Author Archives: kestlealpacas

One of the most common questions we get from visitors is why our animals are grouped into different paddocks rather than all grazing together. The answer is simple: different animals have different nutritional and management needs depending on their age and gender. Just like people, animals require different diets at different stages of life. Young,Continue reading “Strategic”

Right, where to start? Pure white, pure quality, pure gentleness. Stardust was mated to none other than Emperor’s Quest. In another time or another farm, she would have been the national show girl (Stardust is the daughter of our Snowshill Diamond Girl and Popham Archer). So, what should I expect from my lovely girl andContinue reading “Next to… Stardust”

So this is one of those sudden appearances in the field. There were four females in one of the paddocks. One of these things farmers do is counting heads constantly. We had tried to get Esme pregnant but she kept on sitting for the male (remember: once pregnant they spit the male off and don’tContinue reading “Grazing with Grace”

Taking from my last post -regrettably this was a few weeks ago- the boys finally stayed together. They got on well and there was no fight or friction. Maybe click below to see all the past posts on our site. With the girls now, we’re back to this time of the year where patience isContinue reading “Time again!”

Oh dear! The little ones keep on jumping the fence to get to the big boys. I’m really surprised they all are getting on so well! I had obvious concerns about moving this lot up, but seeing they’re volunteering to be together, I decided to let men mix and observe. Lovely temperaments and hierarchy whereContinue reading “Jump the fence”

Do you remember that picture of Obsidian when he arrived at the weaning paddock?? Well, he soon stuck to the fence next to the big boys and mostly ignored his two young friends. The fence between the two groups allows for safe physical interaction, and Lewis’s the younger ones safe. What we didn’t think wasContinue reading “Dearing little piece of”

At Kestle Alpacas, we wait for the world to wake up before we ask our youngsters to stand on their own. While other UK herds find their rhythm in the heart of the December chill, we let the winter pass, shielding our smallest from the biting frost and the wet until the sun finds itsContinue reading “Weaning again”

Our shy little star. She might have started small, but Aymara is really coming into her own. She has grown faster lately, catching up with the big girls. Being the smaller in size, we haven’t taken much notice of her. But lately… She has this amazing, super fine fleece, and we’re just loving watching herContinue reading “Did you forget Aymara!”

I thought I’d leave a short video. Maybe you’re waiting to see how our young boys are doing. We’re watching their growth with interest, paying attention to fleece and confirmation traits that were working towards. Still not sure if/which one of them will become a stud. There are strong candidates, though.