Barbara @ Beck Brow Alpaca Blog

Brett Kaysen teaches us 'Form and Function'

2012-02-13T18:50:00.002Z

Friday night at 5 pm I decided to set off on the four hour trip to Toft Alpacas near Rugby. Well my destination was to a Travel Lodge to be precise, ready for the short trip to Toft on the Saturday. It was a last minute decision to travel the night before, and I had forgotten why Travel Lodges are so competitively priced...GRIM would be my feedback.

The reason for the trip was to attend a study day on form and function, presented by Professor Brett Kaysen. The emphasis of the presentation was on conformation (after all this constitues 40% of the marks in the show ring) and it was great to really think about the alpacas without it being all about the fleece. Brett told the group about the findings of a study conducted at Colorado University into the heritibility of fleece characteristics in alpacas...the results were; that the inheritability traits were high, even higher than those of Merino sheep...however breeding out confirmation issues is not so easy...so much easier to put a good fleece on a well conformed animal when striving for that ideal alpaca.

Sunday I was out in the paddock checking that everyone deserved their place in the Futurity show team...using newly learnt terms like capacity, durability and fluidity...thankfully there are no issues...well not confirmation ones...fat ones...now that is another matter. Paul and I have been debating (that means Paul will not agree with me) whether Beck Brow Explorer should go to The British Alpaca Futurity or not...he is a multiple Supreme Champion so we could just let him retire...but that is not the reason for the indecision...Explorer is FAT...I have had to conceed...he is too fat to be shown at his best. We will slim him down for the summer!

Beck Brow Explorer...he does have an awful lot of fleece...but he is rather tubby too.

Explorer has always been praised for his consistency when shown, and I think that this is even more apparent in his second fleece, hence the reason that I wanted him to go. It is just about possible to see from the photo below that he has crimp from tip to toe, even across his chest, and with no guard hair visable...yes I am bias...yes I adore him and it is mutual of course... He obviously missed me over the weekend as he actually snuggled in for a cuddle on Sunday....ahhh!

Beck Brow Explorer...producing a very consistent fleece

On my last blog I mentioned that Paul had been twittering about me bidding at the Futurity stud services auction...well it's good news and bad this week...I actually was the highest bidder on one of the lots last night...he is an excellent male at a very good price...the bad news is I need to tell Paul...and pray that the female I decide to take falls pregnant first time...I will work it out nearer the time!

Twittering!

2012-02-06T14:55:00.000Z

The plans were in place; it was Saturday morning...and despite Amanda's best efforts at praying for the predicted snow...the roads were clear...so it was a ten minute trip down the road to pick up little Satchmo. Satchmo is back with us for a month, before him and Magnum head off to their new home in Scotland.

He arrived back looking every bit like he had never been away...although someone is going to have to break it to him...by the way he rushed over to greet the females...he really hasn't grasped the meaning of the word wether

Satchmo arriving with his companion travelling animal

Rushing over to greet the girls (although the tail is flipped; he knows who's boss!)

Snooty Boots takes a peek

By lunchtime the snow had arrived, but we have had nothing like the amount seen in the South, or indeed what we had here last year. However, we did have one collision...too much speed and not enough control in the snow...and as is usually the case, the little guy suffered the consequences....

Oscar loses his grip and smashes into Tyke (he actually ended up rolling twice and ending up on his roof...was he mad or what!)

I made the silly mistake last week of mentioning that we had hardly seen the vet all winter...well we definitely saw plenty of him Saturday night and Sunday morning...when Rosie one of miniature ponies went down with colic...it was touch and go when we though she may have twisted her gut...but she is perfectly okay again now...phew...remind me to keep my mouth shut in future! On the health front Bahati appears much improved...although she is less than impressed that the barn heater has now been switched off.

Paul has been doing quite a bit of twittering over the weekend...he did the same last weekend ...note the small 't' this is not Twittering...it does consist of word limited announcements...but they are verbal...and I am the only recipient. It goes something like this:

"There must be something wrong with your head" (now, I know this doesn't sound very nice, but the advantage of verbal communication is that I think I detect a small smile...could be a smirk...not sure)

"Learn to just relax...read a book or something" (I think he has guessed... it is getting near 8pm on Sunday night and I keep popping in to the study...he is on to me)

"Look you are bored...you better not be doing what I think you are"

"Right" (not so smiley)

"How many stud males do you have?" (answer 6)

"How many breeding age females do you have? (answer 20)

He is right of course I must stop bidding at the British Alpaca Futurity stud services auction , but have you seen the amazing deals. Difficult for me to justify with the choice of top quality males that we have at home, but I have been placing a few bids...after all you can't have too many top class genetics! We will be using at least one outside stud service this year...that will be for Cambridge Camilla (dam of Explorer and Rumour)...but we have already ear marked our male of choice (as Camilla is proving to be a star we have decided to mate her with an elite white this year, and we only have her son as a white stud at present)

Case solved!

2012-02-03T15:17:00.002Z

How welcome is this continued frost?...what a relief to be breaking ice on water troughs...honestly anything is better than all that mud. One slight disadvantage is the aroma in the air...eau de manure...all of the local farmers seem to be taking advantage of the hard ground to have a muck spreading bonanza! However, the alpacas seem to be much happier and are now back sleeping outdoors...so at least there is less mucking out in the mornings.

We have been doing some more halter training with the second group of weanlings. Amanda came to give us a hand yesterday and they all did very well...Rumour managed to make it all the way to the lane end and back...only sitting down twice...I had already volunteered that I would take her into the show ring at the British Alpaca Futurity... before I discovered this talent of hers for just sitting down, in the most elegant of fashions, but for no apparent reason.

I have been teaching Magnum to be led as a pair, as requested by his new owner. Actually there was no training involved, he just does it, he is such an obliging wee fellow.

Alfie (left) and Magnum

I had a little moment earlier in the week...I had just completed the test for spotting the early signs of dementia

'Do you forget where you have left things? '

'Do you forget that you have done things and then accuse others of being wrong when they correct you?'

When I had reason to doubt myself. I had misplaced a rather nice Joules sweatshirt...annoying in itself...but it has a matching gilet...so doubly annoying. I had searched everywhere...to no avail. Anyway Robyn (daughter) turns up...I am looking at her sweatshirt...she has a few layers on but I can see it and it looks like my lost property...I question the suspect:

No you bought me this (I don't think so that one was grey not pale blue)

Anyway I have had it for ages (does this give her squatters rights? I think not!)

It would be too big if it were yours (Is there any need! Okay she is a size 8 so she may have a point)

I then nearly wrestle her to the ground... in order to look at the label in the back...it is difficult with so many layers...I even insist that she takes off her coat...and there it is SIZE 14...now I accept that neither of us is actually a size 14...but I am the closest, and it was bought knowing the benefits of Lycra...it is now in the washing machine.

I can't remember now...was over reacting to minor misdemeanours an early sign of dementia!!

Decisions

2012-01-30T18:31:00.001Z

It has been so nice to have been greeted by Jack Frost the last couple of mornings...a welcome relief from the rain and mud. Unfortunately it did rain on Friday when we had visitors who had arranged sometime ago, to come to the farm to meet the alpacas and get 'hands-on'. We did still manage to do some cria walking in the rain and I don't think the bad weather dampened their enthusiasm for it one bit!

On Sunday we went to visit our friends at Nero Black Alpacas fitting in the NEBAG (North East and Borders Alpaca Group) AGM at the same time. It was a very positive meeting, and a number of both educational and social events are being planned for this year, as well the annual halter and fleece shows.

However fleece rummaging was obviously the highlight of my day. Now we only have one black alpaca, black is not my speciality, however it didn't take an expert to recognise that a certain black male was looking stunning...he will be at the Futurity...looking very nice Ice...good luck guys!

Taking of the British Alpaca Futurity...we only have 2 weeks left until we have to make some decisions.

Decision 1...made...we are going.

Decision 2 ... made...we are definitely taking some alpacas.

Decision 3...pending...do we take the van and the trailer or just the van (just taking the van will cut down the journey time by 30 minutes...it will be a much more comfortable journey...it will be much easier to park)

Decision 4... pending...who to take? This will be influenced by the above.

My other issue is Snooty Boots and Adelle. They will not be weaned until the end of February at the earliest...will they be ready to be weaned?...both are small (Boots had a bit of a blip with her growing for a while)...it is expensive to make entries and then not take them....maybe I will know better in two weeks time.

I will be so pleased when the entries close and I can't deliberate any more...however almost certains are; Beck Brow Magellan (Neptune of Houghton) and Beck Brow Rumour Has It (EPC Top Account of Fowberry) and a strong possible is Beck Brow Crystal (Ambersun Baltimore of Townend). After our previous experience we will be taking a minimum of three (last year Roma didn't like being left on her own)

Magellan Checking out Velvet

Obviously over stepping the mark!

Rumour Has It (same dam as Explorer)

Crystal Maze (she is so much bigger than Rumour but only 3 weeks older!)

Beck Brow Snooty Boots...still looking diddy

Easter-Wood Adelle also still petite...and very fine.

Bahati is still sitting down more than would be considered normal...but otherwise appears perfectly fine...she is as I type; sitting under the heater in the shelter...looking every inch like royalty...no one else is allowed near!

We have more alpaca visitors coming tomorrow...fingers crossed for more frost...please no more rain!

A Bahati update.

2012-01-25T15:59:00.005Z

Thank you for all the crossed fingers for Bahati (sorry for being a bit slow with the update Bev). She is still sitting more than is normal but rather less than over the weekend (Bahati that is not Bev).

We did have the vet out yesterday as Katkin, who is on livery, was hobbling a little. So we decided to ask the vet to do a bit of a herd health check whilst he was out;

Katkin was examined and declared to have a minor injury to her right hock, no treatment (she is pregnant and it was felt that anti-inflammatories were an unnecessary intervention in this case). She is much improved today.

The vet concurred with our findings on Bahati...definitely sitting too much (she did demonstrate this thankfully. How often do you get the vet out and the alpaca decides to look perfectly well as soon as they arrive!)...but nothing on examination...the thoughts are that it may have been either a Vit D or selenium deficiency, and to wait for the supplements we have given to kick in. But to have a low tolerance before calling them out again if no improvement.

Phoebe who has had skin problem since the summer (no treatment for mites nor any other possible dermatological condition has fully resolved things, but it is improving) has failed to put on any weight despite quadrupling her rations. She is very thin scoring no more than 2/5. We were surprised when we did the spit-offs last week that she is still pregnant (due early April). We arranged blood samples to be taken whilst the vet was on farm and will hopefully get the results tomorrow. We are beginning to wonder if the skin problems are due to an underlying cause rather than being the actual cause of her lack of condition. This is one situation where we wish that she wasn't pregnant for both their sakes.

Finally we had the three 'sit nor spit' girls pregnancy scanned. Unfortunately, as I guessed it was Pepsi Lola who was empty. It took us so long to get her pregnant in the summer it is disappointing. We were anticipating a lovely coloured cria from her mating to our Waradene St Patrick of EPC. On a positive note she should have been nearly 5 months gestation at the time of the miscarriage and the foetus was much smaller that it should have been for that stage, so obviously something wrong.

Pepsi Lola

I know that we spent all last January complaining about the frost and the snow...but how I miss it when compared to all this mud. In addition to all the muddy gate ways, we have too much grass...not a bad complaint you may be thinking...not if you would like to use St Patrick and Explorer as dining tables...yes too fat boys. We are keeping the alpacas (50 including liveries) on 10 acres at the moment, but they are struggling to keep on top of it. As you can see from the photo of Finesse...things are still so green...yes those are our Shetland ponies in the background...they too will have to be on rationed grass very soon.

Beck Brow Finesse

Lady Gaga arrived via parcel post today...her yarn that is...we sent two of her fleeces to The Border Mill to be spun, rather than have them mixed with the rest of the herd. The yarn is the most beautiful bright oyster colour and has a lovely soft handle. The balling and the labelling is also great. Available in our shop sometime soon!

Too much sitting...something is wrong with Bahati

2012-01-23T15:14:00.006Z

There has been no gallivanting this weekend. With an off-colour alpaca to keep an eye on, we haven't strayed far from home over the past couple of days. It was/is Bhahati who has been giving us some cause for concern. We had noticed that she had been sitting a lot but thought that she may have lost her pregnancy, especially as she is often sitting next to the boy's fence line (possibly looking to be mated). However, we spat her off when we were doing the young girls last weekend, and she spat very convincingly. On closer inspection she looks pregnant.

We weren't really too worried, for if she is pregnant then she is entitled to have a bit of a rest. However, on Saturday we felt she really was sitting too much for a female who is not due until May. She was acting so like a female who is nearly due...so much so that I began to doubt myself...I had to really think if there could have been any way that she had been mated accidentally (she has been left open over last winter)...but no definitely not...her first mating was May then she sat again in June.

So should we be worried?

Temp 36.2 ...rather cold (although a low temp can also be an indication of infection, we felt that this was most likely to be due to inactivity and the cold weather). We put on the barn heater and laid down some straw, which she promptly sat on (looking every inch like the queen bee!)
Respiratory rate 24...on the faster side of normal (possible indicator of pain? However she didn't appear to be in any pain. Chest infection?...I listened to her lungs with a stethoscope...nothing obvious)
Heart rate normal range.
Body score 4/5 (Still eating but sitting down again straight afterwards)

So possibilities?

Possibly a little stiff in back left leg when getting down to cush. No obvious injury (have given Finadyne today and will monitor). Possibly Vitamin D deficient...have given intramuscular A D & E as whole herd were due this week (it would be ironic if this was the case after changing to injectable vitamins from paste...when we had no problems with the paste?)
Other deficiencies selenium, vitamin B12? We use a drench containing selenium, cobalt and vit B12 so an additional dose was given to Bahati. However, she did not have obvious symptoms of vit B12 deficiency i.e humped back and weight loss. I checked the inside of her eyes and she had no signs of anaemia (pale) nor jaundice (yellow).
Worm burden? She was wormed last month and is up to date with Fasinex (liver fluke) and Lambivac (clostridial disease). However we do not routinely drench for coccidia so we decided to do an egg count. We are fortunate to have our own equipment for testing (we do still do quality control checks with the VLA now and again) and all tests floating and sinking produced nil of note.
A stomach ulcer is always worth considering but she was cushed quite comfortably chewing her cud so an unlikely cause of her malaise.

We know that she isn't quite herself, I am sure if anyone else saw her they would be wondering what 'the fuss' was about. Now, the advice should always be if in doubt call the Vet. The only reason that I have not is because I feel that I can monitor her very closely, and I have years of experience as an Intensive Care nurse to guide me. I do feel that she is rather better today but if there had been no improvement or the slightest deterioration I wouldn't have hesitated to call...and may still do so. A blood test might be useful if things are not back to normal very soon.

If I have missed anything, something that anyone else has experienced, please do share.

Since we were stuck at home; we actually got around to making decisions regarding the World Alpaca Conference. We have such a busy April planned it is proving difficult to fit everything in (and expect someone to do all the farm sitting as well). However, we have now made the booking for the Wednesday and Thursday lectures. We have booked a rather nice hotel in the centre of Oxford and plan to combine some wining, dining and exploring, as well as alpaca related stuff. However we have the British Alpaca Futurity to look forward to first...now that will be non-stop alpaca...it is always an exciting time to catch up with everyone after the winter months...that hotel was booked some months ago!

On the subject of farm sitters; Mum and Dad surprised us at Christmas was a lovely painting of some of our alpacas. They had been very good at keeping it a surprise...bringing the artist out to the farm to take photographs in August when they knew that we would be at the Blueberry herd auction. We instantly recognised the cria...

...from left Young Punk Alfie, Beck Brow Quintos (at only a few days old), and Beck Brow Snooty Boots.

P.S Shirley or Robbie...if you read this...love your new blog layout but I don't seem to be able to leave any comments anymore...just to let you know I am still reading!

Map reader required!

2012-01-18T19:55:00.002Z

It is that time of the year, when lots of us are thinking about the show season ahead of us. Today I attended a meeting with the manager of Westmorland County Show to discuss the arrangements for the 2012 alpaca event. The team are so incredibly well organised I really have it easy as 'the organiser' of the alpaca show. I can reveal that the committee have invited Catherine Lloyd to be our judge for this year's show. Catherine, along with her husband Matthew, own EP Cambridge Alpaca Stud in Wiltshire in addition to the renown Eringa Park herd in Australia. Last year Catherine was in demand not only on the UK show circuit but also in mainland Europe ...so they have obviously decided that it was best to get the invite out early!

Despite deciding that I should keep politics out of my blogging...I do keep stirring up the alpaca meat for sale debate...it isn't that I am a vegetarian...I am not over sentimental...I am just passionate about advancing our national herd...as well as alpaca welfare. Perry, who now resides in Australia, makes some very valid comments about how the subject of alpaca meat is viewed down under. Thankfully we are no where near having the numbers of alpacas in the UK at the moment that we have to have to make such decisions.

On a lighter note...Yesterday we decided to take advantage of the weather... to have a girls day out walking in the Lake District. Now, there is a bit of theme with our walks...we have a guide book...no proper map...and we get slightly lost. Well, not wanting to deviate from the norm...we got a bit off track...very early on in the walk... To be fair, when we checked the guide book, it had been published in 1999...so what was then described as 'an ill-defined path'...is probably now completely overgrown.

Luckily someone had a sense of direction...well maybe not a sense of direction but an iphone with a GPS...and we managed to find civilisation...civilisation with a roaring log fire...civilisation called The George and Dragon. The barman perked up when we entered...5 females, 2 dogs (including Velvet who also answers to 'Where You Been?'), 4 banana muffins and a banana (I am on fat watch hence no muffin!)...it was obvious that not many folks happened to pop in on a Tuesday afternoon in January...he was very chatty asking where we were from and what we doing...he asked if we wanted his details...just as some of the single girls thought the day was looking up...he produced a business card...Guided Fell Walks in the Lake District!...nothing if not an opportunist... however, I expect that he lost all hope of signing up any clients for anything more strenuous than a stroll... when we ordered the bottle of red wine at the bar!

Finally a couple of photos of the Blueberry girls who have left us guessing...no spit nor sit...

Renata (Best of British Champion Northumberland Show 2011)

Nicola

None the wiser.

2012-01-16T19:03:00.001Z

Well, we really are none much the wiser as to which of our females has miscarried. We did use Legacy to spit-off all of the females in the group, and every one spat, with the exception of 3 girls; who neither sat nor spat. The females in question are the two white girls that were purchased at the Blueberry auction; Nicola and Renata; and Beck Brow Pepsi Lola. We really didn't see the point in over stressing the girls (as two are obviously pregnant) so we will just keep an eye on them.

Looking back at our mating records: Nicola sat readily when first mated; Renata took a little more persuading; and Pepsi was never keen...so does that point the finger at Pepsi...I do hope not...this will be the first year that our 'home grown' females will be having their own cria...it does make it extra special.

For that same reason I was so pleased that it wasn't Beck Brow Lucie. Lucie's mum (Nancy) came to us at foot with one of the first three females that we purchased. We chose to mate Nancy with EPC Top Account of Fowberry and we were delighted when she produced such a beautiful female, who has now joined our core herd. Lucie, who has fawn in her pedigree, is now pregnant to our own Waradene St Patrick of EPC. The resulting cria really will give us a chance to evaluate our own breeding decisions...it is a long process even without any mishaps!

Beck Brow Pepsi Lola (full sister to Poppet)

Beck Brow Lucie

We have had another lovely weekend...treating ourselves to the 10 course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Sharrow Bay Hotel, situated on Lake Ullswater. We went with Robyn and Craig having decided to make this a Christmas present to each other this year. We chose the option to have a different wine (half glass) to accompany each course, so as you can imagine we had rather a jolly time! Hence on Sunday we went walking in an attempt to burn off a few calories...unfortunately I don't think we quite managed to negate the previous evenings intake! Anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Sharrow Bay. We have stayed at the Hotel on a number of occasions but this time decided to save some pennies by staying in a lovely B&B nearby, which we will definitely do again.

Lastly, I have had a complaint about my biased blogging...sorry Colin...I know that Velvet gets much more blog space than Tyke...but she is far naughtier...any way here is a photo of Tyke in his winter gear!

Tyke...who was having a few alpaca problems this morning...no one recognised him in his tartan coat!

I have just replied to an email asking for our opinion on the BAS magazine article featuring a local breeder who produces alpaca meat. This was the final paragraph of my reply:

I really do feel that we will be doing a massive disservice to those breeders who have done so much to improve the standards of our national herd, and to our alpaca industry on the whole, if we are to start breeding alpacas with an eye on the dinner table rather than an eye on Saville Row.

All those in favour say aye!

A Miscarriage.

2012-01-12T18:32:00.002Z

After a very positive start to the new year we had a blip yesterday. Unfortunately, whilst doing the poo picking Paul found a foetus in the maiden field. No more than 2.5 inches long (base of neck to tail) we knew by it's size it had to be one of the younger females mated late in the year. We checked everyone; no tell tale signs under the tail, no one showing any obvious change in behaviour.

This morning I decided we should spit off the girls, that way we could give prophylactic antibiotics if we felt this to be necessary. Our young working stud males can all be a bit eager at spit offs, thus wanting to keep disruptions down to a minimum, I decided Explorer, who is not yet working, could have a little venture across the lane to the girls.

He started off well with his 2 favourite girls; Lucie and Roma. Both spat off. Next Renata, he wasn't as keen but did enough to get a rejection. Biba, our black girls was fourth to be presented...now he wasn't keen at all...positively turned up his nose in fact...I did my best ogling impersonation...still not interested...then something caught his eye...something white...something gorgeous...he looked back at Biba then back at this thing of beauty...he went closer then stepped back to admire...what was it he saw?...it was himself in the mirror! Yes, I kid you not...he then lost all interest and started going round all the mirrors...a whole room of gorgeousness! So that was it... I will spit off Nicola and Biba tomorrow using Legacy (old and wise and knows when they are pregnant by the merest whiff...and not quite so vain).

I remember going to a lecture at our first British Alpaca Futurity and being surprised to hear that 20% of alpaca pregnancies do not result in a cria (a live cria at 6 months of age). This seemed to us to be high, although I now believe that this is similar to many mammals. Last year we lost no pregnancies, but have lost 2 cria (one at birth and one at 3 months of age). Hence we did prepare ourselves that we would be very lucky if all the girls actually delivered. At least no one appears to be upset by their loss of pregnancy.

We have actually had a couple of dry days this week so I have been able to have a good look at some of the cria fleeces...what a difference a dry windy day makes...especially when trying to assess the finest fleeces. Hopefully we will have a few juniors making the show team this year. If anyone has any concerns as to whether showing is a stressful experience for juniors...I found a photo from Northumberland Show...that is Explorer asleep with Poppet using him as a pillow...you don't get more chilled out that that!

Explorer and Poppet asleep at Northumberland Show.

I always find it interesting to see how mums and cria cope at weaning time. It isn't always as predicted; with some of the most protective mums accepting weaning without a backward glance, and others who have appeared a bit indifferent coping less well. This year it is Camilla who is the surprise, last year she was glad to be rid of Explorer (to be fair he was trying to mate everyone...bit of an embarrasment to her) but this year she has been moping around since the adorable Rumour has been weaned. I will be interested to see how Lady Gaga copes...she must be the proudest mum ever...despite Boots being very independent...touch Boots and you get the glare...the Gaga glare has to be seen...ice cool!

Alpaca walking (passed) Dog walking (failed)...must try harder!

2012-01-09T16:10:00.001Z

Another fairly leisurely weekend...I have declared myself officially back to work today...that is the problem with being self employed...work and pleasure do blur in to one at times...especially when work is alpaca related.

On Saturday morning we weaned the second group of cria. This is the first year that we have not weaned all of the cria at the same time. We now have enough cria born to wean them more accurately (thus avoiding over burdening nursing Mums who are struggling to maintain condition feeding large cria). With births stretching from May to September last year, we have decided to split the cria into three groups. The final group of Quintos, Boots and Adelle will be weaned late February, if they are well enough grown of course.

The first six weanlings have now past the halter training test; all having made it to the lane end and back without any trouble. All are pretty good at standing to have their legs lifted too (toe nail trimming practise) Crystal is a sitter for leg lifting (although good at walking) but we will work on that whilst she is still a manageable size.

It is interesting to see how the older weanlings have established their group...I am sure they are looking at the latest four and saying..."just get over it ... Mummy's boy"

Finesse talking about the new kids with Katie (these two are the best of friends...unfortunately Katie is on livery and will be leaving us soon).

We have had a little sunshine today. It will take some time for the mud to dry out, but at least it isn't getting any worse. It is a struggle to find a clean alpaca to photograph;

Parisien (dark fawn) isn't looking too dirty from a distance...Roma would certainly not stand close inspection (look at those knees)

Biba seems to have excelled in the dirty stakes despite being our only black alpaca.

Beck Brow Explorer doesn't do dirty of course!

On Sunday we decided to have a family walk...due to time restrictions (Robyn and Craig had a Sunday dinner invitation)...we chose to go to Bewcastle...a bit bleak at the best of times never mind in January...but the map said that we could complete the walk within 2 hours. Well it started to drizzle, but we decided to go for it anyway...it was also a bit windy but this made us feel like troopers. We had managed an hour and a half of the walk...when...Velvet caught the whiff of a rabbit...off she went (as Robyn pointed out Velvet's sense of smell seems to be rather stronger than her sense of hearing)...one and a half hours later...soaking wet...and covered in mud (us not Velvet)...we found her...talk about MAD...it was my fault of course...according to Paul I need to train her properly...now there is a challenge I will not be winning!

Paul and Velvet

Saturday night I checked the British Alpaca Futurity website to double check the closing dates for entries http://www.britishalpacafuturity.com/baf12/closingdates.php now Paul is my witness, all dates were the same; 14th Jan 2012. So on Saturday I decided we didn't have time to make any decisions and get any entries in on time (even if they were just photo entries) only to check again this morning to see that the dates have been changed to the 14th February...that's more like it...far too soon past the festive break to make any decisions yet.

Sharing Advice!!

2012-01-03T18:35:00.002Z

Happy New Year!!...a little belated...and a bit blowy (with gale force winds blowing, across Cumbria and Scotland especially, we have been without electricity for most of the day)...but wishing you all a happy and successful 2012...I feel it's going to be a good one...positive thinking always does the trick I promise!

We normally start our alpaca halter training during the Christmas break, whilst we have plenty of helpers around, however this year it has been difficult to find a day when it hasn't been raining. In the end we just had to get wet...I am not sure who likes getting wet least...the alpacas or the trainers but it has to be done.

After a couple of times just wearing the halters (ensuring the halters are a correct fit is essential - I do like the Mary Roach cria harnesses with the fully adjustable fastening rather than traditional buckle) the weanlings ventured out. We like to take them out in groups of three if we can. We have sometimes enlisted the help of a 'good walker' to follow (this was going to be Explorer this year as they are all in awe of him...tails flipped over upon the mere sight of him) but we made good progress unaided. It always tends to be the third time out...and they just 'get it'...some more than others it has to be said....

Craig takes the persuasive approach with Annabelle

...and makes good progress...giving plenty of verbal encouragement

Magellan (with Robyn) and Finesse are also off and away (Paul also has an alpaca but his sweet talking doesn't seem to have the same charm...tell me about it Katie!)

Synergy and Crystal off up the lane despite the rain.

Today was an alpaca chatter day...Magnum and Satchmo are to be relocated to Scotland...and their lovely new owner came to spend some time with us on the farm (thankfully she survived the wind and the lack of electricity unscathed). As they will not be going north until March...when they are fully halter trained!...We (Amanda and myself) can enjoy the boys for a while longer. We are so lucky in always finding lovely new homes for our alpacas...the boys are to have a log cabin with veranda as their new abode...and no one makes it as far as the for sale list either!

Now I know blogs should really be about sharing knowledge and experience and should not be all me drivelling on...so I feel I should share this information girls...Robyn (daughter) gets new car (Volvo) it has some rattles...she takes car back...sorted. Next time she gets in car...the seat belt alarm is sounding constantly...checks fastening all correct...stops car gets in and out, turns off engine...it still keeps alarming...it is driving her crazy...she drives to garage to complain..."Surely a brand new car should not have so many problems"...and this is where the advice comes in...DON'T PUT SO MUCH STUFF IN YOUR HANDBAG THAT IT WEIGHS THE SAME AS A SMALL HUMAN WHEN PLACED ON THE PASSENGER SEAT!...embarrassing or what?

A Review of 2011

2011-12-28T18:46:00.004Z

It wasn't the easiest start to 2011...with temperatures as low as minus 17 degrees it meant plentiful supplies of sugar beet for the alpacas, and plentiful layers of thermals for the humans. Velvet (our Jocker...that's a Jack Russell / Cocker Spaniel cross...used to be called a mistake, but is now of course trendy...although she still gets called a mistake round here fairly often!)... got herself plastered in January, after a run in with a post van...this of course was only the start of Velvet's many mishaps in 2011!

Velvet

We did escape the cold in February with a holiday to Kerala in Southern India...where I celebrated my 50th birthday (50 and don't I know it...never mind crying at sad films...I was crying at Professional Master chef last week!) ...although we didn't visit Delhi on this occasion... I did still manage to acquire the belly...and was more than happy to be back in Cumbria with our alpacas by the end of it.... Especially as we returned home to be greeted by a lovely new farm sign...

A present from Robyn and Craig (the sign not Waradene St Patrick...they are generous but that might just be a bit much!)

Late March and April were unseasonally warm...the grass started growing much earlier than is the norm...and the alpacas were getting fat...(little did we know this was going to be our summer in Cumbria...as it rained for most of July and August)...the alpacas were rather warm in their winter fleece...but made the most of the spa facilities...

Cambridge Camilla hogging the foot spa with EP Cambridge Lady Gaga looking peeved!

Spring brought with it field maintenance, more fencing and the building of additional field shelters. Hopefully this will be it for a while at Beck Brow, and we will have a year off from any more alterations in 2012...less expenditure and more income is the plan...and on that subject....

Paul enjoying playing (boys on tractors...can not be called working!)

Yes... the subject of spending...some things are just too tempting to resist...and Inca Van Dieman Chaska was certainly irresitable...a beautiful dark fawn female; with such coverage, density and strength of bone that she could easily have been mistaken for a macho...if it wasn't for her having one of the prettiest faces and the most doe like eyes you have ever seen...add to that a pregnancy to Neptune of Houghton...Waradene St. Patrick got lucky and another female was added to his harem.

Inca Van Dieman Chaska newly arrived at Beck Brow Alpacas

Beck Brow Explorer (dam: Cambridge Camilla sire: Cambridge Navigator of ACC) has had an incredible year on the show circuit...proving himself to be a little star. He attended four British Alpaca Society (BAS) shows and has managed to decorate our boot room single handedly;

Four first places (including The National Show in a class of 22)
Res. Champion Junior Male Huacaya
Champion Intermediate Huacaya
Champion White Male Huacaya
Champion White Huacaya
Two Supreme Championships!!

Beck Brow Explorer at The National Show .... Yes Explorer you do have to go back in the ring!

Beck Brow Explorer gets Supreme Champion at Northumberland and Westmorland Shows

In amongst our travels on the BAS show circuit; to local shows; and to The World Sheep Dog Trials...we had of course the birthing season to fit in...not our easiest with a number of cria deciding not to come out legs first. Beck Brow Magellan (dam Chaska above)...was the first of out 2011 cria to be born...not fawn as anticipated...but a little cracker all the same.

Beck Brow Magellan

Of course we were excited about the anticipated arrival of each of our cria...but probably none more so than that of EP Cambridge Lady Gaga...the reason of course was that this was to be our first, and only cria (for 2011) of Waradene St Patrick of EPC. Snooty Boots (as we named her) was supposed to be our last born cria of the year...however Lady Gaga had other ideas and decided to deliver at under ten and a half months gestation. Luckily, Snooty Boots, was a fighter and was up and away after a couple of days.

Part of the excitement was about what colour would she be...we had especially chosen St Patrick based on the strength of colour in his genetics, as well as his presentation...thankfully, we were not to be disappointed...Lady Gaga is beige...but Boots popped out the exact same colour as her sire...and the absolute spit of him too...

Beck Brow Snooty Boots ... a daddy's girl...

Waradene St Patrick...can't get out of that one Paddy!

So with Lady Gaga passing the finishing post early, and Silverstream Hoity Toity taking her time; Beck Brow Quintos ended our birthing season in early September. Our final tally (unfortunately we lost 2 cria this year including Minnie's Max) is six females and four males (excluding alpacas on livery)

Beck Brow Quintos

2011 also brought our ideas for our Beck Brow Alpaca Shop closer to reality. It has taken some sweat (nearly tears but not quite...I save them for when watching TV) and a journey on a massive learning curve...but together with the help of some expert craftsmen, we have some beautiful throws and scarves...just the beginning of our range (I just wish fleece sorting was as exciting as the finished product!)

Our first Beck Brow Alpaca throws

August Bank Holiday was the date for the sale of the prize winning Blueberry Alpaca herd from Cumbria. The auction was packed with breeders from all over the UK present...we again added to our core herd with three females... including the highest priced girl (Best of British Champion 2011 at Northumberland Show) and the third highest priced female (a black)

The Blueberry girls...now all pregnant to our own Waradene St Patrick of EPC

Velvet was back in her sick bed in the autumn...after a spell in doggy Intensive Care post the ingestion of poison (fungi we think)...it did take a couple of weeks before she was back to normal...thankfully she managed to come down from the house roof the following month unscathed!

Velvet...feeling poorly

Our final additions...and these really are our last alpaca purchases for some time...arrived at Beck Brow ready to face a Cumbrian winter. We decided, after his success on the show circuit, that Beck Brow Explorer deserved a special reward...two in fact...in the form of Easter-Wood Metisha with Easter-wood Adelle at foot...these two females have Australian genetics to die for...and super fine fleeces...we will have some time to wait but they have been especially chosen as the icing on Explorer's cake...we will see (that will be 2013!!!)

Easter-Wood Metisha and Easter-Wood Adelle

It has been a jam-packed year here at Beck Brow...at times exhausting...but mostly exciting. We have had alpacas go to new homes, and others who have new owners but are still at livery here...we also have lots of new additions...all chosen for their individual qualities and what they will add to our herd...who have all settled well...we end the year feeling we have achieved a great deal...but most of all we have fields full of healthy and happy alpacas...and after all that is what it is all about.

Have a Gorgeous Christmas!

2011-12-22T11:53:00.001Z

It just occurred to me on Monday that Christmas was fast approaching, and I had done very little about it. So, first thing it was a trip to the market gardeners to get a tree; it seemed that I had left it a bit late, no six foot trees left, I had to settle for a five foot one. But on a positive note I got a £10 reduction for my last minute purchase, and I didn't need Paul's help with the fairy (yes even I can reach that high).

On the alpaca front it has been all go. Everyone has been wormed (Cydectin 2%), toe nails trimmed, and the oldest cria have been weaned. We had no dramas on any front. The six cria; Magellan, Annabelle, Crystal, Finesse, Katie and Synergy are coping well. I am often asked about weaning and whether newly weaned cria should be out of sight of their Mums. Well, I really don't think there is a right or wrong approach, we have tried both. This year the cria are only separated by Explorer and his pals. Both Mums and cria seem happy that they can still see each other, and the cria have settled well (just a little whimper now and again from Synergy...the youngest...he also had the sweetest mummy in Galaxy).

I did mean to join in the shelter decoration challenge but forgot to buy any tinsel when I was shopping last night (it was the stress... of not being able to purchase all of the items on my shopping list...it has become a case of life or death importance...I went to a number of stores...but no luck...no fresh sage anywhere....where's the wisdom in that!). Anyway, in order to join in I have had to resort to decorating the alpacas.

Explorer was the chosen one...as Amanda so rightly pointed out...he likes wearing red!! If Explorer could put his own halter on he would...he loves showing off...he really does believe that he is Gorgeous...however when he saw the antlers he wasn't sure...I put mine on first...don't think that convinced him...I promised him that it was no loss of dignity and that Waradene St Patrick would be dressing up as a leprechaun come the 1st of March...obviously fearing that he might be out shone...the job was done.

Beck Brow Explorer with some old fool wearing antlers.

Actually what I think did the trick was Quintos prancing about in his antlers...he is another show off and I actually had to take them off him or he he would have gone outside wearing them! We don't have favourites around here...but push Paul...and he chooses Quintos every time...there is something about boys that are particularly endearing...I have a real soft spot for Magellan this year...but of course they are all adorable.

Beck Brow Quintos...a little dear!

As my blogging has been getting less and less frequent and my 'Chrismas things to do' list isn't complete I will take this opportunity to;

Wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!

Many thanks again to those of you who take the time to read this blog, be that as a follower or those who have accidentally clicked on the wrong Google link...it is much appreciated!

P.S found some sage...in the garden...just don't tell Paul!

Tiger Feet...That's Right!

2011-12-16T14:14:00.001Z

Mud, Mud, Mud...looking on the bright side it has me reminiscing about the 70's...their music was pretty bad...but can anyone remember the dreadful dance that went with Tiger Feet...and we all thought it was so cool at the time! Well, even worse is the real thing...MUD...give me a bit of snow and ice anyday. It has rained here for days and we have never been so muddy, but as I type the snow is begining to fall, so lets hope we have some reprieve from the rain for a while.

I have been a bit concerned about Boots...our alpacas normally stay inside when the weather is bad but even they get bored after days of rain, so have ended up going out...Boots always looks cold when she gets soaking wet...it is the way she hunches her back in the wind and the rain...I tried putting a coat on but it was wet and muddy in no time, and so only added to the misery. She is gaining around a kilo a week now so steady progress, and she does get tucked into the Camelibra, so she is doing okay.

I was concerned that Boots was looking a little stiff a few weeks ago but this seems to have resolved with injectable A,D&E. We have decided to follow the advice given by Karin Mueller and inject at a dose rate of 2000 iu of Vitamin D per kilo bodyweight, rather than all the cria getting the same dose. After all there is a massive difference in weight between our cria born in May and those born in late August. I know we debated paste versus injectable vitamins earlier in the year and we had some interesting comments. Looking back I am pleased that we made the decision to change; http://beckbrowalpacas.blogspot.com/2011/01/ad-epaste-or-injection.html

All of the the herd have also had their selenium and Colbalt drench. We are back using Maxigro, it does have to be given more frequently than some supplements, but as it is very well tolerated this isn't a problem. Our next job on the list is winter worming...yes we are later than normal...we have been waiting for a day when the alpacas are dry...we have been waiting a while. Actually we have now decided to leave it until next week...we know we don't have a worm problem as we do our own testing on a regular basis...and it now makes sense to worm the herd when the cria are weaned, and the cria are at their most vunerable.

A rather damp Boots...Amanda always comments that she (Boots that is) is rather cat like in apperance...I can see it in this photo...I think it's the ears!

For all those who wonder how I keep our alpacas so clean...I give you Synergy...we have lost the battle!

Now mud does present a strong argument for breeding brown alpacas...Finesse still looking spotless...if a bit damp!

I have actually finished fleece sorting...I can't tell you how good this feels...I feel like I should be cracking open some champagne...unfortunately having just worked out the cost of processing...I think I had better leave the bubbles in the cellar. Talking of which I decided to give it a clean out yesterday (the cellar)...whilst I nip down there pretty frequently...yes we do have wine stored down there...but it also houses the tumble drier and freezer...I think it might have been a while since it was cleared out...the newspaper lining the shelf was dated 2000...much older than any of the wine I found down there I can tell you!

Something New!

2011-12-12T13:20:00.000Z

There seems to be a common theme on all the alpaca blogs...for once there is no north south divide...no weather envy...it would appear that we are all up to our ankles in mud. Our alpacas are usually pretty good at keeping clean, but even they are failing to look pristine...

A rather dirty EP Cambridge Lady Gaga

It was more fleece sorting yesterday...did you think that I had finished with the trip to the mill...unfortunately not... but another full day and I will have cracked it...just as well as I am now at the stage where I am starting to grade people's hair as I stand behind them in the supermarket queue.

We are now pretty short of stock for our soon to up and running shop...Paul, who is not usually very observant has noticed that I have a lovely collection of alpaca scarves to wear...Robyn and Craig also have a couple to test drive...all in the name of market research of course...they just get softer the more they are worn, and for the first time ever I can wear a scarf that I don't have to keep taking off because I get irritatingly warm in shops...see I can recommend with confidence.

Taking of which; a plug for The Royal Mail. Last week I posted a parcel to the US containing 6 of our alpaca scarves. The customer had advised that these were to be Xmas presents so it was important that they arrived in plenty of time. Posted from our village post office last Friday using Royal Mail Airsure they arrived at their destination before I had even forwarded the tracking code...door to door 6 days!

From the Beck Brow Collection Craig?

I will keep this short...it is Friday...Paul is in London....my parents get new sofas....2 'old' Laura Ashley sofas are begging for a new home...they look lovely in our snug...the problem?...Paul's favourite recliner has to get moved to the garage (it didn't end up in one piece but that is a longer story)...well I thought that I had got away with it...I had warned him that we had something new...he had a quick glance ...not much was said...

As we were feeding the alpacas...I hear Paul mutter... "I am not here to be your servant you know...behaving like royalty"...oh dear...overstepped the mark?.. thankfully he was only talking to EPC Lady Gaga (she is worse than I am)...Paul reminded me that the last time I warned him that we had got something new whilst he was away in London...he came home to find a dog called Velvet...a sofa could never cause that much trouble he declared...so he had been relieved...should I have taken more advantage of the situation!

So not a lot happening in the alpaca world at the moment. I think that we are all looking ahead to next year and our births. I have been taking it one step further and looking into stud services for Cambridge Camilla for next year. We are planning to put our Champion Beck Brow Explorer over our white females, but of course Camilla is his dam so we are looking further a field for her. It would appear that I am not alone in my long term plans as I have noticed that Waradene St Patrick of EPC has been receiving a lot of interest via our website. It is a shame that we spend all of our time from September onwards looking forward to spring...thankfully we have Christmas to distract us!

Lovely to see you...

2011-12-09T18:39:00.004Z

Still a bit blowy today, although nothing compared to yesterday; Amanda came to visit the Beck Brow cria well wrapped up against the cold. Having been a bit under the weather herself, she hadn't been for a couple of weeks, so was looking forward to a warm welcome. Quintos was first in the queue...When he was born Amanda spent 3 hours with a hair drier getting his temperature up to norm...so he is a little bit special...

"No definitely not finest alpaca...more Tesco if you don't mind me saying!"

"No hat either...call yourself an alpaca breeder!"

"Look don't tell anyone but you're my favourite"

"Yes...Really!"

"ahhhhh"

Moment lost...here comes Magellan..."manners please!"

Easter-Wood Adelle with the results of the storm stuck in her fleece

And a welcome from Katie and Finesse (right)

Thankfully we survived the gale force winds without any damage...I was out first thing expecting the worst...but no. The barn looked liked a tornado had whirled through... with hay everywhere...including in all the cria fleeces...and by the amount of poo inside no one had ventured out...it did take 3 hours to do the mucking and sweeping out this morning... but at least we all survived intact!

I have had rather a lazy day today...you do need them sometimes...some socialising...a little bit of copy for the new website...and it's nearly time for a glass of Marlborough Savignon Blanc I feel!

Fine Fleece and a Hairy Journey!

2011-12-08T20:42:00.004Z

We had already made plans to travel the four hours to Banbury to the Specialist Spinning Company today...no way were we going to be put of by a little wind and rain...okay maybe I am playing it down a little...it was blowing a gale (up to 70 mph) and sheeting with rain...my poo picking acquired muscles were put to the test as I tried to keep the van from weaving across the lanes of the M6.

Now I know some of you in the South might be complaining about the weather... having travelled down country the best you can have is "a bit grim" we are taking "horrendous" in Cumbria...and as for over the border...well I can only imagine.

Paul joined me on the journey...I was glad of his company...not for the conversation...he doesn't do 'girl's talk' (or even alpaca chatter for more than 30 minutes)... but because I am obviously not safe to be let out on the roads alone;

Paul; "No...left hand lane...it's a roundabout...do you not understand roundabouts...indicate"!!

Paul; "What are you doing"

Me; "Following the satnav"

Paul; "No go right"

Me; "It says left"

Paul; "It's wrong...pass me the map"

Satnav; "Turn around when possible....turn around where possible"

Despite all we arrived in good time with 400 kilos of fleece.

I had decided to make the trip down as I wanted to discuss our needs in person. We require our yarn to be spun very finely, but also fairly tightly in order to be strong enough for weaving. There were a few tuts from the boys when I said we wanted coloured yarn spun so finely...however as I handed them some sacks to dip their hands into...they quickly changed their opinion...obviously they were not expecting the fleece to have the fineness of the white....however we don't want to compromise on the grade of fineness whatever the colour of our fleece...and are very strict with skirting...which was commended. We now just have to wait to see the results...just slightly scary!

The machinery used for plying after spinning

The photo is not very clear but you can hopefully see the tracks...a five foot draw means that the yarn has a finish that is as near that of handspinning as you can get...much more successful for alpaca than short draw equipment I am told.

The alpacas are all tightly tucked into barns and shelters...we obviously still have electricity...with overhead lines I expect we will be lucky if we keep it much longer...torch batteries charged...and candles at the ready!

The results of the experiment...

2011-12-03T11:31:00.002Z

It has taken a little while...as all good research does...but I believe that I now have enough evidence; I can now reveal that the Paul Poo Picking Experiment has been a success. Some of you may recall that Paul has a very strong aversion to operating the Poover...on the few occasions that he has been persuaded to participate single-handedly...I feel sorry for the alpacas...all that shouting and swearing, the blaming of the tools...they are not used to it.

Well that is all in the past...The Pavlov's dog conditioning is working a treat (you will recall that the dog was conditioned to associate food with the ringing of a bell and eventually the mere ringing of the bell had the dog salivate)...in this case I had Paul help me with some fleece sorting...one hour later he decides it would be better if he did some poo picking whilst it was dry...now all I have to say is 'fleece sorting' and Paul is the paddock poo picking quicker that Velvet after a rabbit...the paddocks are pristine!!

Talking of Velvet...do all dogs like to sleep like humans...

Velvet

The reason for the fleece sorting frenzy is because we have managed to negotiate at slot at the Specialist Spinning Company . We have decided to drive down to the mill in Banbury, Oxon so that we can discuss our requirements in person. With a five hour journey to endure I have decided we may as well as much fleece as possible; 350 kilos weighed last night...I wonder what I'll have done by Monday!

Thank you for all your comments on the last blog. Magellan did indeed undo the cycle chain but didn't in fact make it down the pub (I think seat adjustment was just a step to far). He really is very entertaining and soooo smart. Yesterday I was leaning over him to pick something out of his fleece...(he just stood there despite the tangle)...when he carefully pulled down the zip on my fleece...okay not that smart...but then he pulled it up again...very smart! This morning's trick is to weigh himself...he has worked out that if he steps on the scales they light up...love him!

I won't start the whole debate about cria handling again. I think we covered that one in a blog earlier this year; http://beckbrowalpacas.blogspot.com/2011/01/muddle-of-explanation.html. We continue to handle our cria regularly in an appropriate manner...we have had no behaviour problems...in fact quite the reverse our alpacas are confident and don't mind being handled, which results in a stress free environment for all...Explorer the only male we kept from last year's births is very respectful towards me despite plenty of cria attention and medical intervention.

Beck Brow Magellan waiting for his breakfast this morning.

It really hasn't been the weather for photos...well not fluffy photos anyway...here as some bedraggled alpacas from this morning. There was obviously something interesting happening up the lane (probably Velvet making her escape...she could have starred in the Fenton you tube clip...no bother). On the right are the girls from Weight watchers and on the left are the mums with cria.

Weight Watchers Club

The nursing mothers...not bothering to venture out.

Well must be off I have fleeces calling...Paul seems to have disappeared whilst I have been blogging...I can now hear the chain saw in the wood...he obviously has done poo picking... and thinks if he his far enough away he can avoid me...we will see!

Vitamin injections and retail outlets

2011-11-28T18:46:00.000Z

I have been a poor blogger of late...partly because it is that time of the year when there is a bit of a lull in activity...and partly because I have been out and about.

On Friday Amanda and I combined work and pleasure... by taking stocks of our scarves and throws to some retail outlets in the South Lakes...we also enjoyed a leisurely lunch out whilst we were there (shame not to). Our products have been very well received, which is very exciting but also rather problematic...I have just found out that the spinner that I was planning to use can't now fit us in for another 16 weeks...we will run out of stock before then...drat...I now need a plan B...for at least 200 kilos...suggestions welcome!

On Saturday and Sunday it was Paul's turn for a trip out to the lakes. This time purely pleasure as we joined a weekend party intent on celebrating Paul's sister's 40th birthday. We stayed in a hotel overlooking Lake Ullswater...beautiful scenery...lovely accommodation...and service that would have made Fawlty Towers look 5 star....but it was very amusing...I am sure the food left the kitchen well presented, but by the time it reached the table few 'beef towers' were still standing...the poor waiter (who had earlier tripped up dropping the drinks that he was carrying...breaking glasses and trowing the contents on to guests)...did apologise... as he put down the plate he politely said; "sorry yours is just a total mess"...full marks for honesty.

It has been back to work today. After last year's debate about the benefits of injectable vitamins (AD&E) versus the vitamin paste; we have now moved on to the injections for the whole herd (the decision was aided by the fact that a number of our herd appear to dislike the new eggs-port banana flavoured paste). So everyone has had their injections today (0.5mls cria 1.5mls adults). We were pretty slick but it still does take rather longer than drenching.

The auction females have now been joined by the maidens...many of whom are still too fat...still just Camellibra and Fibergest for them. Biba the black females seems glad of the company...she was rather left out as the 2 white girls stuck closely together. Our herd do tend to stick in colour groups.

Beck Brow Lucie giving the new girl the cold shoulder

Although winter hasn't even really got going, I am already looking forward to spring...it somehow makes the idea of winter more bearable. Checking out The British Alpaca Futurity 2012 site I see that the new venue (NEC) has also brought some new visitor attractions including a craft fair. Another welcome change is that of class size; classes will be limited to a maximum of 12 with rosettes and oral reasoning to sixth place. I think this will be much more enjoyable for spectators; as classes will keep moving as well as the addition of more oral reasoning (much better for feedback for breeders too). Now I just need to wait and see if we have a show team to take...with only 11 cria to choose from...I don't think that we will have many surprises.

It's a shame that their isn't a prize for the smartest alpaca...Magellan who manages to untie any knot that I can tie...was a bit confused by the cycle chain with combination lock...it took him a couple of days...but we found it unlocked yesterday morning...Paul is my witness...I kid you not (I did only change one of the numbers though...obviously too easy!).

Buzzing in November!

2011-11-21T13:12:00.002Z

Even here in Cumbria, we are experiencing unseasonably mild weather for November, which is very welcome. I was looking through our photo archives for some 'alpacas in snow' photos for our Christmas cards for this year; the ones I have chosen are from last November... when we were under six inches of snow and it was minus 15 degrees! It is amazing to see how much hay there was in our cria fleeces then, when compared to this year...how long will it last I wonder...the alpacas are certainly enjoying some fine weather after all our summer rain...the season have been very confusing this year...although the autumn leaves are a favourite addition to the menu:

Willow and Baheti

After a later than planned finish on Friday night...(I had arranged for a pallet of Camelibra and Fibregest to be delivered on Friday...as the lorry is to big to come down our lane I had arranged this for when Paul was going to be home, hoping that he could spare my back...unfortunately Paul got delayed at work...Plan B came into action and I had the pallet dropped off at a farm up the road...which meant we ended up moving Camelibra about at 7.30 pm)...toe nail trimming was postponed for another day.

Saturday afternoon we had a visit from our friends and fellow breeders Judith and Michael at Cockerham Alpacas. Michael brought his ultra-sound scanner and kindly scanned some of our late bred females. We were especially doubtful about Lucie and Roma (Roma went to the YAG show) but both were scanned pregnant, so we actually have 15 females pregnant to St. Patrick now.

There was lots of alpaca chatter, lots ideas for the future discussed, plenty of red wine consumed...I guess it was Sunday morning before we ran out of steam...and no toe nail trimming got done on Sunday either...you do have to be in the mood for toe nail trimming don't you!

A bit like fleece sorting really...although as I said in my last blog I have the bug. Rosemary asked about grading, and everyone will do thing differently, but I grade according to what I will be paying; less than 22 microns (baby) and less than 27 microns (fine). I actually only use what I consider to be below 26 microns and offer other fleece to hand spinners. I have had a phone call today from a lady who runs a spinning guild in the North East...they are so pleased with the results of their last purchase...that they are returning for more fleece next week.

We have been fortunate enough to purchase fleece from the elite herd at EP Cambridge Alpaca Stud. As you might expect from the experts, not only do we have some fantastic quality fleeces but the fleece is relatively free of debris (although it is a dusty job!) and have been packed and stored to ensure the quality is maintained...this entailed the bags being left open for a couple of weeks after shearing, thus reducing the risk of moisture being trapped into the bags...this has also meant that I have opened one or two of the bags and a wasp has flown out...what a shock...last thing you know... you are in Wiltshire and it'sMay... and then you're in Cumbria and it's November (believe it or not)!

Last word...Boots has put on another kilo...she is off...she is roller blading now!

Excuse me whilst I sneeze...

2011-11-18T11:08:00.001Z

I have been reminiscing this week...back to when my brother and I used to get a bath on a Sunday night...every Sunday without fail, ready for school on Monday... (it used to alternate as to who got the water first hand)...we lived on a farm so weekend activities could be a bit mucky...hence post bath time...we had our ears checked...just to make sure that we had done a good job.

Well I would have failed inspection on numerous occasions this week...I have been fleece sorting like a women possessed...I don't think I have had so much dust in so many crevices... hundreds of beautiful whites fleeces have passed through my hands...is it just me or do some fleeces feel cool to touch...you just know that they are going to produce the loveliest end products. Hence, I am now getting organised to get the fleece to the spinners in Yorkshire in January...there, I now have a target!

Talking of things possessed...Holly lost her head completely yesterday...the alarm call could be heard ringing through the valley...neighbours (and they are not close) were concerned...not only was she putting out some decibels, she was running around like a headless chicken. I ran out of the barn...leaving a trail of dust behind me...to find...a stray cat...not much more than a kitten...unfortunately it ran off before I could make another addition to the family.

Velvet, who is not supposed to be out unattended since the fungi incident, has been in trouble for running away (not with her bags packed or anything...she is not unhappy...she just likes to play in the wood). Yesterday I decided I would let her play in the garden whilst I was skirting fleece in the adjoining barn. I left Tyke, the Minature Yorkie, in charge...he is a bit of a snitch...he always starts yapping when she is doing something naughty...I kept looking out and she was still there...."good girl Velvet"...she likes praise...then the yapping..."where's Velvet?" I ask Tyke...he looks up...on the roof of the house!!!...I kid you not...She had climbed on a garden table, then jumped onto a wall, then on to the roof of a lean to, then on to the house roof ...(well that is how she came down!)... At least she is never boring.

Boots continues to do well despite efforts to knock her down to size:

Finesse keeping Boots out of the picture

And finally, someone who doesn't get his photo featured very often; Beck Brow Magnum. He is a lovely little fawn male who is never far from Young Punk Alfie. He is our only male from this year's cria who will be sold as a pet... Magellan, Synergy and Quintos will be kept as potential stud males (early days)...maybe I should just keep him as well?...he is no bother Paul!

Beck Brow Magnum

Nimrod the Dude!

2011-11-14T17:21:00.000Z

Earlier in the year we decided to separate our nursing females from the maidens (and those who had been left empty). Last year we found that the amount of feed required to maintain good body scores for the nursing, pregnant mums (especially when we had snow this time last year!) meant that the maidens ended up getting rather obese.

Well it has worked... we have managed to slim down some of our rotund girls... with limited pasture, plus ad lib hay, and hard feed of Camelibra and Fibregest...they are looking much improved. Happy that they are scoring somewhere around 3.5/5 (with the exception of Pebbles (4+) I have moved them on to more grass ready for the winter (still no peas and beans...just the nursing mums get additional rations at present).

Parisien, Bahati and Willow enjoying the fresh grass.

Of the females in the photo; only Bahati still belongs to us...Parisien and Willow are both sold and are on livery at Beck Brow...strange how for someone who wanted to breed fawns...I keep selling them and buying whites...I blame Beck Brow Explorer...he has made me diversify!

Talking of Explorer; Jeff did ask why no photo of him on my last blog...well the reason is...despite him being my favourite alpaca (okay I am like Brucie, I have more than one favourite)...I have to admit he doesn't take the most interesting photo...he doesn't do silly things...he doesn't get over excited...he doesn't like to loose his dignity...he just likes to pose... like he does in the show ring:

Beck Brow Explorer

Most of the time he poses and the rest of the time he eats...very interesting?

Although what is interesting about him is the amount of crimp he has on his chest...it is more obvious with his second fleece...and really isn't much different to his blanket...his consistency is amazing (I of course am not the least bit bias!)

You may recall that Nimrod was left with a rather 'floppy' hairstyle after shearing...it went through the Beatles mop top look, then it went through a Hugh Grant stage...

But just as I was thinking that we really need to get the scissors out ...

...he goes for the James Dean look...Nimrod the Dude!

I am still having problems getting Phoebe's skin sorted, she seems to be allergic to everything...I am making it worse I am sure...I am going to see if it will settle down by it's self (she had a course of antibiotics so I am not worried about secondary infection at the moment).

However I have had real success with Hoity's eyes at least. She has had problems since contacting mites last year...the skin remained swollen and caused her numerous problems...everything has been tried (including Ruggles) with limited success. However I have made a cocktail of Mange Mud available from Everyday Solutions http://www.everydaysolutionsrx.com/mange/ mixed with Filta Bac (just to make it easier to apply around the eye area)...the difference is amazing...the swelling has completely gone...and the skin is looking so much better...as it predicts on website...within days!

Alpaca Group Dynamics

2011-11-11T18:35:00.003Z

We seem to be spending a lot of time considering our alpaca group dynamics at the moment...we believe that this is key to a happy, healthy herd...at the end of the day some alpacas like each other and some...well...lets just say you don't feel the love. Take our two wethers; Nimrod and Julius, for example. It would be cruel to separate them they adore each other...so they are together...with Beck Brow Explorer. We decided to put Explorer in with the wethers in the hope that it would 'bring him on' rather than have him subservient to the stud males...he is also next to open females...we are really hoping he will be ready for work in the spring...exciting!

The stud males have been moved around a couple of times already since mating finished...once was accidental; due an open gate...but that seems to have worked well. As we suspected it is Anzac Almost Illegal who does not know his place, and hence causes the fighting. Anzac Hollywood's Attitude is behaving impeccably in with Legacy of Purston, and our Suri wether; Prince Snowstorm (better known as Snowdrop...yes Paul's pet name since he got castrated...the alpaca not Paul that is...you know what I mean)

Anzac Hollywood's Attitude...a picture of innocence!

Anzac Almost Illegal...absolutely criminal in fact...and no picture of innocence

So, Warandene St Patrick and Almost Illegal (Almo) have been separated again. I had planned to hold my nerve and let them fight it out...St Patrick is obviously in charge but Almo just gets too cheeky every now and again...when blood was drawn I lost my nerve...so they now have a fence between them...and guess what?...they obviously miss each other!

Waradene St Patrick of EPC....thinks that he is top dog

Unfortunately Anzac Almost Illegal...is a naughty puppy

Sorry!...missing you x

Another move has been Phoebe (who belongs to Robyn and Craig). She has been moved in with 'Jim's girls' (yes we still call the auction girls Jim's). Phoebe is a bit of a stress head and is very underweight (in addition to still having skin problems despite trying everything known). The idea was that we could control her feeding better in a small group. She is unfortunately usually an 'unpopular alpaca', which ever group that she is put in. However Biba does seem to be rather taken with her (I think the 2 white girls had previously been in the same paddock and were already bonded leaving her as a bit of a Gooseberry).

The other group dynamic we have been analysing is Metisha and Adelle. We put a lot of consideration into where to put the latest arrivals and decided that they definitely needed to go into the Mum and cria group. And as we didn't want to split this formed group, she went in with 12 females with cria at foot.

However Metisha obviously does find our herd behaviour a bit strange...coming into the barn all the time...staying in after breakfast for an hour or so (some even fall asleep...she was glaring at Galaxy this morning asleep with me just wandering around her)...and then Lady Gaga (whom she originally liked) always looking to eat out of hands (she is allowed extra rations)...what is going on. Hence, she does come in for food but likes to go straight out...which has meant that she has upset the equilibrium a little...but they are starting to settle down again. We are trying to keep handling to a minimum until we gain her trust.

All alpacas are so different. We have introduced 29 alpacas (mainly 1 or 2 at a time) into our herd in under 3 years (3 of those are now owned by Robyn and Craig) so we have had a bit of experience!. I was wondering if being a first time Mum was making things a little tense for Metisha, but looking back Katkin, Phoebe, and Baheti were also new mums. Maybe it's just our northern ways...anyway she is getting used to us all.

I was looking through our herd details for similarities, when it occurred to me that we have a really young herd at Beck Brow. We have 42 alpacas registered and only 7 of those have a date of birth before 2007...Legacy (14) must be in his element... Hugh Hefner move over!...however Metisha is in with a mixed age group and is in with Holly who is a very calm and kind matriarch.

I have had to stay home today...I had planned to help at The Scottish Fleece Show...but Paul was getting a hire car delivered (work related) and I needed to be in to sign for it...I rang him to tell him that it had arrived;

What is it? he enquires

A BMW I report back

Yes but what is it?

Blue I tell him...

Well...four wheels don't interest me...four legs do...what I did notice is; it isn't 4-wheel drive...and it is hired until the end of February...lets hope we don't get any snow...or the air will be blue...I suspect that he won't get very far from home in bad weather!

Appointment filled!

2011-11-09T15:52:00.005Z

Yipee...at last...Beck Brow Snooty Boots has put on some weight...over 2 kgs no less! I have been managing to sneak her extra Camelibra (it has to be sneaky as too much attention puts her off). She gets an extra handful in a bowl which she likes to...well not sure if she likes to...but she shares with Velvet (the dog)...if Velvet's glossy coat is anything to go by...Camelibra must be good for her fleece.!

She is still small, although I don't think that she has noticed and she definitely isn't little in attitude. Here she is looking like something from a 70's cop drama...always chewing a bit of dry grass:

Beck Brow Snooty Boots

However, Young Punk Annabelle thinks that Boots is far too small to be looking for a job with the police...in fact she thinks that she looks more in need of a couple of minders:

Boots gets measured up for size by Young Punk Annabelle

So it was decided; minders required...Beck Brow Finesse and Young Punk Alfie volunteered for the job of minding the rear.... whilst Annabelle took the lead...

Young Punk Alfie (back right) looks the part

As always the Beck Brow herd like to stick together and are all for team work...in fact there seemed to be a bit of competition for the vacancy at Snooty Boots Security...everyone was quick to surround the little star when a couple of raggamuffins came by...

Team work from The Snooty Boots Security Team

Katkin and team take the top watch

Beck Brow Magallen is the chief minder and came to check out the potential appointments...

Beck Brow Magellan

...prompting Adelle to give it her all...unfortunately she is too junior for the role at present...

Easter-Wood Adelle

Magellan wanted to see the team during fitness training...where Annabelle and Alfie were in the top two (those Young Punks are fit)...but has Alfie got the right attitude? (sire Hollywood's Attitude!)

Fitness training

In the end Beck Brow Finesse and Young Punk Annabelle were appointed...here they are on the left of the photo doing a sterling job

From left; Finesse, Boots and Annabelle with the boys left feeling rejected.

A loo with a view...

2011-11-07T17:08:00.001Z

After a damp and foggy weekend, we woke up to a beautiful crisp morning today. We did have some light frost overnight, but nothing that that required the gloves to be hunted out (remember we are hard up north!). St Patrick looked very seasonal I though, with the autumn leaves behind him (even if he is a little damp from the frost)

Waradene St. Patrick of EPC...no girls Patrick...he is always on the look out

The damp foggy weather did rather spoil the fleece rummage on Saturday, but we did have expert rummagers, so they managed to see through the bedraggled look. We had been looking forward to a visit from Jenny and Graham from Fowberry Alpacas in Yorkshire, unfortunately my normally immaculate alpacas were not presented so!

It was non-stop alpaca, with out any apologies for never straying from said topic...just as it should be! We were interested to see what Jenny and Graham though of our EPC Top Account of Fowberry progeny, and were pleased with their assessment. It's all about waiting to see how the cria grow out now...patience... a prerequisite to alpaca breeding!

One such cria is Beck Brow Quintos. He is packed to the brim with elite genetics but has a rather unusual fleece. It is dense, it is consistent, it is the brightest white...and it has the character of a Suri!...very unusual, slightly waxy feel but with the most amazing lustre...just not the crimp style you would expect. My guess is that he will be something special...I do hope so...because he already rates himself highly...just look at him at the poo pile:

Beck Brow Quintos

The cria appeared to have a mass urge to frequent the poo pile at the same time today...it certainly is a loo with a view:

The cria choose a loo with a view

They did all seem to be enjoying the sunshine on their backs after the damp weekend. Here is Bonita looking very chilled out (with Sophie her cria who is nearly the same size)

Bozedown Bonita

Due to a lot of socialising over the weekend I hadn't spent as much time playing (I mean working) with the cria as I usually do, so it was lovely to be greeted with lots of snuggles today...it looks like Boots has forgiven me for the bottle episode!

I have just been proofing the new e commerce website for our Beck Brow Alpaca Wear range...so far so good...I am sure it was my plan to have something ready for last Xmas...will I make it for this one?...if not definitely the next one...I REALLY must do some more fleece sorting or I won't have any stock that's the problem.

Little Boots and Large Wellies...

2011-11-01T17:12:00.000Z

Little Boots (Beck Brow Snooty Boots) will be three months old next week...she weighs 16kgs...she has weighed 16kgs for 3 weeks in a row now...I wish that she would put on some weight.

Whilst poo-picking today I was keeping a close eye on her. She spends a lot of time muching grass (as seen in the photo) and she plays with the other cria (in fact is one of the more mischevious). However I didn't see her feed from her mum (so not overly hungry as not feeding too frequently?). Lady Gaga (mum) does have some milk but not lots (she is on supplementery rations). Boots really tucks into the hard feed (Camelibra) and fights her corner for her share. She has never been bottle fed and fell out with me for sometime when I tried to give her some goats milk this way. She has perfect little coffee bean poo (slightly green in colour from the grass rather than milky) and it is parasite free on testing. She has had regular vitamin and mineral supplements. I really can't think of anything else...maybe I should stop weighing her...as she appears perfectly fine!

Whilst I was watching Boots the other cria took the opportunity to check out the quad and poo picker...I can't believe how big some of them are now.

I am afraid the photography isn't great today. I give the following as my excuses;

wet alpacas
poor light
lack of time
no Velvet

Okay blaming ones tools is poor show. But I do like some photos to cheer up the blog, so here are some soggy looking cria:

Beck Brow Rumour Has It (the double of her mum Cambridge Camilla ... dam of Explorer)

Beck Brow Synergy her half brother (starting to look very macho)

Beck Brow Finesse (looking a bit macho too!...sire Legacy of Purston)

And finally the view from the girl's paddock. Unfortunately the photo does not do it justice as the colours are beautiful at this time of the year.

Talking of seasons I have decided as it is the 1st of November it is time for the 'winter wellies' to come out of storage...these are the padded Aigle ones...a bit early...and yes my feet were rather warm today. The reason for the early change over?...my summer wellies...are 2 sizes too big. Green Hunters size 5 were requested (no need to try them on I have been buying them for years). It was only after I had worn them and walked through the usual poo etc (they did feel a bit loose) that I double checked...I had been sold a size 7 (think this may be US 5?). Well as they cost 50% of my summer clothing allowance I have had to endure them all summer...with thick socks...very annoying!

Alpacas Field Shelter mark 3

2011-10-30T16:10:00.004Z

I am afraid my blog posts have become a bit infrequent of late...now that the birthing season is over and the alpaca shows are all finished...blog content is lacking. I could tell you that I poo picked for over 4 hours on Wednesday (3 times I had to empty it...Paul was nearly impressed!) and sorted fleece on Thursday and Friday for 5 hours and 6 hours respectively...I also went to Tesco's... but you really wouldn't want to know.

Actually I went to Tescos to get a passport photo...it seems that the photo on your driving licence is only valid for 10 years...it was obviously a mistake having the licence run out on the year of a big birthday...I was depressed all day...you know how it is in those booths...all photos are exactly the same...soulless. Well there I had in front of me the 2 photos...one aged 40 and one aged 50...exactly the same...same lack of expression...same hair style...but just more saggy...maybe I should have adjusted the seat a bit higher.

I won't share with you the scary sight...even if it is seasonal...but instead a pretty face belonging to Parisien. Parisien is actually sold but is staying with us until early next year.

Beck Brow Parisien

Paul has been busy doing something useful...putting the roof on the field shelter that has been half finished for a couple of months. This is the mark 3 version of our shelters. The first one Paul constructed had a solid coated metal roof...but the alpacas found it rather dark. The next one had a plastic see through roof...but the alpacas found it rather warm when the sun shone (I know it's sounding like Goldilocks)...the mark 3 version is half and half...providing shade and light...the alpacas like it!

Paul finishing off the field shelter roof

I have been looking back through the photo archives today...checking out how the cria looked last year at certain ages (I was really wanting to compare Explorers fleece with Rumours at the same age)...and I was surprised to see how dark Poppet was when she was born...I did register her as brown...she won the Champion Fawn Female at the YAG show...amazing how they change?

Poppet (Beck Brow Paige Turner)

Poppet at a few days old

Paul has just come in to tell me is ready to help with the drenching...Fasinex for prevention of liver fluke so must go. So as I said not a lot to report but all good...sold quite a number of our throws and scarves...and it hasn't rained all weekend! I will finish with a couple of photos.

EP Cambridge Lady Gaga

Easter-Wood Adelle (again!)...Dave did ask how I got the alpacas to pose...answer Velvet!

Is it just me?

2011-10-25T14:37:00.003+01:00

I am begining to see a pattern emerging...a pattern to my blog posting that is...I decide that I really must do some poo picking...I then decide that I might just do a 'quick blog' first.

Now there is no such thing as a quick blog around here...our broadband service is powered by a little man who generates energy by peddling his bike at the local exchange...sometimes he is more energetic than at other times...and sometimes (I expect this is when he takes a toilet break) it stops altogether. Up loading photos seems to give him the most trouble...hence with a bit of luck a 'quick blog' can take a good half hour!

So I apologise for a blog with photos and little content but the poo picker was calling! I thought that I would share with you some photos of Adelle...she really is adorable...and very interested in the camera.

Easter-Wood Adelle (sire Cambridge The Chairman)

She really has that look...one that backs up her amazing pedigree

Beck Brow Magellan (sire Neptune of Houghton) is obsessed with Easter-Wood Metisha (sire Cambridge Neptune) and is constantly by her side...do you think that it's a bit fishy?

The new girls have yet to take on our 'Persil white' look...this look is due to the amount of Cumbrian rain and wind...its a constant wash and blow dry around here!.

Hopefully Adelle will be making the Beck Brow show team this year. Other likely contenders are Magellan (above), Rumour, Boots, and Synergy with Crystal, Finesse and Quintos also in the running.

Beck Brow Rumour Has It...half sister to Explorer (sire EPC Top Account of Fowberry)

Beck Brow Snooty Boots (sire Waradene St. Patrick of EPC)

Beck Brow Synergy (also Top Account).

We are watching Synergy with interest...he is very fine and extremely dense (it was blowing a gale today and his fleece did not move) but he hasn't yet the definition of Rumour...however Roma his half sister from last year was exactly the same at the same age.. and had lots of definition by 6 months...I am expecting...hoping...that he will be the same.

Paul is trying to be helpful at the moment...he has conceded that I have a lot to do (thanks Jeff and Sheila!). On Sunday afternoon he disappeared for ages...Robyn and Craig were here...we rang his mobile...no reception...eventually he returned;

"where have you been?"

"doing something that will make your life easier"

"I didn't hear the poo picker"

"very funny...no it's something that you really need...a clue... it's in the barn"

"You've hightened the spit off pen sides so Chaska doesn't jump out again?"

"No"

"You've put some wider guttering up in the barn so that it doesn't over flow into the troughs during a down pour?"

"No"

" You've put up some more fixings up so that it easier to fill the hay bags?"

"No"

"Okay I give in"

"I've put up some brighter lights so you can see what you are doing"

Is it just me!!

Metisha and Adelle arrive from Easter-Wood

2011-10-23T17:13:00.000+01:00

The weekend started off with mixed emotions...we were just getting excited about the impending arrival of our two new girls Easter-Wood Metisha and Easter-Wood Adelle...when we received that sad news that Amanda's Stanstead had lost her St. Patrick pregnancy at four months gestation...what was even more disappointing was to find out that trespassers had been seen on their land lamping during the previous night...stress?...we won't really know.

On a happier note our new girls arrived nice and early. Jeff and Sheila had been up at the crack of dawn and on the road by 5 am, meaning that the girls arrived at Beck Brow at approximately 12.30pm...plenty of time to settle in before dark. We had deliberated about a quarantine group for the new girls... and in the end decided to make the females and cria into one isolation group...a large group...but we feel reassured by all the bio-security measures and herd health interventions taken by Jeff and Sheila...and felt this was the best option for Adelle (cria). Poo samples tested on arrival confirmed the girls are free of any internal parasite, as expected.

They have both settled in really well and are confident amongst the rest of the herd. Metisha has had to endure all our cria checking her out, but has done so with great tolerance.

Metisha...Magellan having a sniff!

She is such an elegant female with a beautiful fine fleece. She has a impressive pedigree and appears to know so...I don't think that she has quite perfected the looking down her nose as would put her in the league of Lady Gaga, but she is not far behind!

EP Cambridge Lady Gaga...snooty competition?

Metisha with Adelle...do I look like my Mum or what?...look at that head...bets are on that she will be one of the stars of the show team...a little stunner with a super fine fleece (see Explorer checking them out...across the isolation paddock...yes they will be your girls one day!)

Jeff and Sheila stayed over night before heading off back just before lunch. Poor Jeff had man flu (we did have sympathy actually...he was feeling pretty rough...I am sure curling up in front of a fire would have been the preferred choice!). Now I know when Jayne (Zanzibah Alpacas) receives visitors she sends them home with home-made goodies...Jeff went home with a couple of loo rolls... for the journey...we had ran out of Kleenex tissues by then!

We had a lovely weekend...with lots of talk about our plans for our alpaca businesses...our plans for next year's matings...our hopes for next year's births...next year's show team...etc etc...you know what it is like when you put alpaca obsessive people together!

We waved Jeff and Sheila off in their very smart alpaca-mobile...making sure that Velvet was not hidden in Sheila's overnight bag! Of course once they had left Robyn and Craig came around and we had another fleece rummage...we are very impressed...thanks guys...they are a fantastic addition to our herd...and perfectly match our goals.

An ill thought out plan!

2011-10-19T17:35:00.001+01:00

How do you take a photo that makes a box look interesting?...get a professional in?...mellow lighting?...add a few props?...try again tomorrow!

I have been trying to take some photos of our packaging (the boxes are not too fancy...presentation is important...but not more so than the product!..so a simple approach was taken). but I have to say my attempts looked pretty boring... and as I didn't have a professional to hand...I went for the prop option.

I really hadn't thought it through...just thought if I put a couple of boxes in the paddock someone would come and investigate...a cria ideally...and hey bingo...a photo for the website...No...not that easy!

Okay I got everyone's attention...but not quite as expected..."it is just a prop Magellan it is empty!"

Like son like mother...Chaska checks them out

Inca Van Dieman Chaska...thinks that I am crazy...you can see it in the eyes!

Quintos then tries to untie the knot...just stay there Quintos whilst I change the lens...we need to be able to see the label...

Oh no...just a nose and a blurred label

He did try to be a good model...it was the photographer who failed...

How about we do without the props...some artistic shots of labels will have to do!

Where does the day go...no poo picking done today despite fine weather. Tomorrow will be a day of graft...it really must...I have to tidy up...I have some important arrivals coming at the weekend. Yes Easter-Wood Metisha and Easter-Wood Adelle are heading North on Satrurday...I really must have the paddocks clean for them (I will also try to tidy the house for Jeff and Sheila but we will see how the time goes!)

On the subject of visitors... I got a nice surprise last Friday...I really had to do a double take...a car came down the drive...and out stepped...Les and Rob from Wellground Alpacas!...Just passing on their way back from Scotland...you don't get many folks dropping in round these parts...being in the wilds and all...it really was great to see them both.

Yorkshire Alpaca Group Show 2011

2011-10-16T09:40:00.003+01:00

It was an early night on Friday in anticipation of the early rise required on Saturday morning...3am to be precise...and on the road to The YAG Show by 4.30am...possibly a little earlier than necessary as we were unsure how the alpacas would load in the dark, in the middle of the night...but we needn't have worried...Explorer skipped into the van...that boy definitely loves an outing! Hence we were first to arrive at Thirsk...arriving at 6.40 am (we did say we would be there before 7 am for stewaring duties) despite towing the BAS trailer behind the van.

With over a hundred entries (only 4 suris) the show was very well supported by breeders and by the general public. Although a stand alone show, it attracted a lot of visitors...I hadn't restocked our box since Westmorland show and we actually ran out of flyers. A great addition to the show was the 'prettiest girl' and 'handsome boy' classes (for alpacas not handlers). These classes were judged by the spectators and proved a great attraction.

Two pretty girls from Astonishing Alpacas

We took three alpacas, all intermediates; Poppet (real name Paige Turner), Roma (real name Fine Romance) and Explorer (also known as Gorgeous). Poppet, who we were very excited about when she was born, lost some of the character in her first fleece, but her second fleece has come back looking great. Tim Hey, the judge for the day, was certainly impressed. Poppet took first placed Intermediate Fawn Female and Champion Fawn Female...not bad for such a dark fawn!

Roma was next up. We always feel Roma does not do as well as she might as she always gets sweaty and ends up looking like a rag. Thankfully with such a large airy (freezing cold) building we had no problems, and she took second placed Intermediate White Female (behind Fowberry Paloma who was the first placed white female at The British Alpaca Futurity) and Reserve Champion White Female. Roma was praised for her confirmation as well as her fleece...I have to admit she does have great presence.

Roma (Beck Brow Fine Romance) takes Reserve Champion White Female

Last but not least was Explorer...who behaved pretty well I thought...he got first placed Intermediate White Male with out a pouffe...unfortunately that did not last into the championship...but he managed to win Champion White Male with just a couple of pouffes...no direct hits (I think that he is getting a reputation, which makes it harder to score, I saw that the ring steward did a good swerve). He was again complimented by the judge on his fleece, especially consistency and density, as well as his confirmation. Roma and Explorer ... now they should make a lovely couple!

Beck Brow Explorer

So a fantastic outing for us with 3 alpacas, 2 first places, 1 second place, 2 colour championships, and a reserve colour championship. We had to go home without the cup however...there were no surprises when the Supreme Championship went to Fowberry Nobility...a stunning fawn male who we already have in mind for Snooty Boots (look how far ahead we plan!)...summed up by Tim as 'just about as good as it gets' (or something very similar!)

It was rather a long day after such an early start, but Paul and Poppet had no excuse for looking so bored in the fawn class which was just after lunch...

Beck Brow Paige Turner (Poppet) and Paul in the ring.

because we had Poppet and Explorer in the championship line up, and I was stewarding, Andrew from Nerduit Alpacas took Poppet into the ring for us...and Poppet did seem much more impressed with her handler...

Beck Brow Paige Turner (Poppet)...."I do like a good handler"

Tim did remark to Andrew about using a good male over Poppet as she really is lovely...will that be St Patrick (fawn) or Black Sabbath?...she does have a black sire so maybe the latter?

Fowberry Nobility in the foreground...Andy still looking very professional as ring steward...despite the long day!

We arrived home to a lovely tattie pot, made by my mum, which was most welcome. I am now going to go and eat the left overs for breakfast!

Do alpacas like bananas?

2011-10-13T19:07:00.002+01:00

I have to say ...it never pays to be a smart a a#5* (not sure if that is spelt alec or alex). There was I suggesting to Mark that leaving a gate open was at best rather silly (if very amusing in his case)...something that I had done once but wasn't going to repeat. To be fair I didn't do the going in one gate and out of another... I thought that I had closed it... It was when I saw Hollywood (who had been seperated yet again for fighting with Almost Illegal...he does not start the fights...it is just that he is so big he finishes them!) in with Legacy and Snowstorm... Legacy is at least fourteen years old (I say at least because he was imported from Peru, with a January the first birthday...usually meaning that they really don't know the date of birth). He is getting on...he is much smaller than Hollywood...he is the boss...no fighting!!

Hollywood (photo not taken today...as it seem like it has rained for ever, our alpacas have never looked such a mess).

After last year's debate over vitamin paste versus vitamin injections, we now have both on farm. However today, as they like the taste of the paste and therefore it is easy to administer, Amanda and myself thought that we would give the first dose as paste...well that is what we thought...has anybody else tried the new eggs-port paste...it is bright pink...it is too sticky...it tastes of bananas (they tell me)...and the alpacas hate it (some were actually retching)...we quickly moved on to injections...and I will try to get a refund on the unopened tube...why do they change things...

With all the photos of barns, house building and studios on the blogs...I thought that I would share my little effort...the portacabin (I should have done a before and after...you will have to believe me when I say it is much improved...and about 30 years old). It still needs some steps but is no longer an eye sore. It is to be our teaching and meeting venue. Lots still to do inside so it will be next spring before it will be up and running (it is now full of fleece!)

A work in progress...The Education Centre!

Reckless behaviour.

2011-10-11T19:41:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was one of those days when there was so many things to do on 'the to do list' that I ended up doing very little. Self regulation requires discipline...it was definitely lacking yesterday...it was also cold, wet and Monday. As a consequence today has had me work doubly hard.

On the immediate list:

Fasinex (against liver fluke) to be given...whole herd

Vitamins paste/injection to be given...whole herd

Vecoxan to be given as prophylactic measure...late born cria

Toe nails to be trimmed...those in need

Paddock cleaning (always on the list)

Content to be written for new website

Photos to be taken for new website (product range)

Fleece to be sorted so that there is a product range

Lots of emails to be sent

Etc...Etc...Etc

Paul decided at the weekend that the task of paddock cleaning was not only to be allocated to yours truly...but that it would be best done on a daily basis...Paul does not know how to ride a bike...but if he did... he would most certainly be on his! But as a nod to my duties, I did do a couple of paddocks. I also wrote the content for the website and took some more photos, so not a bad days work. Feeling on top of things I even agreed to take on some nursing-legal work...this has instructions and a deadline so is good for my time management...it is also incredibly interesting...and I get paid!

Feeling a bit reckless I decided to throw one of our 100% alpaca throws into the washing machine (inside a duvet cover)...wool cycle...non-bio Persil (best thing I had available) and a drop of fabric conditioner. Thrown over the banister to dry...it has come out a treat...actually softer that before it was washed...the scarf came out equally well. So that's a scarf and a throw that I have acquired in the name of product testing!

Explorer has had his toe nails trimmed...boy was he mad...he didn't behave too badly...it was all in the eyes...he was blazing. Explorer is now going to the YAG show on Saturday hence the pedicure. He was entered but we had decided to give it a miss as we though that Roma was pregnant (not the case). In the mean time I had agreed to help out as Chief Steward (BAS training to level 2 is required so a limited number of people were available). Then I was asked if I could take the BAS trailer (this is stored in Cumbria) and on a whim I decided if we are going to tow a trailer lets just take some alpacas...Explorer is far too fat...he is filthy...probably not a good decision...but he does enjoy himself! More reckless behaviour?

It is hardly surprising that he is fat with the amount of grass that we have...it just never stops raining! Here is Finesse ankle deep in lush grass. I have been having lots of deliberations over females...I had decided that we had no more females for sale this year...however we continue to get enquires...but I really do want to hang on to her.

Beck Brow Finesse

Poor Magellan (looking rather soggy) got such a fright when he wondered up to me with some greenery hanging out of his mouth...for a moment I though that it was ragwort...but thankfully not.

Magellan...with his salad

Quintos and Boots remain firm favourites. I have somehow started calling Quintos 'Cute Pants' . Not sure how that happened...I wonder if it is because he is always with 'Snooty Boots'!

Quintos (aka Cute Pants) and Snooty Boots

Naughty!

The mums and cria are now in a paddock that is completely new to them (this years hay field and prior to that grass let). We are preparing for the arrival of Easter-Wood Metisha and Easter-Wood Adelle and have been moving the herd around

A new view for the mums

In the opposite direction the young girls are next to the house. As you can see we really are in the valley. With alpacas in the foreground, cows in the centre and sheep at the top...it really is a layer cake of a country view!

Feedback from Karin Mueller (Consultant in Camelid Medicine) talk...and lots of feeding.

2011-10-09T18:32:00.004+01:00

Saturday morning we were up bright and early and on our way to Wetherby Town Hall by 7.45 am...I had forgotten a couple of things so we had to come back and set off again so it was actually 8 am but hey ho...we still managed to get there in good time. The town hall was the venue for a lecture presented by Karin Mueller (Consultant in Camelid Medicine at Dick White Referrals) and had been organised by the Yorkshire Alpaca Group.

Karin gave us a morning packed with information gathered from her visit to The International Camelid Conference 2011 held in Oregon. She really is the most interesting speaker and well worth travelling to listen to, but here are just a few bits and bobs from the morning session that might be of general interest:

Not all skin conditions in alpacas is mange (although many are). If mange treatment is not improving the skin consider other possibilities... If considering insect bite allergy note that symptoms will always be symetrical.
Sarcoptic mange (treated with Ivomectins) is itchy and can cause hair loss on face. Chorioptic mange is not itchy and does not cause hair loss on the face (treated with pour ons/ Frontline). It was suggested sulphor mixed with vaseline may be an effective treatment.
Nuflor (often used to treat jaw abscesses) has a higher peak and is less variable when given intramuscular rather than subcutaneous. We have found this ourselves.
Spring matings result in a gestation period approximately 10 days longer than those after the 21st of June (taken from American study)
Recal scanning should be avoided due to the fragile nature of the alpaca bowel. Abdominal ultrasound is advised at 45-50 days. 10% abortion rate prior to 45 days, 5% after (American study)
Karin advised that when using Lambivac she would give it at 6 monthly intervals (post initial doses) as there is not enough evidence to be sure that yearly doses are sufficient.

http://www.dickwhitereferrals.com/

I mentioned on my last blog that we were going to stay at a spa hotel for the night and we had the case packed including our swim wear (well that might have been what I had forgotten actually). However, I did remember when we got to the hotel that I had had a change of plan and decided to go for the food option rather than the spa (now there is a surprise). I has chosen a hotel featured in the Good Food Guide instead. Now our guide is the 2008 version (this coincides with the purchase of our first alpacas...obviously we don't manage to eat out as often as we used to!) but thankfully the food lived up to the promises made.

Paul and I like to think of ourselves as would be food critics when we eat out (don't worry it is only when we are paying...we don't do this at home...or even worse at friends). So we are always tasting each others food and making comments...I find that this always gets you extremely good service...look like hotel inspectors! We agreed to disagree on the lime scented mash (I just don't think you should have citrus with potatoes but Paul liked it and it was his order) however we could certainly recommend Crathorne-Hall...great building (the stuff of period dramas)...great food and excellent wine recommendations...and good value too.

Despite a plentiful breakfast we still managed to fit in an excellent lunch...again taking a recommendation from The Good Food Guide...we tried out The Sand Piper Inn at Leyburn...we both agreed that we really should have had two nights away...however we still managed to fit in some alpaca business before heading home in time for just enough day light to get in an hour's poo picking...he wouldn't want to spoil me too much now would he!

Milking it just a little?

2011-10-07T12:06:00.004+01:00

Velvet got the all clear at her vet check up yesterday morning. The consensus of opinion is that she is one lucky little dog (well not so lucky eating fungi but lucky to still be with us). She isn't quite herself and is still pretty tired, all the same I think that she may be beginning to milk it just a little:

The sick bed!

Yes, Velvet has been allowed to sleep in our bed since she was taken ill (we have had to buy a new quilt as the old one seemed to be missing a few togs...Velvet must be one of the most costly dogs ever!). Paul does not normally give his permission, but even he got soft on this occasion. The paw out means that she is a tad warm...too many togs?

I really should be poo picking...I have been out with the poover...it is far too cold...the poo is all wet (too much rain) and keeps sticking in the pipe...I watched the cria for some time (this is important as problems can be picked up!)...took some photos...and decided I would do it this afternoon (might have dried up by then!)

Boots is causing me a little concern as she just does not put on much weight (she never goes backwards... she just goes forwards very slowly). She is still only 15.4kgs at nearly two months of age. Lady Gaga has milk (although not as abundant as some), Boots drinks at suitable intervals (she is not constantly going for more as though she is hungry), her tummy feels full. She will not entertain being bottle fed. She eats Camelibra, hay and grass. She has gets regular Boost and Go (similar to Jump Start) and has had a selenium, colbolt, Vit B12 drench. She is bright eyed and bushy tailed, always play fighting and in the thick of it. Obviously just not a chunky monkey!

Boots with Quintos (the youngest cria) who over took her long ago...now he IS a chunky monkey!

Still we all look the same size when we stand in a hole...Boots, Quintos, Alfie (left to right)

Not the case when out of the hole...Quintos who is our youngest with Magellan our oldest cria

The hole causes much amusement...although Rumour does not look best impressed with the antics of Synergy and Magellan...Boys!!

Lastly...Sophie who always keeps out of trouble.

We are off to Wetherby to the Yorkshire Alpaca Group talk by Karin Mueller tomorrow. As it was Paul's birthday yesterday, we are treating ourselves to a night in a spa hotel that is recommended in the Good Food Guide, before heading back on Sunday. Craig is on alpaca and dog duties...I don't suppose he will be poo picking though...I wonder...No!

Welcome Home

2011-10-04T18:00:00.002+01:00

I got the long awaited call from the vet at 8 am this morning; Velvet had been drifting back and forth from being totally lucid to being completely knocked off, since yesterday afternoon. However, in the early hours of this morning she had awoken and chewed through her intravenous fluid line (they had tried to piece together all the bits to see if she had swallowed any of it...they thought probably not...is she the most accident prone dog ever!) and she had not looked back since...she could come home.

I saw two magpies on the the way to collect her...two for joy that seemed quite apt. What wasn't so fortunate was that a mention on the radio (Ken Bruce's Pop Master was to blame) of Peters and Lee's 1970's number one hit; Welcome Home...well this got me singing it to Velvet for the next 30 minutes...now the original was bad...but I am tone deaf 9yes even more tham Peters and Lee)...still we were happy!

She is not 100% her old self...hardly surprising after how ill she has been...but the biggest relief is that she can see. She is obviously very tired, but she isn't quite processing things as she would normally, however I am sure it will all resolve with time.

A big thank you to everyone who showed their concern via comments, emails and calls...it did help. I received an interesting link from Karen (Amiryck) about seasonal canine illness. I have been convinced from the start that Velvet's illness was some how connected to her jaunts into the wood. We have 5 acre of woodland which Velvet considers to be her playground. I am sure that she has some kind of stash in there, as whenever the opportunity araises she is off to the wood. She always comes back after about 15 minutes as through she has just been to check on something. And she did this on the morning the illness began. This means unfortunately for Velvet she will have to be kept on a lead for sometime...no more woodland outings for a while...my theory is that it is connected with fungi in some way?

I promise I will to try to be cheery for the rest of the year!

Velvet update.

2011-10-03T16:11:00.001+01:00

Many thanks for your comments and emails regarding Velvet. We had a really tough night with neither Velvet nor myself sleeping a wink. As you may have picked up we were not at all impressed by the treatment given by the on-call vet, but unfortunately being Sunday this was our only option. It was the longest night ever, just watching the clock and waiting for 8 am to come around, when I could then register her with another veterinary practice (the one which we use for the alpacas, they are less local, but with hindsight are well worth the extra 30 minute drive). There was a point at 5am when I was beginning to lose hope, she was having numerous small fits and was totally out of it. I was concerned about her liver but took the decision to give some Metacam which did take the edge off. I was in tears... Paul was in my dressing gown...trying to hold back the tears in case he looked like a girl!

Anyway things are looking a bit better. As we expected, and many of you suggested, it appears that she has ingested some toxin of some description. We did suggest this to the other vet on the Sunday but he was unconvinced!. This morning I asked why dogs could not be given activated charcoal (given tubed to absorb toxins...something used a lot in A&E). The answer was; it can be and will be, but unfortunately we have probably missed the window of opportunity...argh! I have just had an update and she is to stay in doggy intensive care overnight. She is on intravenous fluids and regular intravenous diazepam. Her renal and liver function tests, as well as all other blood work, have come back normal (to be retested in 2 days as damage can be delayed...but hopefully not). They also think that she may be responding to light (difficult to tell as her wiring is all crossed at the moment, but there is hope for her sight returning.) The best news of all... they said that she had just given a little wag of her tail, she could barely stand never mind wag her tail earlier. Velvet is normally the happiest little dog ever...so no tail wagging...that was bad. Fingers crossed Velvet, our little bundle of trouble and joy.

Velvet taken a couple of days ago...Magellan and her best friend Quintos looking on.

Whilst totally sleep deprived this morning, I have made a couple of rash decisions that probably would have been better slept on. I am sure that I will probably regret them. But they are not life or death, and in the grand scheme of things, that is all that really matters after the past 24 hours we have all had.

Sick Dog...any ideas?

2011-10-02T17:02:00.000+01:00

Nothing to do with alpacas I know, but I wonder if anyone has any ideas about what might be wrong with Velvet (our young dog). After being perfectly okay this morning she was sick at lunch time but otherwise seemed well. Then she suddenly began acting strangely, with jerky movements, walking backwards and shaking her head. She then appeared to loose her sight (her pupils are very dilated). She has a slightly raised temperature. We took her to see the vet and he gave her a shot of antibiotics and a sedative and said see how she goes. The vet looked in her eyes and reported no signs of a bleed or swelling but there is something wrong neurologically. We are worried.

We had our farm vet (different from pet vet) out on Friday to microchip the cria and to scan some of the girls who we were having difficulty assessing for pregnancies with spit-offs. All pregnant thankfully. It wasn't until after the vet left that I realised that I had missed scanning Lucie. Lucie is very submissive with St. Patrick, who is rather assertive in his wooing, so is always difficult to read her. Hence I decided to pop her in with Explorer...who had a good sniff where he should not...and got a full on spit for his trouble...pregnant then!

We have moved everyone around over the weekend and Explorer is now back next to Lucie much to his delight. He is now in a paddock previously used by the young girls and is having a day of poo sniffing!

Explorer...ummm I smell girls!

Lucie looking over the gate at Explorer (Roma behind)

St Patrick has gone back over with the other stud males now that we have finished the matings for this year. The boys were reintroduced with a fence between them yesterday then let in together today. After much screeching, chasing and smelly stuff flying around, St Patrick has let it be known that he is back... and he is top dog!

Legacy arrived back from his holiday by the seaside today (he has been on lease for the summer). I am not sure being greeted by a worming injection was the welcome return that he was expecting. Now, at 14 years of age, he really is top dog. However he is on his own for now before going back in with Snowstorm (poor Snowstorm came as his companion but I don't think that Legacy actually likes him if the way he treats him is anything to go by.)

100% British Alpaca Throws and Scarves...Beck Brow Alpacas self promotion (apologies!)

2011-09-30T11:23:00.001+01:00

Enjoying some refound freedom now that all the alpaca births are over for the year, Claire and I had a trip out in the Scottish Borders yesterday. Claire treat herself to a some cashmere gloves, but I was very well behaved on the shopping front. We did however manage to fit in a rather nice lunch at the Damascus Drum...rather a surprise to find a Turkish cafe in the middle of Hawick...before calling in at our weavers to collect the latest Beck Brow Alpaca range.

I took the camera along to the mill to try to get a few shots for the on line store (I really must get on with providing the content for the web designers...but and it isn't often I have been able to say this this year...the weather is far too nice for indoor jobs). The traditional old looms really are a sight to admire and provided a great photo opportunity. With much of the equipment used having been in the family run business for generations, there is a real pride in the work done within the mill, and it is always a pleasure to visit...hence not bothering with a courier. I also wanted to visit to discuss our next orders of wraps and cushions...the problem is it seems I need more yarn...and that means more fleece sorting...I will whip myself into action next week...I promise Paul!

The traditional looms

Carrying on the photography theme I have also been trying to get some product shots for the shop. As a live model was not available a mannequin was assigned to the job...not much personality...but the rates are good! First off scarves...now I really wanted to demonstrate their generous size (180 x 30 cms) but as it was rather windy I ended up having to tie them in knots! The other glaring error was taking them straight out of the box and not even bothering to smooth out any wrinkles, but here are some of my attempts:

Although our first batch of throws were fantastic in both quality and style, we did decide to make some modifications for our second order. The very generous size of 230cms x 185 cms (plus fringes) made the blanket size throws very luxurious but also very heavy at 1.2 kgs. This weight of yarn obviously adds considerably to the cost and consequently the retail price. So our second batch of throws measure a still generous 145 x 180 cms (plus fringes) and weigh in at 750 gs...again still a very good weight of yarn...but means that we offer different options and prices. We opted for 3 colour ways in the latest collection; grey, brown and fawn herringbone all on a white warp. The wooden looms give the throws a fabulous finish along the edges (hopefully shown in the photos) that a large scale production just does not have. all things that add to the uniqueness of the product we hope.

100% British...brown/white and fawn/white herringbone alpaca throws

100% British Alpaca Throws...grey/white

The auction girls...settled at last.

2011-09-27T14:52:00.001+01:00

Thank you for all the compliments regarding the photos on the last blog. In answer to Judi's question we do have the benefit of a decent camera, although I do have to then crop the pixels from the high resolution version of the photos as they would take forever to up load, especially with our broadband speed. However, if Paul were to answer the question... he would say that the real reason that I manage to capture so many images of the alpacas is due to the amount of time I spend in the paddock cria watching! I swear some of them actually love being photographed... I can't help it!

Now that all the births are over for the year, it is nice just to be able to watch all the interactions. I especially love watching how first time mums behave with their cria. We have some really lovely mums this year. Lady Gaga is clearly very proud of her achievement in producing Boots, although it would be difficult for her to have an even higher opinion of herself than she already had, I think that she has just about managed it. Hoity Toity, who has the most mischevious cria ever born here (Quintos), just lets him get on with it (some mothers might be embarrased but not Hoity). Today he has been tearing aroung the paddock orgling and jumping on every female in sight (he is four weeks old). He just does his own thing then goes to his mother to be fed now and again...should have be called Delinquent!

The 'auction girls' continue to spit off. They are actually starting to look like they are relaxed and settled now. I have to say that I am not sure that alpacas are best suited to being sold via cattle markets. Apart from the obvious concerns about how they will be cared for after they have been sold, alpacas do not cope well with stress. And unfortunately (well in this case it is unfortunate) they are far too intelligent to easily forget about any trauma. Our three girls have eventually lost the 'startled rabbit' expression and now spend lots of time in the shelter with out being on high alert, but it has taken some time for them to build up some trust. I do think that it would be a shame if auction marts became a routine option for the sale of excess stock, but as many breeders want the support that is given with an individual alpaca sale, I expect this will not be the case.

Nicola (front) and Renata...watching Velvet behind me

Biba (looking a little rounder on Beck Brow grass!)

Juliet and John from The Border Mill popped in to visit this morning. They are producing some fantastic products from their mini mill, and are so enthusiastic about all things fleece and fibre. Although I am going to need to use a larger mill for some of the large scale stuff, I have sent some individual fleeces for processing. I especially like the idea of wearing Lady Gaga!

Best Buddies...

2011-09-24T14:39:00.002+01:00

I had planned to go to the BAS fleece and fibre meeting at Stoneleigh today, but it seems such a long time since we have had a full weekend at home, so I have sent my apologies, and we have started work on the job list. Poo picking first off. Paul was nominated as pooverer and I opted for the driving position. Well that was the plan. However taking the camera along did mean that the driving duties got a little neglected...causing much tutting from the foreman.

Quintos and Snooty Boots, our two youngest cria, are inseparable and irresistible...

"Not sure, might be rain heading over from the East coast...what do ye think?"

"Look out there's someone over there on your left...keep cool and I'll sneak a peak...yeah it's okay, just a camera"

"Altogether...Cheese!"

One for Vogue

Quintos with a cool pose

That's it off we go...tea time!

Quintos's sire Hollywood's Attitude...he certainly has passed on his attitude... in spades!

The NFU Countryside magazine arrived in the post this morning, along with the BAS magazine; Alpaca. It was good to see that we got a mention in the former and a photo of our throws was featured promoting the use of natural products (although it does rather look like they are in the mohair section). I had expected that we might have also had a mention in Alpaca after Beck Brow Explorer's Supreme Championship win at Northumberland County Show, but it does appear to have missed being reported on. I'm sure that he won't notice!

Beck Brow Team Training 2011!

2011-09-19T16:08:00.001+01:00

It was with true British spirit that The World Sheep Dog Trials went ahead at the weekend. The rain was indescribable...torrential does not do it justice. On friday it was non-stop...the poor dogs could hardly hear the commands...and the Country File team (including the lovely Matt Baker) were looking more than a little soggy. By Saturday morning our marquee was under eight inches of water in places...wood chippings were sailing away with the tide. However the team, lead by Clare Savins, were amazing. Large bales of staw appeared and layers of straw were laid half a bale high in places. There was lots of interest in the alpacas, especially from the spectators who had travelled from Norway and Sweden (obviously very into sheep dogs?), who didn't seem in the least bit bothered by the Cumbrian weather. Most successful trader at the event?...the guy selling wellies...dustbins were full of discarded wellington boots...ones that obviously hadn't be tested at over ankle deep before...and were found to be wanting!

Yesterday it was a long trip to Stoneleigh to the BAS National Show Committee meeting. I travelled down with Michael from Cockerham Alpacas in Lancashire, so you can imagine the topic of conversation for the whole of the six and a half hours that we travelled together...no definitely not Strictly!

Some interesting ideas were put forward about the future of the BAS National Show, which will now go to the committee for discussion. And Di Davies got us all very excited about the alpaca show organised for the weekend after The Alpaca World Conference 2012 (14th and 15th April). With judges wearing cameras, and with large screens planted around the venue, it promises to be a great opportunity for spectators to really get involved.

I felt like I hadn't seen our alpacas all weekend, so I have enjoyed catching up on some jobs this morning. All the girls got their Maxigro selenium and colbolt drench. It was all pretty slick, I even managed to complete the task single handedly when Paul got called out to work. Lady Gaga and Hoity Toity both spat-off thankfully. After cancelling our Yorkshire Show entry because Roma had spat twice, she sat this morning. Decision now made, so I mated her again. But next week will be our cut off date for matings I think...we are going to be busy next August...whatever happened to our June birthing plan?

The cria racing season is now in full swing. Despite Quintos being the youngest cria, he is most often the one who calls the team for training. Whereas Lucie was a clear winner last year, it seem to be more of an even playing field this year, with all contenders in with a chance of passing the finish line in poll position.

Crystal in the lead, Quintos coming up on the outside, but Alfie is looking very determined in second place.

A loss of concentration and Finesse takes the poll position

Boots seems to have lost all sense of direction...either that or she is cheating...

...and they all head back to the starting pen ready for the next race...

...and off they go again...this time with Annabelle taking the lead...Rumour, in third place, is not the most competitive and rarely makes the prizes

That's it...time out to watch some dog racing

Difficult to capture on camera, but I kid you not, it was a lap round the paddock then back to the catching pen, where they waited for everyone before setting off again...aren't alpacas just amazing...no wonder I am always behind with the chores!

bTB Test Results, Futurity Hotels and Photos.

2011-09-16T08:42:00.002+01:00

As most alpaca breeders will be aware; The British Alpaca Society (BAS), along with The British Camelid Society and The Veterinary Laboratory Agency, have been working on the development of a reliable blood test for the testing of bTB in camelids. The problem being that the skin test used on other species is just too unreliable as a camelid test.

Last year there was a call for the donation of 300 alpacas (from 3 and 4-year parish testing areas only) and we were all asked to give our support. Now I have to admit that I was pleased when the quota was met and we could give a financial donation rather than a living one. Why?...well the test is after all being tested for its reliability...this means in order to test this a small number of alpacas showing a false positive will be slaughtered. The reason for this was explained to me thus; there have been no false negatives found (i.e all alpacas know to have bTB have tested positive) however it is finding the lower level of sensitivity that they are testing. At what point can they safely say that it is a certain negative...hence the small number classed as false positive.

Well for various reasons the promise of 300 donations fell short by 50 alpacas. Should we stand back and expect others to find a reliable test from which we could all benefit?...we decided not...but to cut this long winded tale a bit shorter...we have the results...and no further tests are required...thank goodness (I will not give the names of our brave volunteers).

On my last blog I mentioned that we had booked our hotel for The British Alpaca Futurity 2012. Now this appears to be less straight forward that when it was held at Stoneleigh where there was only one hotel on site. We had booked into the Holiday Inn Express on the NEC site (functional rather that luxury, but does the job) then to be told that The Futurity site was recommending The Hilton...right, best change then...hotel checked out on line...umm maybe not...Holiday Inn Express £230 for 3 night B&B...Hilton prices starting at £630 for 3 nights. Now, I can take luxury...I like a bit of 5 star on holiday...but this is an alpaca show...last year we got to bed at 2 am and were up by 6 am (okay we were a bit jaded by the last night and went to bed at 1 am and got up at 7am)...hardly worth the extra expense for four hours in bed I think! Maybe we will save the expense towards The World Conference in Oxford.

Talking of The Futurity...could this be one for the photo competition...well it's cute anyway...Velvet giving Quintos a kiss on the nose...suggested titles welcome:

Can you see the tongue(click to enlarge)...Velvet and Quintos.

Other photos taken yesterday with no theme at all:

The lovely EP Cambridge Lady Gaga

Could he possibly be even lovelier...Beck Brow Magellan

He has a lovely face too...but I do like that butt...Beck Brow Synergy

Beck Brow Finesse...looking awfully dense...

...but is far from stupid...just get the milk bar to come to you...now that is 5 star treatment!

Blown Away

2011-09-14T09:15:00.000+01:00

It is back to calm today after some amazing storms. Not the weather for a hat...not with with gale force winds...if fact not the weather for opening the mail box without paying full attention...I think that I caught it all eventually...after chasing it around the alpaca fields! Think the lottery cheque might be missing though!

We were booked in to have an alpaca presence at The World Sheep Dog Trials from Thursday until Sunday this week. Unfortunately the dreadful weather has meant that they have had to cancel the Thursday and Friday of the Country Fair side of the event. Can't imagine that there was any chance of erecting a marquee in the past two days...such a shame...Clare Savins, the alpaca breed Secretary, is in charge of the event and I know that she has put so much work into it...lets hope the weekend is sunny and draws the crowds.

We have had some good news and bad news with regard to spit-offs. Being later in the year we decided to give a number of the maidens one mating...if they took they took...if not they would be left over. Well the good news is that they have all taken...the bad news is that we no longer have a show team to take to Yorkshire! Lady Gaga sat again (third week in a row) so has lost the time that she made up with having an early birth. Although, I do believe that she sat last year when she must have been already pregnant (she obviously likes St. Patrick!) St. Patrick now has pregnancies with white, fawn, brown and black females, so we should have a good idea of what he can do over colours by next year.

We have booked our hotel for The Futurity today. Three nights are booked, in anticipation of taking a show team. It is at the NEC this year (16th and 17th March) so it will be interesting to see how it compares with Stoneleigh. I have to say that we have always enjoyed The Futurity, especially the social side of the event! One of the contenders for the Beck Brow team this year will be Easter-Wood Adelle (sire Cambridge The Chairman of ACC). Jeff from Easter-Wood Alpaca Stud kindly sent us this photo of her this morning...it is going to be a very exciting day next month when she finally arrives at Beck Brow with her mum. This will be one occasion when I will hopefully be happy to be blown away!

Easter-Wood Adelle

Off to pastures new...

2011-09-10T13:56:00.001+01:00

I suspect that someone might have been a little excited this morning...It is over nine months since Amanda's two females; Cambridge Caramella and Cambridge Stansted arrived at Beck Brow on livery. The plan was that Amanda would do a season as apprentice midwife before taking them home (10 minutes away). Two had turned into four over the summer with the births of Fendi and Satchmo, and Amanda was excited about having her cria at home. So doses of Selenium for Mums and injections of vitamins for the cria (they had already been wormed with Cydectin) and they were off. Bye girls!

Our new girls from the auction have settled in their own little group well...it still looks strange having a black one! The written results from the poo samples sent to the laboratory came in the post on Friday. We had been told that no treatment was needed, however, when we saw the results we decided otherwise. The samples had been split into groups and all of our herd had levels of <10 in all tests. Whereas the new girls who were generally clear, had a result of 360 for coccidia (not E. Mac that was <10). Although this is considered acceptable we felt that we did not want to risk introducing cria, who had not been previously exposed to coccidia, to these higher levels. So the three of them have had Vecoxan.

We are moving some of our herd around this afternoon. We are having such problems with our alpacas getting overweight this year (Liz Barlow did quietly mention that Explorer was far from slim!). I think that we may have to put some sheep on some on the land normally set aside for the alpacas to get it eaten down. At present we have 40 alpacas on approximately 4 acres and the rest is empty. The trouble is keeping the alpacas on small plots means lots of poo picking to keep the grazing clean.

I actually had time to enjoy some cria socialising yesterday. Both Snooty Boots and Quintos, our two youngest, are a delight:

Beck Brow Snooty Boots...I wonder who her Daddy is??

Waradene St. Patrick of EPC...proud father..it's the nose I think!

Quintos is hilarious...he struts about the paddock like he owns the place. He has absolutely no fear of anything and is amazingly friendly (he and Boots are best friends and run to greet you)

Quintos strutting his stuff (Poppet aka Paige Turner in the foreground...yes bit porky too!)

Quintos checking out the carrier bag..."I hear that she's spent all the housekeeping on some more alpacas...had to go to Aldi!)

See ya....

Westmorland County Show...The Alpaca Supreme Champion.

2011-09-09T07:01:00.005+01:00

Wednesday was spent setting up for the alpaca show at Westmorland County Agricultural Show. The weather wasn't looking hopeful...in fact the forecast was grim. By 5.30 pm we had made the decision that we were going to have to make a ring inside the marquee. We would then have to get to the show ground very early on the show day and change to the outside ring if a miracle happened and the sun decided to shine...it didn't!

Liz Barlow, our judge, did an excellent job, in what turned into a rather muddy show ring but thankfully everyone 'mucked in' and things were pretty slick...we even managed to meet the dead line for the grand parade...phew!

We had a good turn out with 20 breeders entered and the rosettes were well shared out amongst them. We took three alpacas. Paige Turner (aka as Poppet...this caused great amusement when Criag had the inspection stewards looking for Poppet on the list of entries!) was our first out and got first placed junior fawn female. She is very dark fawn (verging on light brown the colour card was brought out again) so we were pleasantly surprised when she very nearly took the fawn championship...Liz was back and forward between the two...but eventually chose the older male, who went on to get reserve champion...very close indeed well done Poppet!

Next up was Fine Romance who was undoubtedly in the most closely contested class of the day...Intermediate White Female...and she got a very commendable third placed rosette.

And Finally...it was the boy himself...Beck Brow Explorer...Supreme Champion at Northumberland County Show...could he do it again?...of course he could....Beck Brow Explorer....Multiple Supreme Champion!!! Could I love him anymore...I think not...I am just a little proud!

Now I could tell you about all the wonderful things that Liz said about him...well, I could if Paul ever remembered...when asked his reply was "she liked him"...I guessed that... she gave him Supreme!! Seriously, I did manage to get a chat with Liz and Shirley Bettinson (apprentice judge) afterwards and they were very impressed....he really does have amazing coverage and consistency...offically gorgeous Explorer!

Did he 'pouffe'? Only once...he really was on his best behaviour. I think he has now got an association going on...trip out in the van...get something red...then everyone asks to look at your fleece! Although he did stamp in a muddy puddle when standing next to Debbie...resulting in a rather muddy white coat...but brown is better than green Debbie!

Paul with Beck Brow Explorer...Supreme Champion Westmorland County Show

I arrived home very tired...show organiser; chief steward; and exhibitor...it had taken it's toll...so down the pub it was for supper and a celebratory drink...or two! Cheers to all those who helped (with special thanks to fellow bloggers Andy and Bev. Hope the bruise isn't too bad Andy...the scars of the ring steward!) and and those who competed...hopefully everyone enjoyed the day.

Introducing our latest girls...yes more!

2011-09-06T07:43:00.001+01:00

I feel this blog should start with an alert: WARNING; reading blogs can seriously damage your bank balance!!!

Explanation: I have been following the Easter-Wood Alpaca Stud blog from some time and have seen how Jeff and Sheila have been introducing some amazing genetics into an already impressive elite herd. With an elite foundation herd made up of some stunning EP Cambridge females, they have capitalised on their assets with the use of some of the very best males available.

I had read last year that Jeff and Sheila had been smart enough to secure the stud services of Eringa Park Lawbreaker of EPC and Cambridge The Chairman of ACC, before EP Cambridge Alpaca Stud decided to keep these two stunning males for in house use only. So when I saw that Easter Wood Metisha was up for sale, a stunning EP Cambridge Neptune daughter herself, but also that she was being sold pregnant to The Chairman, my interest was piqued!

However I dithered, not because I didn't want her, but because I was going to the Blueberry auction and wanted to see what happened there. Whilst I dithered Metisha gave birth to a fabulous looking female (Easter Wood Adelle)...would Jeff and Sheila still want to sell her?...I know it was a tough decision for them and needed sleeping on...but the sale was confirmed yesterday...and we are very excited!

Metisha and Adelle (new born)... photo stolen from the Easter-Wood blog!

Adelle's genetics read like Australian alpaca royalty:

Joilmont Commisario
NWA Ltd Ruffo
Cambridge Show Stopper
EP Cambridge Peruvian Caesar
Jolimont Encantador
EP Cambridge Neptune

But with a grand dam named Eringa Park Artistry of EPC... I would say that she was bound to be pretty as a picture:

Easter-Wood Adelle (Day 1 I think!)

We have decided to leave the girls for a couple of months. It is a long journey with precious cargo and as there is no rush we thought it would be good to leave Adelle until she is a little older. We are going to leave Metisha open until the Spring....when another decision will have to be made!

Starting young!

2011-09-05T16:10:00.003+01:00

Well after having two days off on sick leave, and Paul having had a jolly off at the cricket on Saturday, it was catch up time on Sunday. I was in trouble again, unable to resist I mated Lady Gaga at 17 days last week...and yes she sat again this week...when will I learn...21 DAYS! Parisien spat for the second week so good news for her new owners. St Patrick and Parisien...now that should be a good looking cria!

The new girls are settling in well. They are in isolation at present, and have the barn with the mirrors as their shelter. The mirrors always do the trick tempting them in to look at themselves. It is a bit like the hall of mirrors at the fun fair as some of the mirrors have twisted slightly. I like the one that gives you really long legs! We bought acrylic mirrors, but having passed the tip on to someone else (who has had success getting her alpacas to use a dark shelter with mirrors) I can now recommend mirror on a roll from eBay, stuck on to board it is a fraction of the price. Clever thinking Kathryn! The girls got their dose of selenium...no trouble at all...they are very sweet (I think Jim has been cuddling!)

The tests have came back from the VLA on Friday. All egg counts are <10. You may recall that the laboratory were getting tested on a new method of screening camelid faeces and had asked for some samples to test. They have adopted a more sensitive method due to 'reports from experienced camelid clinicians of severe disease particularly in young crias at low egg counts and variability of shedding eggs'. So it is worth checking that your lab is not using the <50 count as their standard.

The sashes arrived for Westmorland Show today...phew...that was getting a bit close. Paul has been doing all the hard work planning how the tent will be set out, and making contingency plans in case of rain (please no). I am more the office girl. I haven't even seen the tent...at least I have someone to blame if it all falls apart!

In amongst this, I am trying to make arrangements for The World Sheep Dog Trials. We are to feature alpacas over the four days, with a display in the ring on the Friday and Sunday (next week). I am coordinating the alpacas, but we don't actually have any boys to take along. Hence I am indebted to Greenside, Little Eskrigg and WhyNot Alpacas for their help. With over 30,000 visitors expected it should be a really good show case for the alpacas, fleece and knitwear.

Yesterday we actually had some sunshine, in amongst all the work I had a little lie out in the cria paddock. I like the way the cria investigate when they think that you are sleeping. I was however in for a bit of a shock...someone sat on my head...knees gripped tight...orgling as loud as St. Patrick...I kid you not...it was Quintos...10 days old...that boy is going to be trouble!

I am afraid it is a bit of a slow news day, but Craig tells me I am slacking with my blogging...not even a photo!

Sat, Sat and Sat!

2011-09-03T08:32:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I spent the day reminiscing about our holiday that we spent in India earlier in the year...what prompted this?...was it beautiful sunshine?...wonderful indian food?...lazing by our infinity pool??...no food poisining!! Probably a bug to be precise. Thankfully I had no urgent tasks to do, as I didn't manage to drag myself out to feed the alpacas until 10.45, and then it was only the girls who got checked and fed (I could have called in some help but decided...a bit like myself ...that the boys would hardly starve without food for the day).

So back a couple of days to Wednesday when we spat off the new girls. Biba, the black girl was sold as empty, so we had no doubts there. She was mated with St Patrick. The plan is to mate her with Black Sabbath next year (he is at Anzac Alpacas at present) but decided that we had nothing to loose by trying her with St. Pat this year. Both have some brown in their pedigree so we will see.

We had already decided at the auction that Renata (the top priced female) wasn't pregnant. Someone we know has a rather impressive orgling impersonation, and with a swift move behind her she dropped to the floor...I think it is those sunglasses that does it Lawrence!...anyway we thought that she was open...and she was. This was a bonus as we could put St. Patrick over her this year, and hopefully Explorer will be working by the time she is due next year. She was purchased with Explorer in mind. She has a very similiar fleece style with impressive uniformity. Only a couple of years before we find out what they produce!

The surprise was the third girl...Nicola who had been scanned pregnant and was supposed to be due the beginning of October... I say surprise, but once we got her home we did question the fact that she didn't look at all pregnant...and you guessed...dropped like a brick on the mere sight of St. Patrick. He was equally impressed; I don't think I have seen him be so affectionate whilst mating before. Initially rather disappointing, as a cria had been factored into the purchase...but actually I wasn't looking forward to a late born cria, and then we would have left her open until the spring... when Explorer would not yet have been ready (and we are realising the problems of leaving girls open too long...fat females! So waiting for him would have been difficult. Also this way it is not two novices together!) So hopefully we get a St. Pat cria before she gets mated with Explorer in the autumn next year...so probably overall for the better.

It is pouring down yet again today. Paul has shown great concern over my illness, and has left me whilst he has gone to Durham to watch the England v India one day test match...but will it be rained off?!

Some photos from Thursday;

Camilla, who is very gentile and elegant, was not at all impressed to have her dignity tested by a pile of rowdy boys.

Who are quickly brought back in line!

Magellan (front) Alfie in the firing line, Rumour behind her mum (and innocent), and Magum (rear)

Finally little Boots, who never stops posing and is an absolute little charmer...getting top of everyone's favourite list!

Beck Brow Snooty Boots

A very fair exchange....

2011-08-30T16:36:00.001+01:00

Well there is no point trying to be mysterious about our purchases at the auction...I see that it is already on the Harrison and Hetherington web site http://www.livestock-sales.co.uk/2011/alpacas/0829/index.html

(don't know why I bothered doing my hair...looks like I forgot to brush it...I did say just use the one where the alpaca is standing correctly...oh well!). I did go with the intention of purchasing lot 24; Blueberry Alonso Renata 11 (Champion Intermediate Female and Best of British Champion at Northumberland Show 2011), unfortunately so had someone else. The bidding was fast and she went for the absolute maximum that I was prepared to pay (and much more that I had hoped I would have to spend!).

Our black female Blueberry Sinbad Blackbird was the third most expensive alpaca sold...I just don't get bargains! I wanted to get a little herd of 3 young females so that they could be quarantined together and the third female was chosen based on her fleece stats but also because she is due soon...I like the gamble...will she have a female...if so she may well be a bargain! She is Blueberry Max Nicola and carries Rural Alianza Don Pepe of Wessex and NWA Ltd Ruffo genetics.

Jim chooses his alpaca names as a combination of the dam and sire. Sometimes this is a bit confusing (I noticed that one gelding who had Matador as his sire and Magnolia as his dam, had ended up as Matt Magnolia...paint may be better in matt not sure about an alpaca....gloss?!) Therefore as her mum is already called Blackbird I think I will be calling Blackbird, Biba.

Nicola (L) and Renata

Biba

This morning I took along some poo samples, including those from the new girls, to the VLA for testing. We do have the kit to do our own, but had been asked to provide some alpaca poo to the laboratory 'as a favour'. It seems that they are to be tested on their sampling techniques and reporting of alpaca fecal egg counts. So I supply some poo and I get the results for free...even better I was given a nice bottle of Rioja for my trouble...turning poo into wine...can't be bad.

Just picking up a comment that Judi made on an earlier blog regarding sensitive skin (Phoebe an alpaca belonging to Robyn and Craig is hypersensitive since having mites last year) unfortunately the vet didn't really have anything additional to add. We have tried everything (including recently treating her as if she had mites just in case we had got it wrong, but it didn't make the slightest difference). It does seem to be related to flies so we think that it may be a reaction to insect bites. She really is much better on wet and windy days and doesn't seem to itch at all (luckily for her there are plenty of those round these parts). One product that has helped (but leaves the fleece a dreadful mess) is Stop Itch which includes a fly repellent as well as soother, but it is a cream so not the easiest to apply. I had asked the vet about an anti-histamine but this isn't something he could recommend.

And finally...someone has been eating too many pies...Velvet has always amazed us with her ability to squeeze through the stock fencing between alpaca paddocks...quite useful as she often needs to make a swift exit after messing with someone's cria...however she does appear to have gotten a little large for the hole!

Velvet....no way!

The Blueberry Alpaca Herd Sale....

2011-08-29T18:55:00.000+01:00

Today was the day...the auction sale of the prize winning Blueberry Alpaca herd. Jim (Dent) a well respected local breeder had been talking about having a sale for a couple of years, so us locals had had plenty of notice. However the turn out was far from being Cumbrian, looking around I spotted breeders from virtually every county in the UK!

I had already been to look at the herd prior to the sale so had made my choices. No need to go early. Plenty of time to do my hair...do my hair?...Paul is wondering why I need to do my hair to go to an auction..."just in case I get my photo taken"..."get your photo taken?"...."yes when you buy the most expensive alpaca you get your photo taken!"....I got my photo taken!!

Someone new to alpacas actually bought 31 lots; we only bought three. I call them the expensive one; the very pregnant one; and the black one. All young girls with lots of promise. I will tell more tomorrow as I need a glass of red to celebrate, but we got what we went for, okay at a higher price than anticipated, but purchasing the alpacas that are in demand must be a good move...I hope!

The black one; The expensive one (centre...she is just fab!); and the very pregnant one (didn't I breath a sigh of relief about the birthing season being over too soon!)

Introducing Kev...

2011-08-28T13:47:00.000+01:00

With no more alpacas due this year...we had the luxury of getting up at 08.30 hours this morning...no popping out in the PJs at 6 am to do the morning checks...not that I didn't still wake up at the crack of dawn...but it was nice to be able to just roll over!

Hoity's little boy is doing well. As expected, once he was warmed up and had some food in his tummy, he soon got up the strenghth to drink from his mum, when left to it. We have however been having a bit of a problem thinking of a name for him (I was sure Hoity Toity was having a female). Initially we thought we should have a Hollywood theme to Hollywood Attitude's cria, but it hasn't proven to be very inspiring. So far we have:

Alfie (fair enough...after the film)

Annabelle (could that be Annabelle's Party...was that a film?)

Magnum (Magnum Force)

Sophie (Sophie's Choice...I know we are stretching things)

So what to call Hoity's boy? Amanda was trying her best to provide prompts...what is your favourite film?..."The Hand that Rocks The Cradle?...Fatal Attraction?"...No doesn't help?

What about your favourite actor?..."don't really have one...hang on...what about that guy in Robin Hood...emmm...Kevin Costner...that's it!" ... "You want to call him Kev?" (no offense to Kevins but I had to agree it isn't the best alpaca name...bit like Alan isn't either...or Malcolm...you know what I mean). Well we entertained ourselves but didn't come up with anything like a suitable name.

We then went on to trying to fine names with the initials HT after his mum...but in the end I have called him Quintos...nothing to do with either parent...it was going to be Iquintos after somewhere we visited when in Peru, but I decided to drop the I. Quintos...it seems to suit him...

Beck Brow Quintos

I had organised for the vet to come on Friday afternoon for a few herd health jobs: These included checking that Roma's jaw abscess had healed (before Westmorland Show...she missed Northumberland because of it); checking on Katkin's abscess site; Phoebe's sensitive skin (she has had hypersensitive skin since having mites last year and gets dermatitis); checking Hoity's ingrowing eyelash (much easier when not pregnant); and microchipping the cria. Unfortunately the initial appointment time of 2 pm got changed to 3 pm then eventually 5.30 pm...typical madness before a bank holiday weekend...hence the last 2 tasks have been left for another day!

It is the Blueberry Alpacas herd sale tomorrow. Breeders seem to be coming to Cumbria from far and wide. We will be going along to catch up with everyone and keep an eye on proceedings...feedback tomorrow!

The last birth of the year...

2011-08-25T19:20:00.001+01:00

Well Amanda has now completed her apprenticeship at Beck Brow, with the last cria of year being born this morning. Not that she witnessed the birth...no Hoity Toity wasn't playing ball...Paul looked out of the window first thing to spot something very small and very white lying in the paddock. Yes...Hoity had obviously decided...after three days of lovely weather...to birth in the early hours... in the cold.

Amanda has covered most things in the text book...today it was hypothermia. The little fella's temperature was so low it wasn't registering on the thermometer. However he wasn't dry so we expect hadn't been exposed too long. Heat lamp on, draft excluders in place, hairdryer in hand and towels in the microwave. It took some time (3 hours) before we actually got his temperature high enough to feed him. Luckily we always have a good supply of cows colostrum in the freezer (kindly supplied from the farmer who rents some of our land and has 400 births each year!) and we also had plasma. We gave the plasma tubed (I can never get them to drink it) and bottle fed some colostrum.

Unfortunately we have not managed to get him to drink from mum, despite her best efforts. We have held him under, squirted milk in to his mouth, but he just doesn't make the effort to suckle. Now that we feel we have got adequate into him to cover passive transfer, I have left them to it for a few hours to see what he does.

The situation was not helped by poor Hoity having a retained placenta. Looking at her rear end she looked like she had had a tough birth already without struggling with the placenta. I gave her some Finadyne for pain relief but she was still uncomfortable. Eventually we gave some Oxytocin with result (a little gentle help required) and antibiotic cover in the form of Excenel.

Phew...that's it. 6 girls and four boys this year. We haven't decided on a name for our latest arrival. His Dam Silverstream Hoity Toity is a Silverstream Czar daughter (ggs Peruvian Hemingway) and has Jolimont Conquistador on her dam's side. His sire is Anzac Hollywood's Attitude (Sire Jolimont Attitude gs Jolimont Sculptor) and he also has Jolimont Conquistador on his dams side. So the boy comes with some credentials!

Hoity Toity with her cria (looking more perky this evening)

The apprentice at work!

Just get over it...

2011-08-22T16:16:00.000+01:00

I have needed a prescription for cria therapy over the weekend...the need to keep things in perspective...to enjoy the uncomplicated life of sitting in the paddock with the alpacas. Sometimes you just know that you have been had...but there comes a point when fighting for justice just isn't worth the stress.

An engine management light came on in van last month, this was within the 3 month warranty supplied by a local garage...garage tells us just faulty sensor...sensor changed...next time van is driven warning light returns...van now out of warranty...yes you can guess the rest. In short the van needed a new turbo (an intermittent fault so difficult to detect we admit) but was obviously the cause on the original problem. On the bright side the Volkswagon garage were extremely helpful...even offering to cover the costs if we had a full service history...unfortunately the 'full service history' that was supposed to be with the van...appears not to be so full after all...I am now £1200 lighter...arghhh.

That's it...forgotten. We kept ourselves busy over the weekend. Paul has been putting a new roof on the portacabin (that dad kindly painted earlier in the week). This is going to be our education centre (okay its a box...but best think big!). I will post a photo when complete (could be a while).

Paul has also been doing a bit of topping. We are really struggling to keep on top of the grass this year. The alpacas are most definitely on the generously covered side. We even had 3 acres made in to large bale silage and taken away over the weekend.

I had to catch up on some domestic duties (boring but essential) but kept giving myself some time out to enjoy the cria:

Rumour Has It...such a sweet girl (sire EPC Top Account of Fowberry) and sister to Explorer

Boots (sire Waradene St. Patrick of EPC) continues to be our biggest poser

Can you spot her...everyone else is watching Velvet...but there is boots; centre looking at the camera.

I think that Boots must be the most entertaining cria that we have had born here...she is so friendly but at the same time quite full of herself and is always at the centre of everything. The next 3 photos are not of very good quality but I think sum up her spirit.

Getting stuck in with Rumour

Slight disadvantage being short

but ideal height for the jugular...

And finally another favourite playmate of Boots'...Magnum...he is so sweet despite Boots giving him what for!

Magum

Fleece fairy required...

2011-08-18T18:31:00.000+01:00

I was going to wait until I had some interesting news before blogging this week...I was waiting for something exciting to report...something like our last cria of the year being born...or a miracle occurring such as the fleece fairy paying us a visit, waving her magic wand and woosh; 600 fleeces sorted...but no and no!

In amongst fleece sorting, I have been nipping between checking on Hoity Toity (over due) and keeping an eye on Westmorland Show entries. With limited room available in the tent (allowing for 3 mtrs between pens and room for an indoor ring in case of rain, it is going to be tight). I limited the numbers, but it was always going to be difficult to imagine every variable e.g male/female/adult male all needing separate pens. Any way entries are closed and we are packed (I feel a headache ahead)...Paul!!...We have entries from 22 different breeders which is great but sets a challenge for penning...just the task for an engineer I feel!

The cria have been in a boisterous mood today. Firstly Satchmo decided to mess with Magellan:

Satchmo (brown) and Magellan

However he was always going to come worst off...Magellan is one strong male:

Satchmo is counted out...

Next it was the turn of Synergy who got an ear full (or is that an eye full) from Sophie.

Sophie and Synergy

Not very lady like? Depends if one would like to keep one's dignity intact...the reason for the fall out shown below:

Synergy starting early

Although I was only out with the camera for 15 minutes Magellan managed to get into more trouble annoying Finesse:

Magellan and Finesse

Explorer still spends all his time at the fence next to the girls. He still hasn't given up hope of being reunited with his true love (Lucie). Here he is trying to remove the staples with his teeth...it is going to take a while to get the fence all down Explorer!

Explorer...pliers would be quicker!

Boots was a week old on Tuesday. She still looks tiny but is full of mischief and frightened of nothing. Poor Lady Gaga is forever running around behind her.

Snooty Boots.

Banksy at work...

2011-08-15T20:15:00.002+01:00

I gave myself the day off on Saturday...arguably a bit of a bus man's holiday, as I went off with a bag of alpaca fleece in tow. Yet another course (I am known to like courses) this time it was nuno felting. Julie from Hesta Scene http://www.hestascene.com/ a textile artist with a special interest in working with alpaca, was our tutor for the day. She did an excellent job as I have to admit to being rather pleased to have produced a very nice scarf. Having just purchased 600 fleeces I think I will have to come up with something less time consuming though! I have realised the fatal flaw in my alpaca wear business...there is only one of me...might have to have a re-think...me thinks!

Paul was left at home in charge of things. Hoity Toity is now 346-days so he was instructed to keep a good eye on her. As Paul thinks that all white alpacas look the same I thought that I would help him out in the identification challenge:

Hoity has a small sore...about the size of ten pence piece...possibly smaller...unfortunately Hoity kicked out and I moved but forgot to take my finger off the aerosol button!

Paul and St. Patrick were away mobile mating on Sunday. It would appear that St. Patrick got all three of the females pregnant that were mated on the same day a couple of weeks ago. As he only had two matings on Sunday, we didn't give him the day off today as we would normally do! This evening he had a date with Parisien, who sat nicely for a maiden, watched by her new owners who had come to see what it was all about.

Snooty Boots is coming along well. She looks so diddy next to the other cria. Here she is with Fendi, who belongs to Amanda and was the first cria born this year. Boots is very careful not to get any drips on herself whilst visiting the poo pile:

Boots visits the ladies with Fendi...girls always go in twos!

Magnum and Alfie...like peas in a pod and best friends too

Beck Brow Snooty Boots

2011-08-12T09:45:00.003+01:00

All credit to Lady Gaga she did pick a fine day to give birth to Snooty Boots. However, ever since then the weather has been doing a very good impersonation of November. Not only has it rained relentlessly, but the wind has been blowing a gale. Not the weather for a premature cria to be braving the storm. Hence, Lady G and Boots have been tucked up in the barn for most of the time. With plenty of hay bales for draught proofing and a heat lamp, they have been snug as a bug.

Lady G has rather liked having the executive suite to herself. She was happy to have the others in view, but definitely wasn't looking to share, especially when new mother rations were on offer. Hoity Toity did hang around, showing great interest in the new cria, but Gaga was giving her the cold shoulder, with shoulder pads to boot...more hoity toity than Hoity Toity herself I would say!

Boots is doing well. She was very tired for the first couple of days. She wandered from under the heat to be fed then got her self positioned back in the warmth. Velvet is totally in awe. Amasingly Gaga is just letting her go and sit beside Boots but keeps a good eye on her.

Despite the drizzle Lady Gaga and Boots have ventured up the field this morning. Boots has gained a little weight (300 gs) and is now up for a bit of romping around. Here she is, a bit damp and wearing 2 coats to keep warm:

Beck Brow Snooty Boots (sire Waradene St. Patrick of EPC)

EP Cambridge Lady Gaga with Snooty Boots (need to put the tape back on those ears!)

Doing an impersonation of Eric and Ernie (Morcambe and Wise...okay you might be too young to remember!)

Did someone say something about the 'Cat's Pyjamas!"

No I'll stick with Snooty Boots!

EP Cambridge Lady Gaga and Waradene St Patrick of EPC ...are pleased to announce:

2011-08-09T21:11:00.000+01:00

It was obvious by 09.30 hrs this morning that EP Cambridge Lady Gaga had things on her mind. Pregnant to our own Waradene St. Patrick of EPC, and potentially his first cria, this should have been very exciting...and it was. But...and here's the but...she was only 321-days gestation...approximately the same gestation as last year when she had a cria that did not survive (prior to us taking delivery of her).

So the high alert button was pressed:

1. Call Amanda....tick

2. Birthing bag contents all present and correct...tick

4. Colostrum store checked...tick

3. Plasma located...tick

4. Mobile phone with vet on fast dial...tick

5. Hairdrier and heat lamp in situ...tick

6. Kettle...you always need hot water!...tick

7. Towels ready for the microwave...tick

Right Gaga we are ready and waiting...and waiting...and waiting. It was a case of watching you; watching me (ah ah) but she eventually had a text book birth at 12.30 pm. I was so excited by the colour (Gaga is beige and we really wanted to see what colour St Patrick would add) that I nearly forgot to check the sex immediately...but we have a beautiful mid fawn female. Down on her pasterns, and with slightly floppy ears she is obviously somewhat prem (although teeth are erupted) she weighed in at 7.0 kgs. She was slightly slower to stand at 2 hours, but was latched on soon after...Lady Gaga is the most amazing Mum.

We (that is I) have decided to name her Snooty Boots...Gaga always looks down her nose at people's footwear (especially Amanda's) hence the name. She will be known as Boots. To say that I am a little excited is an understatement...watch out Explorer...she might just have one of the brightest fleeces that I have seen...serious competition boy!!

EP Cambridge Lady Gaga with Beck Brow Snooty Boots (sire Waradene St. Patrick of EPC)

A close up at less than 3 hours old...

Finally...a short blog as rather exhausted after all the excitement...a photo of Parisien with Katkin and Katie (in the dust bath)...I am sure that Katkin knows that I have sold her!

Parisien (left) with Katkin and Katie.

Ups and Downs

2011-08-07T18:28:00.002+01:00

It has taken me a couple of days to feel able to report on the dreadful day that we had on Friday. Poor Max had obviously had more going on than I anticipated. We managed to sort out his constipation on Thursday evening, however he was refusing electrolytes via a bottle but was drinking from Mum, we were concerned but didn't think he was in anyway critical. However, on Friday morning, he was kushed but lethargic, and fearing dehydration I called the vet to administer some intravenous fluids. The vet started an infusion of Hartmans solution. However, as the flow rate was slow she decided to top him up with some intraperitoneal Hartmans, and planned that she would return in an hours' time with a correct size cannula, and to perform a full examination (she had received an emergency call out). Unfortunately the vet had only been left no more than 5 minutes, when Max suffered a seizure, his breathing became extremely laboured and he went into respiratory arrest.

Little Max had to fight for his life when he was born. We all fought so hard to keep him alive and he really did love life. A dreadful shame and we are mighty sad. Thankfully Minnie is absolutely fine. It has to be said she appears relieved...did she know more than us...I suspect so. RIP Marvelous Little Max.

On a happier note we are pleased to have introduced some lovely new owners to the addiction that is alpaca breeding. For although there will always be some lows (and I don't think anyone ever hardens themselves to the loss of a cria, or indeed any beloved animal) there are many more highs to owning and caring for such beautiful, inquisitive creatures, that are alpacas.

Richard and Lesley have purchased a ready made alpaca family in the form of Katkin and her 2 daughters; Parisien and Katie. Katkin is already pregnant to Waradene St. Patrick of EPC and Parisien will be mated to him very shortly. The girls are to stay at Beck Brow on livery until Richard and Lesley have made some alterations to their land and a shelter has been built. They will also be coming for plenty of hands-on training prior to taking the girls home.

Katkin, Parisien and Katie

Parisien...inquisitive as always

Velvet trying to stay as still as she can...Satchmo falling for the trick!

People often ask about "how can you bear to sell your alpacas?"...well it is hard... but there is also pleasure in sharing. Sharing knowledge and sharing the pleasure of alpaca ownership...and of course making lovely new friends. Last night we had a visit from Bev and Andy (owners of Fin, Kenzie and Noah) and had a meal down at the local...Yes...the downs are tough, but the highs are many.

Cria constipation...

2011-08-04T09:23:00.004+01:00

All credit to him...it was Paul who noticed the problem...it has been said (in all fairness, it was said by me) that Paul has a similar look when he is annoyed...but sure enough Paul spotted that... Max was indeed...constipated. Poor little man was straining over the poo pile without result. I had a little trouble finding the correct choice of washing up liquid...wasn't sure about antibacterial and surely lemon scented was unnecessary...but I eventually found a bottle of plain old traditional green Fairy and administered a warm soapy enema to him (Max not Paul ) on Monday evening. And along with a few fairy bubbles, we had a good result.

However yesterday he was back at the poo pile straining. This time I tried a Fleet enema...it has never failed before...when used in hospitals one always ensures that the facilities are very close by...yes works that quickly. But no; he is passing a small amount of tiny very hard dottles but we haven't got to the bottom of it yet (pardon the pun). He has had some pro-biotic yogurt and some warm water with electrolytes (yesterday was very warm and he really wasn't drinking as much from Mum as he normally does). Hopefully things will start to move otherwise we will have to rethink. Possibly an oral laxative or a Microlax maybe other options. Suggestions welcome.

Both Rumour and Max have been a bit 'off' post their Lambivac injections (a live vaccine against clostidial disease)...it may be just a coincidence...however both had rather difficult births...I wonder?

Whilst watching Max in the paddock I took along both Velvet and the camera:

Beck Brow Magellan and Synergy...always looking for trouble

Checking out Velvet who is at my feet (very unusual!)

They decide to send in the new boy Magnum to check things out...

Oops...Velvet sees an opportunity (Max in the background trying to make a deposit for the poo picker)

Beck Brow Finesse...trying to look mighty in case she is to be posted (comments previous blog)

Young Punk Annabelle

Mobile matings and Monday meetings!

2011-08-02T08:49:00.000+01:00

I really must do better...blogging has become a bit retrospective...and the photography a bit spasmodic (unfortunately spending hours in the paddock with a camera is seemingly not in my job specification...well not when Paul is at home to witness!).

Sunday was mobile mating day again. St Patrick is rather liking his outings. He now does a little jig as enters the van...and behaves himself very well on arrival. We are trying something we haven't tried before; normally we would only use a stud male for a maximum of two matings in one day. However, we decided to see how St. Patrick would manage three matings, with plenty of rest time in between. We had given him three days off prior to Sunday, and he had 1.5 and 2.5 hour rest between matings. The females were all receptive (although maidens and girls who have been left open) so we will wait with interest for results of spit-offs. This system also allows us time for a splendid lunch (many thanks if you read this).

Yesterday we had two visits again (Mondays are popular!). Alison, who is also a nurse, had contacted us a couple of weeks ago about calling in on their way from Scotland to the Lakes. Alison and her husband are in the early stages of making plans to keep alpacas in the future, and hopefully went away with some useful ideas.

In the afternoon we had a visit from Richard and Lesley, who having thought about it for a while, are further down the line in their plans to breed alpacas. I put together a package of females that I thought would best meet their needs and they have gone away to ponder my proposal (I have to admit to waking up in the night thinking...do I really want to sell her!!).

Don't think we will be getting any more visitors today (Finesse and Magnum)

Rumour seemed a little off colour yesterday, which did cause us some concern. She always looks so vunerable at the best of times, but she was especially sleepy. With no raised temperature, no diarrohea, and she was obviously feeding, I can only put it down to her having her first Lambivac injection at the weekend. She does seem a bit perkier this morning.

And finally I believe that there has been a complaint...about the lack of dog photos on the blog...not the best, but here is Velvet trying to look nonchalant about getting checked out. She is especially amusing around the cria. She goes in amongst them and sits as still as she possibly can, then as they all come round she moves and scatters them all (unfortunately she also is inclined to join in the chase hence the lack of photos as she is usually being reprimanded)

Velvet, Caramella and Lucie.

New Owners...Same View!

2011-07-30T19:58:00.001+01:00

We have been enjoying the sunshine here at Beck Brow...we don't always get our fair share...so we do like to make the most of it. I have managed to get some fleece skirting done. With the sorting table in the orchard, I get a sun tan (T shirt tan), and have much better views than when stuck in the barn. It always takes me ages to sort my own fleeces as I spend so much time analysing and making potential breeding decisions, when I should just be getting on with it.

Anzac Hollywood's Attitude, our light fawn stud male, cut a very heavy fleece again this year (3.2kgs blanket only ). He was mated with Silverstream Hoity Toity last year, who has an incredibly heavy fleece for a female (2.9 kgs blanket only). I am now wondering if we will be getting a big fawn teddy bear some time soon? Hoity is white, but Hollywood has so far only produced mid fawns from white females, so fingers crossed...a fawn female would be good Hoity!

Hollywood's latest cria; Magnum is coming along well. He is so inquisitive and loves the camera. Blanche, his dam is very protective, but he is quite independent...even allowing Velvet to kiss his nose this morning.

Beck Brow Magnum...

.... Independent until feed time

Poor Hollywood hasn't had many matings here this year. I did mean to share out the girls a bit more fairly but the temptation to use St. Patrick just gets too much. Almost Illegal has been allowed a couple of girls to show us what he can do (he has an incredibly fine third fleece...I believe that his sire Cambridge Storm Trooper has remained very fine, and received a Supreme Championship at 10 years of age). He has had matings with Holly, Pebbles and Bonita (oops three isn't a couple).

Anzac Almost Illegal...strutting his stuff.

The whole herd have received their selenium, colbolt and vitamin drench this afternoon. We were helped by Willow's new owners, who are keeping Willow here on livery. The plan is that she will stay until they build up their herd, and also find the right property. This also gives her new owners the opportunity to learn all about alpaca husbandry, their health and welfare needs, and to get to know Willow before taking her home. I wasn't really sure whether Willow was going to be for sale, but she just seemed to be exactly what they needed. She is very easy to handle, sweet natured, pregnant to St. Patrick, and she gets to stay a bit longer...perfect!

Beck Brow Sweet Willow...aptly named.