Sunday, April 24, 2011
Long Overdue Update
Well, I have not kept this blog up but lots has happened since 2007. We now have 7 alpacas with 2 cria expected in mid June, 2011, from Sassy and Isabella.
We've also opened an off farm store Kuhn's River Country Alpaca Store in September,2010, located in Greeley, PA about 4 miles from our house. We're open weekends 10-4PM or by appointment. Of course, alpaca products, handmade and manufactured such as blankets, throws, hats, gloves, socks, mittens and gloves, scarves, and much more. Other items from local artisans are featured such as jewelry, sewn items, wildlife pictures, pottery, hand knitted dog coats, and baskets.
We entered 2 mill spun skeins in the 2011 MAPACA Jubilee, April 8-10 and placed 2nd with both. One of the skeins was from Donner, the other from Isabella. The skeins were processed at Worthington Acres Fiber Mill - thanks Craig and Jane. This is the first I've ever entered so hope more ribbons are on the way now that I've gotten my feet wet.
Our only purchase since our originals was in February, 2011....a white female, Sunna.
We creating a new website so bear with us.....paalpacafarmstore.com
We've also opened an off farm store Kuhn's River Country Alpaca Store in September,2010, located in Greeley, PA about 4 miles from our house. We're open weekends 10-4PM or by appointment. Of course, alpaca products, handmade and manufactured such as blankets, throws, hats, gloves, socks, mittens and gloves, scarves, and much more. Other items from local artisans are featured such as jewelry, sewn items, wildlife pictures, pottery, hand knitted dog coats, and baskets.
We entered 2 mill spun skeins in the 2011 MAPACA Jubilee, April 8-10 and placed 2nd with both. One of the skeins was from Donner, the other from Isabella. The skeins were processed at Worthington Acres Fiber Mill - thanks Craig and Jane. This is the first I've ever entered so hope more ribbons are on the way now that I've gotten my feet wet.
Our only purchase since our originals was in February, 2011....a white female, Sunna.
We creating a new website so bear with us.....paalpacafarmstore.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Isabella Fast Forward
Here she is at almost 3 weeks. It's amazing how fast they grow. She's drinking some water, taking a piece of hay or two AND running like crazy. I wish she had a pint size playmate - she tries to get mom to play but she's too tired...she approaches big sister but stops short as she's not sure how this play stuff works with other than mom. She approaches Sassy (big sister) to find that sis doesn't want to be bothered either and puffs up like a scary monster. Better stay away from her!
Isabella's First Day
Well, here she is on her first day only about 45 minutes old. I cannot believe their instincts although sometimes it takes a bit to kick in. Isabella finally found out where to go for nourishment.
I am trying to get her "people friendly" by touching her daily: lifting legs, tail, and any other parts. This will allow me to be able to work with her when needed. She has developed an umbilical hernia which I must massage daily. She is still not happy about humans so it will take time. Her fiber is like down and I just don't want to stop feeling it. She needs to be sheared to keep her cool - wonder what color is under there?? Right now she would be classified as Medium Brown.
I am trying to get her "people friendly" by touching her daily: lifting legs, tail, and any other parts. This will allow me to be able to work with her when needed. She has developed an umbilical hernia which I must massage daily. She is still not happy about humans so it will take time. Her fiber is like down and I just don't want to stop feeling it. She needs to be sheared to keep her cool - wonder what color is under there?? Right now she would be classified as Medium Brown.
Monday, June 23, 2008
First Posting
Well, here I go. I've had this blog for a while but didn't know where to start. No better time than the present.
The alpaca world is where I will begin. I now have 5 alpacas since the birth of my first born on the farm on June 12, 2008. AND IT'S A GIRL. Never having been around livestock or farm animals other than the traditional family pet this was a great experience. I got to see the birth of Isabella and it was awesome!! It was a problem free birth and she was up and nursing in about 45 minutes. When she hit the ground the first thing I did was check between the legs. I left for a couple of minutes to jump up and down being so happy that it was a girl. Gained my composure and did what needed to be done; cleaned her up, dipped the navel, and got her and momma out of the sun to bond and let nature take it's course. Momma is older and a pro at this since this is her 8th offspring. I wouldn't even want to think of this in the human world.
It is just so amazing to watch the animal world do it's thing. My other female, also an offspring of momma, stood by watching right next to mom. She looked, checked her out, then went about her business. She is now a bit put off since she is pushed away by mom. Prior to the birth she still stuck to her mom like glue - now she is an outsider. Rather sad.
For a bit Isabella was confused as to who was mom and would approach big sister to find the milk bar only to be kicked away. She doesn't make that mistake anymore.
I just love having these animals. It's only been a year and a half but they are so great. Each has their own personalities, quirks, and routines. I have learned that rushing stresses them so they have helped me to slow down and smell the roses. If I change routine with them they look at me as if I have two heads. I'm learning.
The alpaca world is where I will begin. I now have 5 alpacas since the birth of my first born on the farm on June 12, 2008. AND IT'S A GIRL. Never having been around livestock or farm animals other than the traditional family pet this was a great experience. I got to see the birth of Isabella and it was awesome!! It was a problem free birth and she was up and nursing in about 45 minutes. When she hit the ground the first thing I did was check between the legs. I left for a couple of minutes to jump up and down being so happy that it was a girl. Gained my composure and did what needed to be done; cleaned her up, dipped the navel, and got her and momma out of the sun to bond and let nature take it's course. Momma is older and a pro at this since this is her 8th offspring. I wouldn't even want to think of this in the human world.
It is just so amazing to watch the animal world do it's thing. My other female, also an offspring of momma, stood by watching right next to mom. She looked, checked her out, then went about her business. She is now a bit put off since she is pushed away by mom. Prior to the birth she still stuck to her mom like glue - now she is an outsider. Rather sad.
For a bit Isabella was confused as to who was mom and would approach big sister to find the milk bar only to be kicked away. She doesn't make that mistake anymore.
I just love having these animals. It's only been a year and a half but they are so great. Each has their own personalities, quirks, and routines. I have learned that rushing stresses them so they have helped me to slow down and smell the roses. If I change routine with them they look at me as if I have two heads. I'm learning.
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