Here on Irish Hill, it is difficult to attract visitors to the publicized National Alpaca Farm Days. This year we posted signs in three places in order to encourage new comers to keep driving up to the top of our steep mountain. The weather was uncooperative as well; we had periods of rain.
For John, all these changes in our daily schedule are challenges. But, we find that when there is no schedule at all with many distractions, he copes quite well. (This only works for one day or two. If continued, there is bound to be a melt down.) Having the three grandchildren involved in the presentation of the fiber, yarn, and finished knitted products was very helpful. John became a part of their group as we arranged everything under a small tent canopy.
Our first visitors were an older couple who lived in town. John had met them earlier in the week, so it was easy to assimilate them into the day's festivities. They returned later in the day with their grandson. When things seemed to slow down, we made a fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. Our other set of visitors included a one year old darling child, Izzy. For John, young children and their unpredictability produce stress. He chose to remain down by the fire with his older nephews rather than interact with Izzy. We have come to respect his choices in these matters, and were pleased when he came to say good-bye with the grandchildren.
Our animals, the center-stage stars of the day, were very cooperative in sampling the grain and allowing a few pettings. Kitchi, the newest cria, was apprehensive and skittish. We resisted the impulse to pick him up and bring him to the visitors. Our policy at Alpaca Shack is to create trusting alpacas by only handling them in their catch pen. It has proven to create a much less stressful existence. For sure, the stress of these functions is the hardest for our son. But, there is no doubt that these kind of experiences result in more self-control and self-confidence. The National Alpaca Farm Day, if for no other reason that that, was a success.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Shearing the Crias
Last year Alpaca Shack's Sooleana did not get sheared before the winter. Her gray fleece was the finest of the herd, but I was unable to enter it in fleece contests: the ends of alpaca fleece are hooked and they collect all kinds of debris. So when Kitchi was born in late August, there was no debate about shearing him.
Both Kitchi and Sokanon met the shearer on Tuesday afternoon. One of the risks of shearing a nursing cria is that the mother will reject her newborn. Sokanon, who is fifty pounds at two months, would probably do okay, but little Kitchi was a worry. We kept the mothers in the pen while we sheared and watched before releasing them out to the herd. Both Irish Rose and Alameda accepted their crias, even though Alameda had long since given charge of Sokanon to her sister, Sooleana.
We, except for John, find this chore quite stressful. He delights in every part of the procedure: the tying of the legs, the bagging of the fleece, the finishing touches with scissors-even the clean up.
You can't help but laugh at the finished product-a gangly, skinny, long-necked critter-looking for his Mom!
Both Kitchi and Sokanon met the shearer on Tuesday afternoon. One of the risks of shearing a nursing cria is that the mother will reject her newborn. Sokanon, who is fifty pounds at two months, would probably do okay, but little Kitchi was a worry. We kept the mothers in the pen while we sheared and watched before releasing them out to the herd. Both Irish Rose and Alameda accepted their crias, even though Alameda had long since given charge of Sokanon to her sister, Sooleana.
We, except for John, find this chore quite stressful. He delights in every part of the procedure: the tying of the legs, the bagging of the fleece, the finishing touches with scissors-even the clean up.
You can't help but laugh at the finished product-a gangly, skinny, long-necked critter-looking for his Mom!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
FINALLY A BOY!
Our first four crias were girls. Last week, Danko's Irish Rose presented Alpaca Shack with a beautiful, light brown boy named Alpaca Shack's Kitchi. There was no anticipation the day that he arrived: we were sure that all the alpacas were on the lower pasture. You can imagine our reaction when the little guy appeared on the runway!
Our pen area is set up so that the males can be separate from the females. Our gelding, Kaboom, has had his own "digs" for over a year since we lost Vitanza, a white gelding, to a gastrointestinal problem. Kaboom has since been intergrated into the group of females and crias-much more satisfactory for him. But, if Kitchi grows into a desireable male for breeding, we'll be ready to accomodate that by separating him with good ol' Kaboom.
John has called our new white cria "the lamb" and he calls Kitchi "the doggie". They seem completely at ease with his loud voice and noises. Although the grandchildren seem to make a similar ruckus, the herd definitely is more wary of their advances. John begs to "stay and watch them". It is not uncommon for him to stand with them calling out updates on who is making a mess or needs a haircut for over an hour. Pure enjoyment.
Our pen area is set up so that the males can be separate from the females. Our gelding, Kaboom, has had his own "digs" for over a year since we lost Vitanza, a white gelding, to a gastrointestinal problem. Kaboom has since been intergrated into the group of females and crias-much more satisfactory for him. But, if Kitchi grows into a desireable male for breeding, we'll be ready to accomodate that by separating him with good ol' Kaboom.
John has called our new white cria "the lamb" and he calls Kitchi "the doggie". They seem completely at ease with his loud voice and noises. Although the grandchildren seem to make a similar ruckus, the herd definitely is more wary of their advances. John begs to "stay and watch them". It is not uncommon for him to stand with them calling out updates on who is making a mess or needs a haircut for over an hour. Pure enjoyment.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Visitors at the Farm
This summer has been filled with people visiting our alpacas. John struggles most with the introduction of new people at Alpaca Shack. Once we have introduced him and he shakes hands, the new comers are more than welcome. Smiling broadly, he takes them to see our new cria, Sokanon and the other five alpacas.
We were honored to have a family originally from Iraq, now relocated in Michigan, come to see the alpacas. Also, our close friend, Beth, from Vermont, spent a couple of days with her two neices and her nephew.
But the most enthusiastic visitor, by far, was John's cousin from Hamlin, New York. Taylor is eleven years old, and she spent all of her time out in the pen with the animals. It was love at first sight. Eagerly grabbing the rake, she head down to the pasture to clean poop!
Having visitors helps the alpacas adjust to new people. This is especially important as we make plans to enter our yearlings in the Empire Extravaganza in Syracuse this fall. It also gives John a chance to practice his socializing skills. We see progress in all areas in both cases!
We were honored to have a family originally from Iraq, now relocated in Michigan, come to see the alpacas. Also, our close friend, Beth, from Vermont, spent a couple of days with her two neices and her nephew.
But the most enthusiastic visitor, by far, was John's cousin from Hamlin, New York. Taylor is eleven years old, and she spent all of her time out in the pen with the animals. It was love at first sight. Eagerly grabbing the rake, she head down to the pasture to clean poop!
Having visitors helps the alpacas adjust to new people. This is especially important as we make plans to enter our yearlings in the Empire Extravaganza in Syracuse this fall. It also gives John a chance to practice his socializing skills. We see progress in all areas in both cases!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Halter Training
Working with the alpacas is a wonderful experience for children. John's nephews are nine and ten years old and anxious to try their hand at teaching the yearlings, Sooleana and Kimi, to walk on a lead. This two-week vacation is the perfect time to begin this process.
Ian and John waited in the barn holding the halter and lead, while I held Sooleana by the back of the neck. When she was calm, Ian brought the lead to the pen. I explained to him that having the halter pass over the nose would make her nervous, because she will be afraid that she can't breathe. Ian's reply: "I'm nervous too, Grandma."
Sooleana was calm, and soon she was standing haltered while Ian held the long lead. John often interprets these sessions as "shot times" for the animals, and he wanted it to be over. But having Ian involved distracted him.
Ian was able to lead the gray alpaca by using short signals on the rope. We could see that she was attentive to what he was asking her to do. He used grain to reward her as she returned to the barn.
Sooleana's mother, Alameda, is away at a neighboring farm for breeding, and it was obvious that she is lonely. She buried her head in Ian's shoulder and neck as I unbuckled the halter. Ian later told his Dad that she is "a tickling alpaca": a wonderful memory for us all.
Ian and John waited in the barn holding the halter and lead, while I held Sooleana by the back of the neck. When she was calm, Ian brought the lead to the pen. I explained to him that having the halter pass over the nose would make her nervous, because she will be afraid that she can't breathe. Ian's reply: "I'm nervous too, Grandma."
Sooleana was calm, and soon she was standing haltered while Ian held the long lead. John often interprets these sessions as "shot times" for the animals, and he wanted it to be over. But having Ian involved distracted him.
Ian was able to lead the gray alpaca by using short signals on the rope. We could see that she was attentive to what he was asking her to do. He used grain to reward her as she returned to the barn.
Sooleana's mother, Alameda, is away at a neighboring farm for breeding, and it was obvious that she is lonely. She buried her head in Ian's shoulder and neck as I unbuckled the halter. Ian later told his Dad that she is "a tickling alpaca": a wonderful memory for us all.
Monday, June 23, 2008
New Girl At Alpaca Shack
Friday morning, Bob came back from checking on the alpacas and reported that Patagonia's Alameda was acting like she was going to give birth. Our three grandchildren, aged ten, nine and four were staying with us, so we positioned them at John's bedroom window for the show.
It took fifteen minutes for Alameda to produce a pure white cria: her fifth . Last year, John thought the new crias were dogs, but this year he calls her a lamb-and much like a lamb she is-sporting full fluffy fleece, a pink nose and eyelids.
Alpacas give birth standing up. The grandchildren were amazed when the new cria's head and front legs appeared. She was wiggling her ears and shaking her head as the herd followed Alameda in anticipation. For a quick moment, she laid down, then standing, she gathered her strength and dropped Alpaca Shack's Sokanon in a wet, muddy puddle.
John did his usual chores, but kept a close eye on the newcomer, as Alameda and the others cleaned their new member from head to toe. This year he was obviously an experienced alpaca owner.
It took fifteen minutes for Alameda to produce a pure white cria: her fifth . Last year, John thought the new crias were dogs, but this year he calls her a lamb-and much like a lamb she is-sporting full fluffy fleece, a pink nose and eyelids.
Alpacas give birth standing up. The grandchildren were amazed when the new cria's head and front legs appeared. She was wiggling her ears and shaking her head as the herd followed Alameda in anticipation. For a quick moment, she laid down, then standing, she gathered her strength and dropped Alpaca Shack's Sokanon in a wet, muddy puddle.
John did his usual chores, but kept a close eye on the newcomer, as Alameda and the others cleaned their new member from head to toe. This year he was obviously an experienced alpaca owner.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Fire on the Hill!!!
Alpaca Shack is located at the top of Irish Hill here in Berne. We are surrounded by the woods. This has been an especially dry Spring in the Northeast, and we have had burn bans most of the month of May. It has been lifted in the last week.
Friday afternoon, our 78-year-old cousin, Ida Mae, burst into the living room shouting "Pam, you've got to call the Fire Department!" John and I were lettering some placards to hang out in the barn. I dropped the paint and immediately called 911. John did not display his usual fretting and sputtering but seemed frozen.
It wasn't until Ida Mae headed out to her car to flag down the fire trucks screaming up the hill that he reacted. He just wanted to close the door and go back to our work. He was not happy standing on the porch as we tried to access how the fire fighters were faring. He was biting his finger and swearing when the tanker came up the hill to turn around in our driveway. With a blow of the horn, the behavior disappeared and John focused on the firemen's voices over the hill. The concrete firetruck as both a distraction and fulfillment of all the vocabulary that John was trying to understand changed the panic response immediately.
The little fire in the pit that jumped to the lumber pile and spread to the trees was extinquished by our wonderful volunteer firemen. We were beyond thankful.
Friday afternoon, our 78-year-old cousin, Ida Mae, burst into the living room shouting "Pam, you've got to call the Fire Department!" John and I were lettering some placards to hang out in the barn. I dropped the paint and immediately called 911. John did not display his usual fretting and sputtering but seemed frozen.
It wasn't until Ida Mae headed out to her car to flag down the fire trucks screaming up the hill that he reacted. He just wanted to close the door and go back to our work. He was not happy standing on the porch as we tried to access how the fire fighters were faring. He was biting his finger and swearing when the tanker came up the hill to turn around in our driveway. With a blow of the horn, the behavior disappeared and John focused on the firemen's voices over the hill. The concrete firetruck as both a distraction and fulfillment of all the vocabulary that John was trying to understand changed the panic response immediately.
The little fire in the pit that jumped to the lumber pile and spread to the trees was extinquished by our wonderful volunteer firemen. We were beyond thankful.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Invasion of Space at Alpaca Shack
John struggles with the invasion of space. When someone comes to the farm, his reaction is almost always negative. It quickly changes once the person makes contact and speaks to him directly. We have found that the more people around him, the easier it is for an addition to the group.
Yesterday was filled with all sorts of activity. John's nephews, Noah and Ian, were with their father for the weekend. They helped unload hay and were waiting to go for a bike ride with Matt, their Dad, when our vet arrived. John was aware that she was due, but he still sputtered and told her to "Go home".
Once she greeted him, he settled down. Dr Diane checked Patagonia's Alameda who is due in late June, gave her the CDT shot to help the cria's immune system, and announced that her last cria, Alpaca Shack's Sooleana was very healthy.
Kaboom, our gelding, is perhaps not totally gelded. She took a blood sample from him in order to ascertain his testosterone level. We are hoping he will be our "test male" for the females. Alpacas are induced ovulators and show receptivity to a male.
John interacted appropriately and warmly as we made arrangements for Dr Diane's next visit to innoculate Danko's Irish Rose. Once John is acknowledged by a visitor, he becomes very compliant. We are hoping that he can overcome this first negative response with more experiences.
Yesterday was filled with all sorts of activity. John's nephews, Noah and Ian, were with their father for the weekend. They helped unload hay and were waiting to go for a bike ride with Matt, their Dad, when our vet arrived. John was aware that she was due, but he still sputtered and told her to "Go home".
Once she greeted him, he settled down. Dr Diane checked Patagonia's Alameda who is due in late June, gave her the CDT shot to help the cria's immune system, and announced that her last cria, Alpaca Shack's Sooleana was very healthy.
Kaboom, our gelding, is perhaps not totally gelded. She took a blood sample from him in order to ascertain his testosterone level. We are hoping he will be our "test male" for the females. Alpacas are induced ovulators and show receptivity to a male.
John interacted appropriately and warmly as we made arrangements for Dr Diane's next visit to innoculate Danko's Irish Rose. Once John is acknowledged by a visitor, he becomes very compliant. We are hoping that he can overcome this first negative response with more experiences.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
FIRST SHEARING DAY AT ALPACA SHACK
Wednesday was the day that John and Patty arrived to shear our alpacas. We had spent most of the morning preparing our animals: haltering and vacumning. John was ready for "hair cuts".
Each animal was brought to the mat, stretched on the stretcher and sheared. John followed the bags around as we sorted the prime blanket, seconds and garbage fiber. Each time one alpaca was led back to the pen, he shouted "More!"
There is a rhythm to the procedure as John and Patty exchange clippers to prevent overheating. Patty is invaluable in pointing out areas that need clipping, alerting John to potential problems and trimming around the feet. Our John would echo their voices as they called out "Watch your clippers!" "Switch" "Easy, easy, easy" What we thought might be stressful for John turned out to be exactly the opposite.
At the end of the day, we carried our twenty pounds of fiber into the loft-grateful that we could provide our son with this wonderful lifestyle.
Each animal was brought to the mat, stretched on the stretcher and sheared. John followed the bags around as we sorted the prime blanket, seconds and garbage fiber. Each time one alpaca was led back to the pen, he shouted "More!"
There is a rhythm to the procedure as John and Patty exchange clippers to prevent overheating. Patty is invaluable in pointing out areas that need clipping, alerting John to potential problems and trimming around the feet. Our John would echo their voices as they called out "Watch your clippers!" "Switch" "Easy, easy, easy" What we thought might be stressful for John turned out to be exactly the opposite.
At the end of the day, we carried our twenty pounds of fiber into the loft-grateful that we could provide our son with this wonderful lifestyle.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The Lure of Spring Grass
John has had plenty to do this Spring as another pasture area was added to the farm. Drilling post holes, stringing six foot no-climb fence, and discing the new ground have filled April with lots of new experiences and added responsibility.
With the men working the lowest pasture, it became our duty to handle all the pen cleaning and feeding chores. Yesterday I was in Kaboom's pen-the men were hanging the gate. John was over with the "girls" who are anxious to graze the new, green grass that is currently unavailable due to the wet conditions.
Suddenly John started sputtering and he became quite upset. I looked up to see Princess Nomian and Danko's Irish Rose slipping through the fence in the barn... Patagonia's Alameda was on their heels. Fortunately I was able to divert her, but the two others manuvered around all the barriers I had purposely placed in the doorway, right past our shih tzu, Bootsie, to the green grass up by our motorhome.
John's reaction became more intense when I called down to the men for help. (Those "girls" completely ignored the dish of grain I was offering them-they were totally engrossed in that green grass. ) Although he was yelling at the top of his lungs, he remained in the pen with the other alpacas; they were just as upset as he!
With Bob's help herding the two "mavericks" around the perimeter, I was able to open an outside gate and keep Kaboom busy at the top of his pen-(Kaboom was very interested in that dish of grain! ) They came running in, but now we had two females in Kaboom's pen! When I opened the adjoining gate, the remaining "girls" rushed to roll in Kaboom's shed of dry B's !!!
We were back in the routine....the "girls" got their roll and went back across to their area. John went back to filling the hay wagon.... but, the lure of spring grass is ever-present.
With the men working the lowest pasture, it became our duty to handle all the pen cleaning and feeding chores. Yesterday I was in Kaboom's pen-the men were hanging the gate. John was over with the "girls" who are anxious to graze the new, green grass that is currently unavailable due to the wet conditions.
Suddenly John started sputtering and he became quite upset. I looked up to see Princess Nomian and Danko's Irish Rose slipping through the fence in the barn... Patagonia's Alameda was on their heels. Fortunately I was able to divert her, but the two others manuvered around all the barriers I had purposely placed in the doorway, right past our shih tzu, Bootsie, to the green grass up by our motorhome.
John's reaction became more intense when I called down to the men for help. (Those "girls" completely ignored the dish of grain I was offering them-they were totally engrossed in that green grass. ) Although he was yelling at the top of his lungs, he remained in the pen with the other alpacas; they were just as upset as he!
With Bob's help herding the two "mavericks" around the perimeter, I was able to open an outside gate and keep Kaboom busy at the top of his pen-(Kaboom was very interested in that dish of grain! ) They came running in, but now we had two females in Kaboom's pen! When I opened the adjoining gate, the remaining "girls" rushed to roll in Kaboom's shed of dry B's !!!
We were back in the routine....the "girls" got their roll and went back across to their area. John went back to filling the hay wagon.... but, the lure of spring grass is ever-present.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Accepting the Halter
Kimi was introduced to the halter today. In her usual curious fashion, she sniffed the halter before I put it on her. I could feel her tense as I slid it up over her nose, but once it was secure and high she relaxed. Using a feed dish filled with chaff to reward her efforts, I tugged on the rope. We hook the lead rope to the side of the halter, which helps with the lesson. With a tug on the side of her head, Kimi needs to readjust her balance and consequently does just what we are hoping: takes a step. I was able to lead her through a gate and around back to the pen. At times, she pulled back on the rope, but the chaff was too enticing. The hardest part of this day's lesson was removing the halter. As I reestablished contact with her neck, she reared up on her back legs. I backed away to allow her to calm down, then made a second attempt to unbuckle the halter. This time she complied. I held her after the halter dropped and stroked her head. Releasing her when I am ready is quite important in establishing who is in control. But the best surprise of all was when she allowed me to stroke her neck in the barn as she was with the others eating hay.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Kimi's First Halter Lesson
Spring is the time we halter train our crias. We use Marty McGee Bennett's instructions to accustom Kimi and Sooleana to accepting our touch with the least amount of stress.
John and I were working in the pen over the weekend when we had the opportunity to enclose Kimi. She had already allowed us to stroke her head, neck and top of the nose while she was eating chaff in the barn, but when I encircled her neck with the soft rope, she panicked. She raised her front feet and pulled back wild-eyed.
Keeping contact with the rope, I stepped back as far as I could to give her time to calm down. Within minutes, I was able to approach her and rub her head and neck with small circular strokes-raccoon strokes according to Marty. As her ears came forward and she relaxed, I held her jaw and tapped her smooth upper dental pad between her front lips. Just as Marty predicted, she found it very pleasant.
I then backed up to see how she would react to her attachment. She walked over to John and put her nose in his chest as if asking for help. She did not seem upset, just anxious to join her mother and the herd.
Quite pleased with her reaction to this new experience, we ended Kimi's first lesson with being haltered.
John and I were working in the pen over the weekend when we had the opportunity to enclose Kimi. She had already allowed us to stroke her head, neck and top of the nose while she was eating chaff in the barn, but when I encircled her neck with the soft rope, she panicked. She raised her front feet and pulled back wild-eyed.
Keeping contact with the rope, I stepped back as far as I could to give her time to calm down. Within minutes, I was able to approach her and rub her head and neck with small circular strokes-raccoon strokes according to Marty. As her ears came forward and she relaxed, I held her jaw and tapped her smooth upper dental pad between her front lips. Just as Marty predicted, she found it very pleasant.
I then backed up to see how she would react to her attachment. She walked over to John and put her nose in his chest as if asking for help. She did not seem upset, just anxious to join her mother and the herd.
Quite pleased with her reaction to this new experience, we ended Kimi's first lesson with being haltered.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Meeting potential alpaca owners
After publishing an ad in a small newspaper, we were contacted by a woman interested in our fiber. She wanted it for felting. We were very surprised when she and her husband revealed the following morning that they were considering buying some alpacas. This was a perfect opportunity for Bob, John, and I to share some of the rewards of this lifestyle.
We talked at length about their specific situation. In these uncertain economic times, we cautioned them to make a business plan and allow for unexpected expenses. John was included in all of the activities. We introduced them to our herd and discussed the benefits of living with and caring for these wonderful animals. They could see John's self-confidence and enjoyment throughout the entire morning.
We have not had the opportunity to interact with prospective owners. We didn't realize how much we had learned about this industry in the past two years. As they loaded their fiber into the car, it was apparent that we would be seeing more of this young couple. Plus, we now have a fiber customer! Hooray!
We talked at length about their specific situation. In these uncertain economic times, we cautioned them to make a business plan and allow for unexpected expenses. John was included in all of the activities. We introduced them to our herd and discussed the benefits of living with and caring for these wonderful animals. They could see John's self-confidence and enjoyment throughout the entire morning.
We have not had the opportunity to interact with prospective owners. We didn't realize how much we had learned about this industry in the past two years. As they loaded their fiber into the car, it was apparent that we would be seeing more of this young couple. Plus, we now have a fiber customer! Hooray!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A Ribbon in the EAA Spin-Off!
What a thrill! We opened the mail yesterday to see a beautiful red ribbon for the fleece we entered in the Spin-Off held at Saratoga, New York by our Empire Alpaca Association. Our yearling, Princess Nomian, has wonderful fawn-colored, soft, silky fiber. The judge who spun our
bag of fleece rated its quality and returned a small sample of the yarn.
This was especially informative to me, because John just loves to help with the spinning as we sit by the television after dinner and the keyboard. Yes, we have a new addition to our routine. I have been practicing carding the fleece and mixing some different colors.
John likes the dog brushes we use for carding and picks out the fleece from our pillowcases. As of this morning, all of Alameda's fleece has been spun! Each skein looks better. There is no doubt that we will market Princess Nomian's fleece as ribbon winning !
bag of fleece rated its quality and returned a small sample of the yarn.
This was especially informative to me, because John just loves to help with the spinning as we sit by the television after dinner and the keyboard. Yes, we have a new addition to our routine. I have been practicing carding the fleece and mixing some different colors.
John likes the dog brushes we use for carding and picks out the fleece from our pillowcases. As of this morning, all of Alameda's fleece has been spun! Each skein looks better. There is no doubt that we will market Princess Nomian's fleece as ribbon winning !
Friday, February 29, 2008
And Away We Go!!!
While working in the pen last week, Bob inadverdently left a gate slightly ajar. It is not common for the alpacas to leave their hay, but it was about the time for them to cross over and take a roll in Kaboom's dusty shed. Alameda in her excitement headed the wrong way.....out between the house and barn with Irish Rose, Princess Nomian, Sooleana and Kimi on her heels!!! All it took was one loud "Hey!" to send them galloping down the main road and out of sight.
John was standing by the doorway as his father rushed past him. I opened the entry gate wide and coaxed him to move over to the other side of the barn. His steps were like a frozen robot. His grip on my arm and the look in his eyes signaled panic.
Matt, our manager and John's second oldest brother, happened to be at the farm that afternoon. He walked quickly to the rescue. Grabbing some grain, I joined the pursuit.
Suddenly, the top of Matt's head appeared. All five alpacas passed him running right at me!!!! They needed no urging. They passed me in the driveway, entered the barn and went straight to the entry gate and into their pen. Not even the Tourette Syndrome outbursts from the other side of the barn could deter them from their destination.
Just a soft "Come on" had prompted the about-face, Matt later recounted.
John was standing by the doorway as his father rushed past him. I opened the entry gate wide and coaxed him to move over to the other side of the barn. His steps were like a frozen robot. His grip on my arm and the look in his eyes signaled panic.
Matt, our manager and John's second oldest brother, happened to be at the farm that afternoon. He walked quickly to the rescue. Grabbing some grain, I joined the pursuit.
Suddenly, the top of Matt's head appeared. All five alpacas passed him running right at me!!!! They needed no urging. They passed me in the driveway, entered the barn and went straight to the entry gate and into their pen. Not even the Tourette Syndrome outbursts from the other side of the barn could deter them from their destination.
Just a soft "Come on" had prompted the about-face, Matt later recounted.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Fiber and the Spin of the Wheel
Fiber preparation is a new venture for Alpaca Shack. We have bags of raw fiber that were shorn from our animals last May. We store it in our cedar hope chest and during the winter afternoons, we begin the preparation of this beautiful fleece.
John and I each have a container: his fleece is separated for spinning, while I put other clean, crimped locks aside to either sell as raw fiber, or to give to the buyer of the alpaca to whom it belongs.
Last week I took a spinning course in an attempt to learn more about working with this precious commodity. John was immediately intrigued with the rented spinning wheel. Beginners spinners are advised to start with sheep's wool which is not as fine or slippery as the alpaca. There is no oil in alpaca fleece and the length of the fiber (the staple) is shorter-a more difficult spin. Even with sheep's wool, it takes much practice.
The afternoons fly by as we alternate between sorting and spinning. I am amazed how much John enjoys filling his bags with the wispy tufts of alpaca. And I know it won't be long before he will ask to have a try at those enticing pedals!
John and I each have a container: his fleece is separated for spinning, while I put other clean, crimped locks aside to either sell as raw fiber, or to give to the buyer of the alpaca to whom it belongs.
Last week I took a spinning course in an attempt to learn more about working with this precious commodity. John was immediately intrigued with the rented spinning wheel. Beginners spinners are advised to start with sheep's wool which is not as fine or slippery as the alpaca. There is no oil in alpaca fleece and the length of the fiber (the staple) is shorter-a more difficult spin. Even with sheep's wool, it takes much practice.
The afternoons fly by as we alternate between sorting and spinning. I am amazed how much John enjoys filling his bags with the wispy tufts of alpaca. And I know it won't be long before he will ask to have a try at those enticing pedals!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Alpaca's Routine
The alpacas have a routine to their days that seldom varies. Every morning during the cold weather, they begin with a bucket of warm water, followed by their allotment of grain which is carefully measured out in yogurt cups. A breeding female receives a little more than one cupful in the morning as a way of supplementing the nutrients that are not available in the hay. We separate our girls so that we can monitor the amount of grain each animal eats.
Shortly thereafter, John arrives at the barn to deliver the hay. The animals leave the barn at this time while he helps with the daily cleaning. But, they are quick to return when he starts to give them chaff. They have learned to watch him and jostle to be in the right spot as he nears the gate.
After a lunch and errand run, we return to the barn for the afternoon portion of the day. When the "girls" hear the tractor's engine, they know that it won't be long before they are allowed to cross the gate into Kaboom's area to go roll in the b's (a fine stone dust) in his shed. John helps form a human gate to prevent the females and their crias from encroaching upon Kaboom, who is eating from his hay basket. There have been days when the little ones: Kimi and Sooleana, get frisky and try to stay and play instead of following their mothers out of the upper gate. This often energizes the entire group and they run around jumping and kicking in glee.
We can count on the females to use the poop pile around 2:45. This is helpful for fecal collections. They line up and take turns: mothers and crias ahead of our lone maiden female, Princess Nomian. John holds the bags to label and store for delivery to our vet. A good deworming program is important for healthy animals.
This time of year, our second grain feeding comes before dark. We often serve another pail of warm water too. As we head to the house, it's not surprising to see the alpacas "pronking" in preparation for the cold night. Pronking is a sort of pogo-stick- like jump that they do in order to warm their bodies.
Often in the light of the full moon, we can see the mothers and their crias lying outside...each facing a different direction while they chew their cuds: a peaceful ending to a very satisfying, routine day.
Shortly thereafter, John arrives at the barn to deliver the hay. The animals leave the barn at this time while he helps with the daily cleaning. But, they are quick to return when he starts to give them chaff. They have learned to watch him and jostle to be in the right spot as he nears the gate.
After a lunch and errand run, we return to the barn for the afternoon portion of the day. When the "girls" hear the tractor's engine, they know that it won't be long before they are allowed to cross the gate into Kaboom's area to go roll in the b's (a fine stone dust) in his shed. John helps form a human gate to prevent the females and their crias from encroaching upon Kaboom, who is eating from his hay basket. There have been days when the little ones: Kimi and Sooleana, get frisky and try to stay and play instead of following their mothers out of the upper gate. This often energizes the entire group and they run around jumping and kicking in glee.
We can count on the females to use the poop pile around 2:45. This is helpful for fecal collections. They line up and take turns: mothers and crias ahead of our lone maiden female, Princess Nomian. John holds the bags to label and store for delivery to our vet. A good deworming program is important for healthy animals.
This time of year, our second grain feeding comes before dark. We often serve another pail of warm water too. As we head to the house, it's not surprising to see the alpacas "pronking" in preparation for the cold night. Pronking is a sort of pogo-stick- like jump that they do in order to warm their bodies.
Often in the light of the full moon, we can see the mothers and their crias lying outside...each facing a different direction while they chew their cuds: a peaceful ending to a very satisfying, routine day.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Adjusting to Change
Having a routine is important in an autistic person's life, but life is about change. We find that with the routine chores John does every day, he is always learning to cope with changes.
Today while cleaning the outside pen, Kimi came up and allowed him to pet her....a first for them both.
After their afternoon roll in the fine sandstone, the females started jumping and running. All five ran down beside the gate where John stood alone. He turned his back to them, held tightly with a grimace on his face, anticipating some contact. They jostled each other and raced by.
When the temperatures are low, we spend less time in the barn in the morning. Some days we work until lunch. On Sundays, chores are finished after church. When the snow is deep, we are apt to spend all afternoon snowblowing the pen. Other afternoons are spent sorting the fiber. All within a general schedule, but never an exact duplicate of the previous day.
John has become less anxious about these changes. As we transition, he often remarks, "Alpacas want to come too." Knowing that we'll be back later makes it so much easier.
Today while cleaning the outside pen, Kimi came up and allowed him to pet her....a first for them both.
After their afternoon roll in the fine sandstone, the females started jumping and running. All five ran down beside the gate where John stood alone. He turned his back to them, held tightly with a grimace on his face, anticipating some contact. They jostled each other and raced by.
When the temperatures are low, we spend less time in the barn in the morning. Some days we work until lunch. On Sundays, chores are finished after church. When the snow is deep, we are apt to spend all afternoon snowblowing the pen. Other afternoons are spent sorting the fiber. All within a general schedule, but never an exact duplicate of the previous day.
John has become less anxious about these changes. As we transition, he often remarks, "Alpacas want to come too." Knowing that we'll be back later makes it so much easier.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Language Development Via Alpacas
What is it about alpacas that elicits such a barrage of sentences from John? These gentle creatures are constantly interacting and socializing in
their herd. They create concrete visual pictures.
He is quick to recognize that Princess Nomian has been moved back from the wagon due to just a head gesture from her mother. She
stands frozen with her ears pulled back waiting for a chance to move to a differnt spot at the hay. Immediately John calls out "Alpaca sad!"
As they run and jump around the pen at the end of the day (this is called "pronking"- an activity thought to warm their bodies in order to withstand the cold temperatures of the night)-he cautions them to
"Watch out for Johnny!" "Don't push me!"
A cria begging her mother for milk, Kaboom spitting Irish Rose away
from his wheel barrow of hay, or worst of all (from John's point of view)
a cria using the barn floor for a poop pile, are invaluable motivations to use language.
This spontanity and excitement that he exhibits is not easy to duplicate
elsewhere. The alpacas allow us to expand and increase this important
aspect of his development without tedious repetitions and meaningless
exercises.
their herd. They create concrete visual pictures.
He is quick to recognize that Princess Nomian has been moved back from the wagon due to just a head gesture from her mother. She
stands frozen with her ears pulled back waiting for a chance to move to a differnt spot at the hay. Immediately John calls out "Alpaca sad!"
As they run and jump around the pen at the end of the day (this is called "pronking"- an activity thought to warm their bodies in order to withstand the cold temperatures of the night)-he cautions them to
"Watch out for Johnny!" "Don't push me!"
A cria begging her mother for milk, Kaboom spitting Irish Rose away
from his wheel barrow of hay, or worst of all (from John's point of view)
a cria using the barn floor for a poop pile, are invaluable motivations to use language.
This spontanity and excitement that he exhibits is not easy to duplicate
elsewhere. The alpacas allow us to expand and increase this important
aspect of his development without tedious repetitions and meaningless
exercises.
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