PacaSitting Day 2

Just in case Summer decided to deliver this morning, I was at the ranch at 7:15AM. The first thing I did was go in the north field and check on everyone. The only one that looked ready to deliver was Nala. I really thought today was her day by the looks of her back end. While I was in the field, Rick called. I told him about Nala and he said she's been that way for 2 months. Whew. She's really not due for another month. Summer, Gwen and Toni didn't look like they planned to do anything today. I can't say I blame them. The weather was yukky. It didn't started raining until this afternoon. The morning was cold and windy. After checking on the "baby watch" girls, I headed down to Boy's Town to check on them. They didn't seem too happy about the weather, but were doing well. The weather is way too bad to walk anyone. I did spend time with the little boys, who seemed to enjoy the attention.

As the day progressed, the weather got worse. Colder, rain, wind. I decided to try to put cria coats on Michelle and Gabby (born May 11 and 12), just in case the weather stayed bad, or got worse, after I left. Catching crias in the mud is a challenge. I FINALLY got ahold of Gabby (I cheated...I waited until she was nursing) and did what Pati showed me to do. Put it around their neck and attach the velcro first. Then, you've got something to hold on to (the coat) to finish the velcro under their belly. No sooner did I get the coat on her than Meg Ryan came over and starting pulling at it. Before long, she had the belly velcro undone. So, here's little Gabby, walking around the nursery with a cria coat hanging from her neck! Great! At least catching her was easier because I had the coat to grab. I got her all fixed up, then went for Michelle. She was a master at weaving in and out of the adults to evade my capture. After playing slip and slide in the mud, I finally got her. She was so funny. Once I got the coat on her, she kept trying to walk backwards, as if to back out of it. They both acted weird for awhile, but seemed to get used to their new outfits. The adults were sure curious as to what these little girls were wearing.

Because of the weather, I spent more time in the house with the kitties than outside with the Alpacas. I did take a walk to the north field every 30 minutes to check on the late preggos. I noticed that several of the girls from the main field were standing in the shed to be out of the rain. Granted, they have the shelters over their feeders, but the rain was blowing sideways.
There is a section of the shed that is used for vet checks, with a door that closes. I went ahead and opened the door to give them more room in a sheltered area. I know they'll have a poop party in the shed tonight, but that's O.K. I'll clean it out in the morning.

I was worried about Aria. I noticed she wasn't chewing her cud, was nowhere near Manda Smith (her best buddy), and was shivering. She's one of the older girls, so I was concerned. I called Rick and asked him what to do. He said to do the "bucket test". Grab the blue bucket, put treats in it, and walk in to her field and see what she does. WELL, I wasn't even in the gate of her field before she, and all the others, were running to the fence. She was in my face, spitting at Manda Smith and eating treats. Great test, Rick! I guess she's fine. Maybe she just had the morning blahs. After treats, she spent the rest of the day cushed next to Manda. Cool.
Rick said it was O.K. to give everyone treats, so I did. I'm glad I did because later in the day it was raining and they don't get treats in the rain.

I left a little earlier today, around 4:15PM. I was concerned that I may not be able to drive out if I waited much longer. The dirt road was not too bad going in this morning, but was real slippery going out. I skidded a few times, but remembered you steer into the skid, so I was fine. I drove R E A L S L O W.

I hope the weather gets better tomorrow. I want to hang out in the fields with the Alpacas and take the boys for walks. It's not fun watching the Alpacas through the living room or sun room windows. I want to be with them :)