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