The machine still couldn't get contact. Rick is going to have it done by the Dr. Thacher the next time she comes out. I think she's pregnant. During the ultrasound attempt, Star stood on the other side of the fence up close where Meg could see her. There is an amazing bond there, that is really pretty cool.
We did quite a bit of breeding and spit testing. Blade and Fred got to have some fun. Blade is so loud, and Fred is a squeaker. The weather was perfect for dating.
Little Oliver is still just as cute as can be. I am so upset. I had some darling photos of him I took last weekend, and I THOUGHT I had downloaded them on my computer. So, I erased them from the camera. Well, I didn't download them. Grrrrrr! I'll take more next weekend. He is still a bottle baby, with feedings every 3 hours. Rick took a photo of me feeding him, but I can't seem to get it on to this site. I'll enlist Rick's help on Saturday. Oliver is making friends and appears to be a well adjusted 2 week old cria. He's gaining weight well and is very playful. I just wish (as I'm sure Pati and Rick do also) that he could learn how to be a good milk thief. There are moms in the field that would let him nurse, he just doesn't have the whole process down very well. Hopefully he will learn from the other crias, as several are nursing in the main field.
He, DJ and wild boy Kona seem to hang out together. Kona is a nut. He likes to jump up in the air, flip sideways and plow into the side of an adult. Kinda like a body slam. Oh, those little boys.
I helped Rick hold Harrison to draw some blood from his tail for DNA to register him. Rick haltered him today, for the first time since he was escorted to Boy's Town several months ago.
He jumped up in the air a little, then walked like he'd been doing it all his life. He was such a good boy. Felix walked with him, although he didn't need an escort. Most of the time, Harrison was leading. Felix is still my love bug. He's amazing and I love him so much. He may have his first "outing" to visit a club in Sun City, in December.
I walked ALPHA alone today. He's walked alone before, once or twice. He was great. It takes a little to get close enough to get the halter on him, but then, he's fine. We walked all around, between boulders, on concrete, on gravel, into the garage, the shed, the patio and he was fantastic. It's hard to believe he will be a year old November 4th.
Princess is HUGE. I don't know how her little legs hold her up. She's not a very big girl to begin with. I expect she will deliver sometime in late October. I'll be in Washington from October 17-21, so I hope, hope, hope she'll wait until I get back. But, if not, I know Rick will call and send me pictures. I love the close up I've posted of her. Today, she ate hay, tree branches, then treats from my hand. How cool is that????? She's a special girl and a super mom. Boy? Girl? Color? The suspense is killing me. It won't be long....
Rick had the little girls from center field in the nursery. A few girls are ready for their "dates".
Vanilla Sundae is in that field and came up with the herd. Vanilla cushed at the gate, watching the breeding, and looking like she wanted to raise her hoof and go "me next". I don't think we'll have any problem at all with her when the times comes. She's such a pretty, sweet little girl. Her mom, Carmel Sunday, is due on Rick's birthday, in a few weeks.
It was a great day at the ranch. Beautiful weather, nice breeze, new experiences and lots and lots of Alpacas to enjoy.
Last Thursday, I met Rick & Pati at the L.A. County Fair. We had a great time, especially hanging out with the animals. Lots of darling little pigs (and a mom delivering), cows, sheep, goats (including angora goats - oh my goodness, are they cool), a camel, and even one llama and one alpaca. Neither looked like they had ever been shorn. At least our weather has cooled off so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Saw the Budweiser Clydesdales. Watched a milking demonstration, ate, had a few beers and did some shopping. I think Rick's favorite thing was the corn dogs (yes, I meant that to be plural).
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Meg Ryan Joins My Family!
Yesterday, I was able to buy Meg Ryan. It took well over a month to get her registered because it required the owners of her dam and sire to sign off on some paperwork. Rick had to track them down, then get the necessary paperwork to them and on to the Alpaca Registry. Thank you, Rick, for all your hard work to make it happen. Meg's 3rd birthday was September 6th, so I guess you could say she got a new family for her birthday. Actually, I am the one that got the gift.
The weather yesterday was much better. At least 15 degrees cooler than last weekend. It was perfect for spit testing, breeding and walking the boys. Star has been such a challenge, and so hard to read. Yet, today she spit really good at Fred. The best spit yet! We hope that's a good sign and maybe, finally, she's pregnant. We really think Meg is pregnant because of her behavior around males. She doesn't spit. She stands very erect, sideways, and raises her tail. Rick tried to ultrasound her while I was there, but had a problem getting a good contact. You can't take Meg or Star anywhere without the other. While Meg was in the shoot for her ultrasound, Star stood right beside her. That's what girlfriends are for, moral support.
Fred and Blade both had "dates" with the girls today. While Blade was having fun with Malea, her cria, Apollo (2 months old) decided it was time to practice being a herdsire. Is this photo the best?
No babies were born while I was there, but there were 2 crias born last week. "Kona", a male suri. "Oliver", a male huacaya. They are both cute as can be. Oliver's mom is a maiden and apparently doesn't know what to do and has rejected him. Rick & Pati are bottle feeding him, with hopes one or more of the other moms will be a surrogate. Rick said this is the first time they've had such a situation. So, for now, he is Mr. Mom.
It was a nice day to walk the boys. Felix and Aerosmith took a walk together. Aerosmith is doing really good, considering it was only his second time on a halter. Nothing has changed...Felix is SUPER. I took ALPHA for a walk by himself and he did great. While he was out, Rick clipped his toenails. Pretty amazing that a 10 months old needs their toenails clipped already. He's been amazing since the beginning, so I'm not surprised. He was a really good boy while he got his pedicure.
Vanilla Sundae is looking like an adult. Rick said she's acting like an adult, too. I'm anxious to breed her in December. Princess is HUGE. Although her "official" due date is November 4, she will probably deliver in October. I'm really hoping she has a little girl this year. But, if she gives me another ALPHA, I sure won't be disappointed.
The weather yesterday was much better. At least 15 degrees cooler than last weekend. It was perfect for spit testing, breeding and walking the boys. Star has been such a challenge, and so hard to read. Yet, today she spit really good at Fred. The best spit yet! We hope that's a good sign and maybe, finally, she's pregnant. We really think Meg is pregnant because of her behavior around males. She doesn't spit. She stands very erect, sideways, and raises her tail. Rick tried to ultrasound her while I was there, but had a problem getting a good contact. You can't take Meg or Star anywhere without the other. While Meg was in the shoot for her ultrasound, Star stood right beside her. That's what girlfriends are for, moral support.
Fred and Blade both had "dates" with the girls today. While Blade was having fun with Malea, her cria, Apollo (2 months old) decided it was time to practice being a herdsire. Is this photo the best?
No babies were born while I was there, but there were 2 crias born last week. "Kona", a male suri. "Oliver", a male huacaya. They are both cute as can be. Oliver's mom is a maiden and apparently doesn't know what to do and has rejected him. Rick & Pati are bottle feeding him, with hopes one or more of the other moms will be a surrogate. Rick said this is the first time they've had such a situation. So, for now, he is Mr. Mom.
It was a nice day to walk the boys. Felix and Aerosmith took a walk together. Aerosmith is doing really good, considering it was only his second time on a halter. Nothing has changed...Felix is SUPER. I took ALPHA for a walk by himself and he did great. While he was out, Rick clipped his toenails. Pretty amazing that a 10 months old needs their toenails clipped already. He's been amazing since the beginning, so I'm not surprised. He was a really good boy while he got his pedicure.
Vanilla Sundae is looking like an adult. Rick said she's acting like an adult, too. I'm anxious to breed her in December. Princess is HUGE. Although her "official" due date is November 4, she will probably deliver in October. I'm really hoping she has a little girl this year. But, if she gives me another ALPHA, I sure won't be disappointed.
Monday, September 3, 2007
A BLAZING Hot Day At The Ranch
At 11AM, it was over 100 degrees and climbed to 106. YIKES! Standing in the sun was unbearable. The sprinklers were going on every hour for the girls and the crias. I belly hosed the boys. Even those that normally don't like to be belly hosed were standing it line for the spray.
Normally, brand new crias don't come near the hose, but bellied up to it for Rick to soak them in the nursery. A brand new cria in the nursery? Yep.
Paloma, affectionally known as "Precious Angel" delivered an estimated 18 pound girl on Saturday. Figures. I normally go to the ranch on Saturday, but had a 40th anniversary party for my parents on Saturday, so didn't go to the ranch until Sunday. Paloma has "behavioral issues" resulting from her care (or lack of) at another ranch. She is very protective of her cria and doesn't want anyone near it. Well, Rick has to carry the cria from the North Field to the nursery, and weigh it on the way. Because of her temperament, Rick had to enlist the help of his neighbor, Scott, to cause a distraction for mom so he could move the cria to the nursery. According to Rick, it was like playing football. Cria under his arm, he ran from the North Field to the nursery, being chased by Paloma the whole way. That is why the cria's weight is an estimate. There was no stopping at the scale enroute. She is a healthy girl, sort of a dark brown right now, but Rick thinks she will probably end up bay black. Armana and DJ (her cria) volunteered to be companions in the nursery until Paloma and cria can go back with the herd today.
Little DJ (short for Deja Vu) took a nasty spill and really skinned up his nose. He is so sweet, though, it's not hard to put Neosporin on it. He still acts like a puppy and follows Rick around.
It was pretty comfortable in the nursery because of the trees, so he was kicking up his heels and running around, and was so cute to watch.
Because of the heat, we didn't do much of anything except try to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Definately too hot for spit testing, breeding or even walking Felix, ALPHA and Aerosmith. Athena is now elongated, and will probably have her cria today (figures). She's a maiden and has been very uncomfortable for a few weeks.
I did spend some time with my boys. In spite of the heat, Felix let me love all over him. ALPHA is still a little standoffish, but that's O.K. They each will have their own rolls when they get older (ALPHA as a herdsire, Felix as a therapy animal, so he needs to be social). ALPHA has never been interested in belly hosing until today. He let me soak him good!
Vanilla Sundae is growing and acting like an adult. She should be ready to breed to Mo (Show Me The Money) in December. Star and Meg Ryan are still joined at the hip. Princess' belly is getting bigger and bigger. It won't be long before I have a new cria - late October, early November. I can't wait!!
Normally, brand new crias don't come near the hose, but bellied up to it for Rick to soak them in the nursery. A brand new cria in the nursery? Yep.
Paloma, affectionally known as "Precious Angel" delivered an estimated 18 pound girl on Saturday. Figures. I normally go to the ranch on Saturday, but had a 40th anniversary party for my parents on Saturday, so didn't go to the ranch until Sunday. Paloma has "behavioral issues" resulting from her care (or lack of) at another ranch. She is very protective of her cria and doesn't want anyone near it. Well, Rick has to carry the cria from the North Field to the nursery, and weigh it on the way. Because of her temperament, Rick had to enlist the help of his neighbor, Scott, to cause a distraction for mom so he could move the cria to the nursery. According to Rick, it was like playing football. Cria under his arm, he ran from the North Field to the nursery, being chased by Paloma the whole way. That is why the cria's weight is an estimate. There was no stopping at the scale enroute. She is a healthy girl, sort of a dark brown right now, but Rick thinks she will probably end up bay black. Armana and DJ (her cria) volunteered to be companions in the nursery until Paloma and cria can go back with the herd today.
Little DJ (short for Deja Vu) took a nasty spill and really skinned up his nose. He is so sweet, though, it's not hard to put Neosporin on it. He still acts like a puppy and follows Rick around.
It was pretty comfortable in the nursery because of the trees, so he was kicking up his heels and running around, and was so cute to watch.
Because of the heat, we didn't do much of anything except try to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Definately too hot for spit testing, breeding or even walking Felix, ALPHA and Aerosmith. Athena is now elongated, and will probably have her cria today (figures). She's a maiden and has been very uncomfortable for a few weeks.
I did spend some time with my boys. In spite of the heat, Felix let me love all over him. ALPHA is still a little standoffish, but that's O.K. They each will have their own rolls when they get older (ALPHA as a herdsire, Felix as a therapy animal, so he needs to be social). ALPHA has never been interested in belly hosing until today. He let me soak him good!
Vanilla Sundae is growing and acting like an adult. She should be ready to breed to Mo (Show Me The Money) in December. Star and Meg Ryan are still joined at the hip. Princess' belly is getting bigger and bigger. It won't be long before I have a new cria - late October, early November. I can't wait!!
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