At last our first cria of the year has been born at Beck Brow. Now I hate to say that I was right (I know by the law of averages it is bound to happen now and again) but I did say that we had never had a cria born before May...and despite EP Cambridge Courtesse being due on the 27th March...she birthed at 5pm on the 1st May!
Unfortunately, all the waiting hadn't improved the weather, and Bunny Girl was born on a cold, windy day, and rather late in the afternoon. She ended up having to get a warm up with the hair drier when her temp dropped, then once warm, given some cows colostrum to get her going. Born at 9kgs on Thursday, she weighed in at 9.4kgs today, so doing well. Although she looks white in the photo (I was sure of it) she has definitely dried to beige. With her sire being Sanjo Shalimar, she is full sister to Kingwell Diamonds are Forever, who won the Female Light Championship at the NWAG Show recently.
EP Cambridge Courtesse with Beck Brow Bunny Girl
Despite feeling rather under the weather with a chest infection (I blame the Fiesta...alpaca bio security high...personal bio security low!) we have managed to do a few routine chores. The whole herd have been drenched with selenium, mineral and vitamins and we have also given everyone a shot of Dectomax (and spray between the toes with an Eprinex mix) against mites.
It was during these procedures that I inadvertently revealed...who is the true love of my life...it wasn't intentional, and I expect not really a surprise...but all the same it was unnecessary. It happened when we were treating five of the big boys. Beck Brow Explorer thinks that he is King Dick (well he is kind of) and hates to be compromised in front of his minions... hence we left him until last.
So Paul held Explorer whilst I injected him, and down he went, as is the norm. I then turned to get the spray...and all of sudden there was this hullabaloo...Paul is squarking...Explorer is furious...Paul is lying on Explorer's back smelling his butt...legs either side of Explorer's neck (picture someone sky diving) ...Explorer is spinning round...he is more than furious he is livid. This is where I shout...DONT YOU DARE HURT HIM...this instruction was aimed at Paul! Oh dear showed my true colours... Explorer wins!
My self control weakened this morning, despite all good intentions to tighten our birthing season in 2015, I have started earlier then intended. Carrying on with the theory that nothing gets born before May anyway, I thought we may as well get on with it. So Silverstream Galaxy (19 microns at 6 years old) had a date with Timbertop CT Goldmine ET...this time next year will be exciting!
I ended up popping along to the Syke a House dispersal sale today, with Ian and Angela from Hannahston Alpacas (just as a spectators). Although the auction was busy, bidding was slow and prices low. I expect many were purchased by people coming in new to alpaca ownership, as I had assessed a number of the alpacas for sale, and the prices realised didn't seem to bear any relationship to fleece quality, but more to do with how pretty they were...or not!
Poor Paul - hope his self-esteem is recovering!
ReplyDelete'Paca wrestling at Beckbrow' - could be a hit with the tourists! Bunny Girl looks cute in her wee coat. Shirley & Robbie
ReplyDeleteAh - bless little Bunny Girl :) We had our very first cria on the 3rd March, but mum, Miranda, and her new beau, Kris, are not interested in increasing our herd... :( They positively ignored / spat or just plain went for each other each time we tried - and we tried for 26 days.
ReplyDeleteWorth asking your vet if Miranda would benefit from so e Estumate?
DeletePaul needs to beef up a bit, are you supplementing his feed at all Barbara?
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame there is no picture of Paul!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, we demand more pictures of Paul!
ReplyDeleteFunny story - same happened here once with Peter riding one backwards round the pen! Lovely cria - jealous I want one!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, do you drench as well as feed Camelibra? What are the benefits of additional selenium? As our herd is small, we can feed each individually so can be sure all are getting their rations...but I still wonder whether we should give supplements, especially to the girls but I worry about them getting too much of something as the Camelibra is supposed to meet their needs. Looking at how great your animals always look, it's always interesting to read about your "regime"!
ReplyDeleteYes Judi we do both. We know that our land is short on selenium (as is most of Cumbria). Our success with retaining pregnancies increased to 95% and even 100% one year post commencing a drenching regime. Most supplements are water soluable so no retained if unneeded. I always avoid drenches with additional copper (aimed at bovines) as this can cause problems. We are at present using the short acting (around 6 weeks) we have used Maxigro but are now trying an Osmonds one with zinc (for skin)
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