Cria Watch

One of the most emotional times in raising alpacas is when the due date of the dam has arrived. Then when that date is passed and you enter into really watching everyday for signs of delivery, you get more anxious that you will be prepared.
The alpaca cria comes usually between 9 AM and 2 PM. Not to say that there are some good births after 2 PM, but one is always guarded as to why so late in the day? This species is called to have their crias during the daylight, that they be up and nursing and ready to move with the herd within a few hours. Now, most of us do not have our near due dams ranging over vast acreage . So, we are able to keep a close eye on them by glancing out into the pasture to see if they are huddled in a circle. That usually means there is a cria on the ground and all are the pasture mates are checking it out and paying respects. I think every mama in the herd smells the new cria to see if it is hers.
I really like to be here when that cria hits the ground. Its navel stump needs to be dipped in an iodine solution to prevent bacteria from the ground wicking up into the perioteneum.
Also the placenta needs to be retrieved once it is expelled and checked for its entirety.
Another important issue is to check the dam's udder and see if her colostrum is in. These babies only need a few tablespoons of that precious liquid, but they do need that much within a few hours of birth. If the mama is delayed in milk let down, then that becomes one of those bad birth issues that they never quite get over.
So here I am on cria watch for Tiarra and Charisma. These are both proven dams and know what the drill is, but each birth is different and unique; not to be taken for granted.
This will be Tiarra's 7th cria for us. She has given us 5 females and one male so far. She has more than pleased us with dense Accoyo lineage crias. I will let her rest until late fall to re-breed her.
Charisma is pulled up and looks more ready than Tiarra. On the next week we have Chelsea, Keota, Countess, and Super Model due. So we will be busy with new babies in a few weeks.
New life is a time that I relish. I think that is why God put these lovely creatures into my life. I am a nurturer and spoil all who are under my care; maybe too much, but it gives me joy.
I hope your day is a filled with peace as mine is today.
MCMx

Chilly in Georgia today!

Woke up this am with frost on the breath! The alpacas are all huddled in their favorite spots that is the least windy. All the babies are fine even though all are missing their marvelous wool coats !
I was at home yesterday while Delano and Heather went to a FBI dental course on missing persons. It was quite intense two days for them. Sad that anyone has to study that topic, wouldn't you say?
However, I was watching a preacher on TV and he emphasized the use of a calendar to manage your time. He is so right. If we have so much on our plate and we have family that need our attnetion, we have to put our priorites in order: God is first, then family and then whatever. If you honor Him, He will put all the constellations in order for you to conquer, if you so desired!
I think even to have a spark of a memory to do a certain thing, to remember an event, to remember the proper sequence of orderliness is a gift from God. For if we rely only on our own "genius", we would certainly, in the end, have a chaotic life!
so, i got my calendar out and looked to see how complete it really is.
Sundays are always highlighted, some more than others when Delano is scheduled to serve at church. The pre-printed things like national and govenment holidays were plainly marked. Birthdays of some of the family were on there, but not complete, shame on Aunt C.
The alpaca related events were certainly noted. Our holidays that are way out in the year were plainly marked, but guess what was missing? A standing date that i should have with my husband, just the two of us. A dates to go visit my mother in Montgomery. A standing calendar appointment with Heather, my daughter. Reminders of having quality get togethers with Carrie and Laura, the sweet daughters of Delano's.
Ok, so with all that, where am I going with all this?
Wonder where God fits into this?
Answer: He does not need a date on my calendar! I have given all to Him. He is my every moment coordinator. I try to practice "always looking to God", everyday, all the time. I do not always succeed. Some days are kinda jumbled up, but when I give Him His day with me, all seems so much smoother. Try it, it works!
The alpacas are certainly part of this orderly progression of my life. They are my "tranquila", my reminder to not be careless and to stay focused. At least that is why I think God put them in our lives. They certainly are treasures of His creation and because of their awesome nature, we are closer to Him.

MCMx

Shearing Day

In the life of the alpaca, their year really begins with shearing. All things, like in the church calendar that begins with Easter, begins with the shedding of the old, the harvest, and beginning anew.
We had shearing day Monday, April 7, 2008 and they were so glad to get that hot blanket off. Can you imagine a 6 inch deep fleece in 70 degree weather? Well, it is going to get cool this weekend and we have to remember that Mother Nature sometimes deals another hand!

We have a cria due tomorrow from Tiarra, a PP Victor daughter and we are excited for her. She is truly the "grand dam" of this family.

All the babies look so cute in their new hair-dos. We had a safe day and becaue of the threatening weather we got it all done in one day and boy am I glad. Machos were done late in the day. They really were getting heavy blankets and heat stress can be a real threat to their health.
So, we are good for one more year.

The photo that you see is Tiarra with last year's cria. His name is CumLaude. He is a year olkd now and quite the little man. Millenium's Candeaux is his sire. The new baby will be a full brother or sister . Candeaux does such a great job on his progeny. this photo won a first place ribbon at our national conference last year. Good,huh?

MCMx