March 25, 2009

March 25, 2009: All seems to be going well at Laurel Highlands Alpacas! The alpacas have settled in and are getting acquainted with their new home. As has been the rumor, they are very easy to care for. I go out in the morning and in about 10 minutes have scooped poop, replenished hay and refilled water (and the past 2 mornings chopped a little ice in the water). They are very curious and watch everything we do. They especially like to stand at the fence and watch if a car is going up or down the driveway! I hope they aren't wishing that Mike would come back and take them home!


I've been busy during the day, but when I return, I repeat my duties and spend a little time with them. I've been reading The Camelid Companion by Marty McGee Bennett and have been practicing some of the techniques she describes. Yesterday with the help of my friend Janet, I was able to finally coral baby Flo and baby Hamilton and get my hands on their fleece! I was anxious to see what color they really were! Because our grass is just coming in, rolling in the dirt is their main activity besides eating and they've all turned a nice color of dusty dirt! Flo is indeed a light fawn and Hamilton is even lighter. The Mom's are a little more wily and elusive. I'll have to read further and get one more gate before I can single them out, I'm afraid. Janet survived the experience and has volunteered to "alpaca sit" if we need her!

Next up, I wanted to introduce our dogs because, after all, we will all live here together! Who knew that pugs were herding dogs? Our Minnie took right after them and got them running in circles and then separated them into two groups and got them all to stand still while Zeus just stayed out of the way! Then she got tired and sat down! I think she just had to let them know that she was here first and is still the top dog. I have a new partner in alpaca handling!

It is interesting that they like to sleep outside every night. I'll be interested to see if they go inside the barn when it rains. My guess is that they won't.