Starting Out - the Alpacas arrive!

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We visited every Alpaca farm in the Northern Hemisphere (well it felt like it !) looking at stock and trying to cut a deal. We had by this time come to the conclusion that we required 5 pregnant females to start us on our way. Eventually we found a farmer who had what we were looking for and finally did our deal. They were delivered to us on 17th September. They ambled out of the horse trailer and slowly looked at their new surroundings and then immediately started to graze. How laid back is that! They have been much the same ever since, nothing seems to phase them.

Meet the girls

Imogen & Phoebe	Carla	Lily & Demeter

Our first youngster, or cria in Alpaca terms, was born on 1st November. A baby boy delivered as nature intended on a lovely sunny morning. Neither mum nor baby needed our help so we just stood back, satisfied that they were both safe and watched. There must be more to it than this I kept thinking? We were told though, that birthing problems were rare, just what a nervous inexperienced ‘midwife’ wants to hear. Our next cria was born about six weeks later on a similarly sunny morning, we have been told that they can delay the birth until the weather is good (wishful thinking maybe?)

Things seemed to be going like clockwork. This one was a little girl, very small but perfectly formed. It has to be said that so far our Alpacas have been very easy to look after and have done everything it said on the tin.

Inga at 3 weeks old and Himma at 9 weeks old

If anybody requires any further information about Alpacas or we can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact Steve or Diane at wwalpacas @ aol.com

In the Future

• Next Cria Due Mid March to Mid April (Alpacas have no respect for due dates)
• Next article in April
• Fleeces available later in the year for spinners and weavers
• Stock available for sale. Ideal as field pets, chicken/sheep guards