| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 07:28:30 AM
I can't believe it. I said "yes." A neighbor of my parents' had purchased a couple of male alpacas three years ago, and their children had "grown out of them," so they were looking to give away or sell them (the alpacas, not the kids!) - they knew that I had a farm, so she asked my mom if I wanted the alpacas - free. They arrived day before yesterday, and they are just DARLING. I've named them Machu and Picchu - they are Peruvian, after all, and they are just SO gentle and fun. I can't wait to take them for their walk today. Alpacas are an animal that I'm not sure I would buy (even if I HAD that kind of money...), but I just am loving them. Okay, they've only been here for a couple of days, but they are SO tame and gentle. My 4-year-old and I took them for a walk down to the irrigation canal yesterday, and he was able to lead one of them by himself. He says that Picchu (a small brown one) is "his," and Machu (a-bit-larger brown and white one) is "mine."
And on a practical note - anybody know how to trim alpaca toenails? (Grace Gerber - where are you! ) Yep, they have toenails...
So, here they are - grazing on the front lawn yesterday. I would like to introduce...(drum roll, please...)
Machu, and...
Picchu.
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| janetf |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 08:48:39 AM
Grace- It sure is a small world. You worked with my brother. You are very lucky to live out there in the mountains, so pretty. |
| Farmtopia |
Posted - Apr 30 2008 : 08:45:07 AM
Haha Cute. AND free. Very lucky.
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
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And Blogs:
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art: www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com
animals: www.big-luv.blogspot.com |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 7:50:38 PM
WOW! That is so cool that you two, Janet, and Grace are sort of "related!" It is such a small world, sometimes.
Grace - That's some great advice - I'll check the Breeders Assn. here - and thank you so very much for the information - as well as your willingness to answer questions...and, of course, reminding me to BREATHE!!! You have so much experience with fiber and all - and you're so generous with it. If I get to asking too many questions...just let me know!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 6:00:46 PM
If you go to the Alpaca Breeders Association or your local association they will have on their website the contact information for halters. It is important to get an alpaca halter because their bridge is shorter then llamas and a sheep halter is to wide and heavy. Any further questions you have I would be glad to answer. When contacting your local assocation you might also get the name of their folks around you - and get on the shearing schedule at another farm - When I booked them for folks we did toenails, teeth, shots and I did their fiber evaluations. Also if the group is on the ball you might have someone schedule your local guild to come to the shearing day and that way you can if you wish get fleeces sold. Again, that is just the way I ran mine but everyone is different. Good luck and breathe!
Janet I worked with Lonesome Stone Alpacas when they first got into the business - taught them about the fiber side of their animals and even sold them yarn to start their store. What is that called 6 degree's?
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 11:04:13 AM
They are so cute!!!! I can't wait to meet them. I am so glad I live close enough to Libbie that it is a possibility!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 10:28:53 AM
Lucky girl! I've always wanted a llama or alpaca, but we live in an area with such high summer humidity that the animals don't do well here. My friend, just two miles due south of us had a llama, but he died from the heat.
I understand they can tolerate DRY heat pretty well, but not our muggy, opressive, WET heat. Have fun with your new friends! Give them hugs and kisses for me! ~~Tracy |
| artbysue |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 09:27:41 AM
Oh they are lovely!! It is good to hear you are enjoying them so much already. They look like lots of fun.
artist, equine portraits, animal art, farms, barns, Amish art, fiber animal art
www.suesteiner.com www.amish-art.com
www.amulti-coloredlife.blogspot.com |
| janetf |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 09:09:18 AM
My brother in Colo. have about 70 alpacas, they really love them. They have a mill to make yarn after the alpacas are sheared. His web site is Dewey, Marvin
E-mail Address(es):
lonesomestone@msn.com
They will be able to help anyone that has questions. My sister moved out there from Florida & she does most of the dyeing of the yarn.
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| Bridge |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 08:58:58 AM
Oh........I love them... I have always wanted some.
Please keep us up to know on those sweeties. Are they boys or girls??
I am so happy/excited for you! { and us!! }
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| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 08:49:00 AM
Oh, THANK YOU GRACE! They are very gentle, but collared, not haltered. I'm guessing that I should order special alpaca halters online so it doesn't press down on the soft tissue of their nostrils/face/muzzle I'm not sure what you call it on alpacas. I feel pretty comfortable around them - but sometimes I do stop breathing when I get up close. The "breathe..." is SUCH good advice. I really needed the reminder. Do you have a source for supplies that you like?
And Karin, thank you - I really think they are pretty, too!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 08:18:23 AM
Oh my, aren't they beautiful....Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 08:07:55 AM
Hi Libbie I am here
You want to know if they are able to do it without a big fit? If they are then a simple pair a hoof snippers like we use in sheep and goats work. Same principle about following the pad - I love cutting nails after they had a good rain because the nail is soft and easier to cut. What I do is halter them up with a lead. Have an adult hold the lead not a kid and do not tie them up (greater chance of them hurting you or themselves) I like to be a in catch pen so I am not moving all over a pasture. Then simply and slowly (not creeping) walk up pick up a front leg, bending back at the elbow and clip. Sounds simple but that will depend on if they have been worked with and also if you do not go in there fearful. Breathe, breathe, breathe because when you stop breathing they get scared.
If you need further help just ask = I will check back. Good luck and remember you can do anything if it is in your heart.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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