Alpacas are a test to patience. I have done and refined a mating plan for the year. A few days later, I modified it. But this wasn’t the last draft. And of course, last night I thought of something different again. I always argue that changing your mind is ok. Rectifying is a virtue. However,Continue reading “Overthinking”
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HARLEY
You lead the alpaca in front of the judge, and they talk about their flow as the animal walks. They are talking about it, but they have never seen it. The prime example of a perfect movement is Harley. Harley is sassy. She is elegant, and she is beautiful. Of all the animals in Kestle,Continue reading “HARLEY”
Funny noises
I’m not sure what made me smile: the squelch and splosh of the steps or Helium’s long moan about walking in the rain. We got soaking wet in just one minute.
Feeding time
The girls seem especially hungry lately. The grass is not so rich in winter and cria and pregnancies are becoming more and more demanding. I pick my bucket and start scooping the food. They have been all day around the barn, alternating between the grass and the hay. I walk towards the barns while theContinue reading “Feeding time”
Looking back at the past year
I am looking at these two boys. Little boys a year ago, big boys today. They have grown really well. These are inseparable friends Helium and Trelawney. They are alpacas. They behave like alpacas. Same curious, calm, and gentle like any other in the herd. However, the lives of these two will soon have toContinue reading “Looking back at the past year”
White like snow, little Dora
Yes. Dora the explorer. As little as one month old this girl was leading the group in the routine walks up and down the farm. This white ball of fleece was the first cria born of 2022. Good pedigree? She is daughter of Ameera. I am sad to say Dora didn’t get her mum’s prettyContinue reading “White like snow, little Dora”
The group of nannies
Tough skin, thick fibre, strong personalities. These are the older girls. Comercial value is not great, but for a small breeder like us, their job is fundamental. Our nannies are specially good at keeping predators and other nuisances away. They are particularly protective and territorial. In winter it is a group of only three. TheyContinue reading “The group of nannies”
Absolutely nothing to say
The days are as short as cold. And -OMG- don’t I like these days coming back home and stick to the fireplace, looking at the girls just from the window, every time I pop into the frozen kitchen to boil the kettle. I love winter. But I find I’m most unproductive at this time ofContinue reading “Absolutely nothing to say”
Reuse, recycle… reuse!
We have this pile of offcuts and pieces of wood that may have had an use at some point in the past. We need to get rid of all that we never use and it’s just taking space. The wood is waste from works… but hold on! This piece looks useful, I could do somethingContinue reading “Reuse, recycle… reuse!”
Aramis and His Naughty Crias. Part 2
Grace and the Boy We have looked for good quality studs for all of our matings in the past. Sometimes we have been a bit disappointed with the result. Sometimes not as impressed as we planned. Sometimes satisfied that it was worth the invested time and effort. Well, with these two I’m well pleased. TheyContinue reading “Aramis and His Naughty Crias. Part 2”
Kestle Alpacas 