Zanzibah Alpacas...where the future is Fine 'n' Fancy

Babies & Bootees !!

2012-01-28T19:25:00.003Z

Zoretah & Stravinsky ...

The little Baby Bootees....

Room for another...one !!

Pocus....was also...snoozing...in the sun !

This week has been a bit of a chilly one, the mud has frozen which makes a pleasant change.

It is exactly one week gone Friday since the babies have been weaned. They are starting to settle down and get the hang of being on their own, even doing a bit of grazing now instead of just hanging around the top corner, near the gate.

I have manged to do a spot of spinning & knitting this week. I have been making some little baby bootees from some white fleece that I have hand spun, the fleece has been donated from Zeuss, my white boy. Tonight I have managed to finish them, so I thought I'd share a photo of a little new knitware selection, I am currently knitting up some mittens to match.

The babies and the Nick Nacks have settled in fine, I think its nice for them all to have some other company. I was sitting in the conservatory yesterday, doing a bit of knitting and I noticed two Pied Woodpeckers one on the Ash Tree and the other on the Pine Tree...how did they know that I had just filled up the bird feeder only a matter of minutes ago....!

I then glanced over to the sun lounger.....and I couldn't help notice......that its obviously a hard life here for the dogs.....they say...'Two's Company.....and Three's a crowd !

Any room for me !!!!

Weaning Update !

2012-01-24T22:03:00.004Z

Zadi~Blanca and Stravinsky

Molly, Thomas & Taco ....

Stravinsky & Sparky have company !!

The babies choose to graze on the frozen area !

Today I managed to take some photos of the babies after weaning, the first day they were kept inside as it was just far too windy to turn them out. So most of Saturday was less of a trauma for them, as their mothers were just on the other side of the divides.

On Sunday I turned them out and they spent most of the day...tramping around the top corner of the paddock.....they were not happy. Unfortunately they managed to turn a once green corner into a great dirty muddy corner !! the ground was so wet after the rain.

Today has been a far happier day, less humming and a more settled feeling crept into the group.

I actually spotted them grazing quite happily, most of them decided to graze amongst the frozen water patches which lie on the paddock, it has been a bright frosty day today.

The babies have settled in nicely with Stravinsky and Sparky, who I think are liking their new companions.

Tonight, I was very doubtful that they would come in for bedtime, however.....at dusk I went out fully expecting a bit of an ordeal....I shouted....for the 'Babies'....and they all ran towards me....I was thrilled, I was expecting to have to allow the girls down...so they would follow....as this is what I had to do the first night !

What a great feeling....to see all the babies and the Nick Nacks....running for bedtime....just lovely !

Bye Bye ..... Daisy !

2012-01-23T21:06:00.003Z

Daisy on route to her new home !

The boys going out....to play !

Off....she goes...!

Zeto....and the frozen mud !

Zerquo....and the boys one frosty morning last week ...

It has been a busy week here...

On Saturday it was time to wean the babies, I spent quite some time partitioning the barn to make room for the babies. This is phase one the older babies, Zirrianna, Zoretah, Zadi~Blanca Zimushka & Hamish have joined Stravinsky and Sparky (the Nick Nacks).

The weather has been quite miserable since Saturday, gale force winds and heavy showers, so the first day was spent inside the barn, I did turn the babies out with the Nick Nacks but most of them spent the day up in the corner of the paddock, the first days are the most stressful.

Today was the day that I said Good Bye to Daisy the digger, I received a phone call this morning to let me know that the transport was coming to collect her. Daisy was sold just before Christmas, I had decided to sell her as I had bought Ruby to make my life a little easier for mucking out the barns. Daisy has been a great little digger, she has done quite a bit of work here, however I wasn't using her as much as I might have liked and the Siromer tractor will make my life much easier hopefully.

The alpacas all appear to be in good health, the second phase of weaning will happen at the end of February, this is when the two youngest boys Zirrius and Rufus will be ready for weaning. Hopefully by this time the four girls will be able to move back into the herd with the girls and I will have a nice group of young boys which will remain together until they are mature enough to join the adult males. I find that the young boys are not mature enough until they are over two years old to be introduced to the older ones...so they will have plenty time to mature amongst themselves until then.

Boys, Girls, Puddle and Tara Palmer Tompkinson !!

2012-01-18T23:16:00.003Z

Zullulah....

Some of the girls and the babies....this week...

The girls and babies...out grazing...

Tara Palmer Tompkinson.....out of the chicken area....again !!

The boys.....

We have been pottering round as usual, the alpacas are fine and the babies are growing up nicely, the Nick Nacks are starting to mature into very handsome Machos, only to be expected coming from the prestigious Wellground Alpaca Stud !

Its very amusing just how the babies grow up...from being extra cute bundles of fleece, going through the gorky adolescent stage eventually into beautiful sleek graceful adult alpacas...most of the youngsters are in different stages, often the ugly ones...are the most beautiful when fully mature....we all remember the 'Ugly Duckling Syndrome' at one stage or another !!

The adult boys spend most of their time grazing, we have had a few really cold frozen days when the ground is rock solid....its better than the mud, but the downside of things is if its too cold...then the water freezes !

The other morning, I turned the girls out as usual and after a thaw there was a puddle which some of the youngsters just love, Zimushka loves the water she was quickly joined by Zullulah.....who was determined to sit in the puddle, despite the freezing temperatures....

After a bit of a sit and squabble.....they ran off to join the others on their way into their field.

I have been mucking out the boys barn this week, I tend to deep litter the animals through the winter, but they still get mucked out or the litter would just be too deep by the end of the winter.

The haylage is doing well...its the best decision I made last summer...it has turned out to be fantastic, everyone loves it. I have about 52 bales left at the moment, so I should have plenty to see me through this winter. I still have about 36 bales of hay also, I'm feeding the hay to the cows for the moment. We have only had a little bit of snow up to now so there is plenty to go around...

Tara Palmer Tompkinson..never fails to amaze me.....she is always...where she shouldn't be !

Approaching..weaning time !

2012-01-10T19:54:00.006Z

Some of the babies....with Zullulah

Duke & Zanubis....

The babies are now 6 months old....and we are approaching weaning time.

I am a little bit behind the weaning time, however all the crias are doing well, the girls are already 5 months into their pregnancies.....and in good condition for this time of year.

I am hoping to do the weaning in the next week or two, just depending on the logistics. I have the barn to re-arrange and a few other jobs on the list before I can do the weaning.

I'm hoping to do some halter training when I have the weanies to play with ! After the sad start this year, its just lovely to be able to give the babies a cuddle. I have been also spending more time in with the Nick Nacks....both are now coming over to see you and will hand feed.

Its lovely to have calm confident alpacas to spend time with, part of my aim is to work with all the animals I have to try and achieve this goal, mind you there are always some better than others at being in human company !

This is one of the reasons I bring my alpacas in every night through the winter months to be in close contact with people...I just think it gives them, that extra confidence from the very start...the foundations .....hopefully for their future life !

It is very quiet here at the moment, we are still coming to terms with things....so we are trying to keep our chin up...and looking forward, making a conscious effort to make a little time every day, to see the nice things around you.....its so easy in times of sadness to just focus on the negative, but if you look hard enough...there is always something to lift your spirits....!!

Pacosha .....end of an Era !

2012-01-06T19:38:00.012Z

Pacosha.....her last day out and photo ....

It has been a sad start to the New Year for us here at Zanzibah Land.
On the 28th December, I turned the alpacas out as normal, however what I didn't realise at the time, it would be Pacosha's last day out with the herd !
I noticed she was becoming very fragile and I decided to pen her inside the field shelter, whilst the others were out grazing......that morning she did not want to go out and hung back in the barn....but she decided to follow the girls out, it was a cold windy day and I suspected she was becoming frail. She spent the day in the field shelter quite happy with some haylage.

I had a sad feeling and didn't want to accept what was inevitable. From then on she spent a couple of days inside the barn, eating and being quite comfortable, on New Years Day....I spent some extra time in the barn with all the alpacas....I was sitting down just watching them to make sure all was well.....at 5pm that evening, Pacosha was sitting chewing her cud, I was quite surprised just how content she was. I left her to go in for tea.

I usually do the night time rounds about 9pm, when I went back to the barn things had changed, it was obvious that she was not going to make it through the night, she was drifting away, sadly she slept away peacefully, I was with her all the time....it doesn't matter just how old she was....it was still a very sad time.

Pacosha was one of my original girls, imported into the Uk in the 90's....she came all the way from Chile....on a Jumbo Jet. I bought two females in 2006 to start my herd, she was sold to me as a breeding female, however I was never to have any off spring from her, I found out over the years, that she was unable to breed.........I think this was the reasoning behind her sale...........however, I believe what goes round, comes round......and it takes all sorts in this world !!

I can only count on three fingers, pleasant purchase transactions.....and I know, those people know who they are !!!

Thankfully.......Pacosha was here to stay regardless....and I loved her all the same.

I am going to plant a tree....in her memory.

I believe her spirit is now roaming on the Ante Plano......where she can graze happily with the others....... she will be missed greatly, but I can take some comfort in the fact that.......whilst she was with us.....I loved and cared for her as best as I could......and she passed away very peacefully........sleep well Pacosha ! xx

Merry Christmas....from Zanzibah Land !!

2011-12-23T21:30:00.003Z

A Christmas Kiss....!!

We started with a group......it quickly turned to chaos !!

Two escapees !!.....Duke and Zeto !!

Merry Christmas.....my Mam and Dad (Santas...helpers)

Well its hard to believe that its nearly Christmas already !

As Rosemary threw the gauntlet down....for a festive field shelter.....some of us have tried to do a bit of a festive theme......and along with those who have taken part...have had trials and tribulations....trying to create a festive blog !

Great minds think alike and after having a bit of a read of the blogs.....Barbara at Beck Brow obviously had the same idea as us .....not a festive field shelter, but a festive theme of sorts.

I also picked the most suitable alpacas for the job.....sadly Duke was not one of those on the list, but he decided he was going to be in on the job...and squeezed out with the ones I wanted....he is very highly strung to say the least...he is very 'gorgeous' but he is a handful and is probably my most difficult alpaca to handle...I have had the odd.....moment and have came off the worse for the experience.....especially when doing feet......

My secret Santas.....have given me an alpaca handling pen......for which I am very grateful......( you know who you are !!) as I had quite a nasty experience with Duke the last time I trimmed his feet......he knocked me in the face with his shoulder...as I bent down, then he continued to barge me into the stone wall of the building.....I scraped all my head...and it was not ideal......the pen will hopefully make things much more safe !! especially for me !

Sadly he is so silly he can be dangerous.....and needs careful handling..apart from that he is lovely.....I'm hoping he might mature and grow out of it !!

Today we donned the Christmas Tinsel.....and tried to do a festive photo shoot.....well we managed it in a fashion.....we have no snow...but we do have the festive MUD !!

I would just like to wish all,

~~~~~~ A MERRY CHRISTMAS....AND HAPPY NEW YEAR ~~~~~~

To all those who either follow my blog through their own free will....or happen to stumble across it !

Here's hoping that next year is a fantastic one....for all of us.

Bitterly Cold....!

2011-12-20T22:26:00.004Z

Sitting it out...in the bitterly cold !

The girls......on route out It has been freezing out this week !

The tree....a casualty of the gales !

The Nick Nacks.....

This week has been bitterly cold, with biting winds snow and ice !
I have been putting the alpacas out, however they are not bothered about sitting out in the freezing cold wind and the snow....the alpacas are very good and know their route into the 3 acre field.
I decided to take some pictures of them going out one morning......mind you, that day they were all waiting at the gate....before 3pm some shivering and couldn't wait to get into the barn to get at the haylage, all the animals just seem to love it and tuck into it as soon as they get in !
When I was moving some hay earlier, I noticed that I thought I had a tree down. I went to check and in the 10 acre field, one tree had snapped off...in the high winds the other night.
We have gotten off lightly I suppose and the wood will come in handy for the fire, there's another job on the 'to do list'.
We are currently skating on ice.....as we have had a bit of a thaw...but then frozen again....!
So its a bit tricky to say the least....I am waiting for the warmer spell forecast for the rest of the week.

Frozen Mud !! .....Yippee

2011-12-16T23:19:00.004Z

Thawed but now frozen.....!

Zaninni.....standing by the gate with a dusting of hail stones....waiting for bed-time !

I have been graced this week with frozen mud...which is a great change from the horrible soft stuff !

I seem to spend about half the year squelching through the stuff...thankfully the depth varies.....however when it freezes ...its great....just like concrete !

We have had a bit of a mixed week for the weather, sleet, winter sun and now frozen mud, not to mention the wind returning briefly.

The alpacas are always ready to come in for bed, they are usually found loitering around the gates from 3pm onwards.....

The onset of Christmas has crept up on us here at Zanzibah Land....I can't believe that its that time of year again......I have been busy sorting out some Christmas decorations tonight......Everette Green has been taken out of his box and is sitting pride of place, so we are getting into the festive spirit !

I have my feed in, the log store is full and the coal man has also been.....we are stocked up. I'm looking forward to my parents coming up for Christmas.....

Time to try and take it easy......

Well that's the general idea...I wonder if its going to be a reality !!

Stocking Up.....& Swans !

2011-12-13T21:16:00.007Z

Ruby...with the supplies !!

The Geese and Swans.....having a well earned rest ...

Today I have been busy stocking up on supplies....

I have received my delivery of alpaca feed to last me over the winter, I have always fed my animals on Carrs Billington Alpaca Coarse Mix. It is essential to feed your animals a correct diet throughout the year, this helps to make sure that they receive the correct vitamins and minerals essential to keep your alpacas healthy and free from deficiencies which can lead to much more serious health issues.

We must never take for granted that these animals can just survive alone on our grasses in this country, after all they are not native to our climate and rely on us to provide them with a balanced diet !

I have today received 20 bags of alpaca feed, this will last me most of the winter, I will need another delivery probably around mid Spring. I have also found that my alpacas love Apple Chaff, this is very high in calcium, which is excellent for helping maintain good bone development especially in the babies, it also help provide them with fibre, essential for camelids as an over rich cereal diet can also cause problems !

I was out and about the other day posting a letter, when I drove past a nearby field, it was full of what I think was Hooper Swans and Canada Geese....stopping off for a well earned rest.

I managed to take a photo before some of them flew off.......what a magnificent sight.

It is fantastic to see such beautiful birds so close, this time of year nature always has a nack at surprising you.

Tonight the winds are getting stronger and we are forecast more windy weather and maybe some more snow.....!

I have a delivery of 'Ovoids' coming tomorrow...for the fire to help keep me warm and there is an oil delivery booked for sometime next week.......I don't want to be caught out with bad weather.....and I'm determined to keep nice and warm.....the logs are chopped....and stacked.....ready for the winter....so I think, we are nearly organised for the colder weather.

I do like to have plenty supplies in....just incase !!

We Survived ..to Tell the Tale !!..

2011-12-10T21:07:00.005Z

Zanubis......and Socksy in the snow !

The girls.......before the snow....!

Zeto, Socksy and hiding is Zelqui !!

The view from the top road....towards...the farm ....

For those who may be interested.....we survived the storms and the gales !

I woke to a much quieter morning, when I went to check everyone, thankfully we had survived with minimal damage......a few loose slates off the old steading roof....but we came off lightly !

The buildings had a good test, and we must have done something right...as all was present and correct.....I must admit, I was worried, as this was the first big test of the winter, we do tend to get battered by really strong winds at this time of year.....I'm just pleased we all managed to get through the night.

We have had a bit of a melt of the snow.....which had fallen the other day, but we have had a little bit more snow, so we still have a dusting, tonight the land is frozen along with some of the water troughs.

Ruby has been employed again doing more bale moving, I had to bring a haylage bale in for the horses this afternoon, and also move another straw bale. I've had a bit of a carry on, yesterday.....I shall put it down to having a blonde moment ! I was checking the levels on Ruby, to make sure all was topped up.....I'm not very familiar with her ! I managed to loosen off....a nob that I shouldn't have....and all the hydraulic oil spurted out ...what a mess....then I lost the rear lift, due to the lack of oil....I then spent ages....filling her back up....only to realise, that I had used the wrong oil.....(slightly too thick )....and still the lift was not working...thankfully the front loader was not affected....!!(Phew) A quick phone call to the Siromer dealer....speaking to a very nice helpful man.....who told me...that all I had done was over tighten the nob.....(the one I won't be rushing to loosen off again soon !!) a couple of turns......back to loosen it off...and everything was working as it should !.......apparently if you screw that nob tightly.....it diverts the hydraulic oil....to a trailer, if you are towing one.....

Its easy when you know how !

Oh....today hasn't been much better, I have spent most of the afternoon......under one machine

or another, I had a wheel to put back on the little Kubota..as it had a puncture, and had been away for a repair, my Dad took it off......but I was left to put it back on ! Why do you have days like these....I kept saying to myself.....what doesn't kill you makes you stronger !!!!!

I have struggled......cursed, nearly chopped my finger off.....!! on the big fan on Daisy !! after doing some minor and major...adjustments ! I have survived to tell the tale.....I have nearly tripped myself up...on the sleeve of my overall....as I was getting too hot wrestling with the wheel.....I took the top of my overall off....and then I was attacked by my sleeve.....!!!!

Oh.....what a day...!!

I have ended on a positive note !! I have accomplished...all I was hoping to do today....with a bit of ......determination...that seems to appear...every time I have another hurdle to jump....in this never ending experience....you call life !!

And.......lets face it....you just never know, what life is going to throw at you.....from one day to the next !

Today.....I have struggled......achieved....and once again.... I live to tell the tale !

I wonder....what tomorrow.........has in store !

One thing for sure.................. this life definitely has a way of testing you to the limits....and as my Mam would say............'Its a great life....if you don't weaken !'

Winter is here with Avengeance !!

2011-12-08T20:51:00.003Z

Socksy......out in the snow !

Duke and Zeto.....tuck into the Hay net !!

The boys earlier this week.....

The track.....snowed over as usual......

Ruby....doing a bit of work ...going to feed the sheep !

It has been a while since I last blogged.....I have replaced my battery on my computer....as it gave up the ghost !!....

Now I am back.....what a night....we are currently being battered by 80mph gales...the whole of Scotland has a severe weather warning in place...according to the news......then to round it all off...we are forecast blizzards ......gggrrreeaat !!

It has already snowed last week....I have had Ruby out doing a spot of work, shifting bales of hay and straw. At the moment I have some sheep here doing a bit of winter grazing, but due to the snow...I have been putting some hay out for them.

The alpacas have been mostly inside due to the bad weather and the wind....mind you I don;t think that there are any complaints.....when it is really windy, I can't open the big barn doors...and that combined with the snow.....its not fit for man nor beast out there at the moment !

I was quite surprised last week just how deep the snow was on the track, I have however managed to get out to the shops.

The country roads were completely white, mind you I haven't resorted to the snow chains....just yet !

I've already had the quad stuck......up the track to the wood....but I managed to get it out and walk the rest of the way.....I feed the birds during winter time up the wood and sometimes take the quad up instead of wallking !!

Tonight....I have locked up early.....I am hoping all is well when the morning comes......and its not a case of anything being blown away.

The wind is supposed to die down later tonight.....then the blizzards are due.

Zorba appears to be back to normal after his ordeal, the homeopathy worked a treat to bring the swelling down and things seem to be working as normal......which is excellent news.

Just goes to show...no matter how well you look after your animals....things still come along to catch you out.....its still a complete mystery as to what happened.

What a difference a day makes !!

2011-12-02T21:29:00.003Z

This is Zorba....tonight !! what an improvement !!

This was 1day ago.....when he was having his 3rd injection.

The view.....from the wood the other night.....when I was out with the dogs !

This was 2 days ago...with the lumps !!

Regular readers will know I have been treating Zorba for a very swollen sheath, I have one more injection to do.

However until yesterday, there was improvement, but he was still very swollen, I decided to turn to the homeopathy to help with this as I believed that the injections were dealing with the infection side of things, but the swelling was very apparent and there were a couple of swollen pockets that had appeared.

After a bit of research, I decided to order some Apis Mel 30c, this is used to treat swelling/inflammation and pain.

I received this in the post last night.....and unfortunately for me......there was a massive power cut ! six and a half hours...to be precise......I was wandering around in the dark....getting the candles out and the battery operated lights.......thankfully the power came back on...at 9.30pm.

As I had received my homeopathy I went back down the barn to finish off the night time jobs....and gave Zorba his first dose......what an improvement overnight.......now some will be sceptical and have an air of doubt, but I am always very impressed by any results that I have had when I have treated my animals.....with homeopathy....I have obviously combined both forms of medicine and I believe that combined they have worked very well.

Zorba is much improved I think you will see that the swelling has reduced considerably, there is still a little way to go, but thankfully we are heading in the right direction.....

I'm hoping he will soon be back to his normal self, its hard to believe just how swollen he was. At this time of year I'm often racing against the dark......like most of us who have animals to look after........I'm grateful for facilities such as light......when you haven't got it.....sitting by candle light........its a long old night.

Thank goodness for the log fire........to keep me warm......lets hope I don' t have too many power cuts this winter !!

One Down.....4 to go !

2011-11-29T21:19:00.003Z

Zorba...waiting just before his injection ! He's a lovely natured boy ...

What a weekend.....definitely winter out there....

Swollen still but alot less inflamed, I hope the treatment works and he's soon better !

This morning I had to give Zorba one of his 5 injections, thankfully his is a lovely boy and I managed to do this better than I had thought !

I decided to tie him up in the corner, then so he couldn't pre-empt my moment of the injection, I put a towel over his head.....its not nice having to give the injections but it went really well. Tomorrow I will do it on the other side....to try not to make one side too sore !

I managed to take a photo for those who are interested.....the redness has calmed down alot, but the swelling is still there.....mind you, it has reduced for sure.

We were battered by horrendous weather over the weekend, so I thought Id share a photo..looking out of the porch window......sleet showers and 80mph gales.....what a weekend.

Well it never rains but it pours...and sadly things usually happen in threes......tonight when I brought the girls in for bed, I noticed that Pacosha had a really sore eye, needless to say she has had some anti-biotic cream put in there tonight so I hope she feels easier....I think she might have poked it, we are in full nurse mode at the moment !!

I have been thinking about what has happened to Zorba....and I was wondering, if he had either been stung or maybe even bitten by something.....

Its definitely a mystery.

Zorba Update ....

2011-11-28T21:58:00.003Z

This morning when I went to let the boys out.....unfortunately things hand not improved as much as I might have liked with Zorba....

So there was nothing else for it to have a second opinion and I rang the vet, ......Zorba was still really swollen and although he looked happy enough and bright eyed.....as most of us know...these alpacas are very good at hiding their problems. I was pleased that I had given him an injection overnight to help him fight any infection issues.

Thankfully, I have recently changed vets and the vet who came to check Zorba over is actually very interested in alpacas and has worked with them in the past, which was good.

After careful checking, she could not find anything other than the obvious, he was given extra anti-inflammatory injections(Metacam) and more antibiotics(Noroclav).....I have to follow this up with 5 more injections over the next 5 days.

We are hoping for a big improvement, there appeared to be no real indications as to why this has happened, so its a bit of a mystery at the moment......

He has been out with the others today, I am watching him like a hawk. I have to report back to the vets in a few days.....tonight I do think that there is maybe little less inflammation, lets hope the injections are working and I'm hoping for more improvement overnight.

Its a real mystery, but at least I know that he has been given treatment to make him more comfortable, I'm just hoping that he continues to improve.....

Its always worrying when things like this happen....and there is no 'rime no reason' to it !!

Wish me luck with the rest of the injections........I will have to manage.....somehow !!

Blowing a Gale...not a sprout in sight !!

2011-11-27T22:05:00.004Z

Zorba, this summer.....with the boys !

Spot....TPT !....that is one mad Turkey !!

The cows...wind break !.....one bale missing...as they had wrecked it overnight, before it could be stacked !!

What a weekend.....gale force winds and sleet showers...just to remind you that we are nearly into December.

We have been battered by winds of up to 80mph....it was so windy on Saturday that I could not open the big barn door, when the wind is so strong I struggle with keeping a hold of it.

Thankfully today the wind had died down a little and I managed to get the door open.....this brings me onto an idea.....which will no doubt be on the 'to do list' very soon....

I'm going to make a pedestrian door, within one of the big barn doors....this will mean when its really windy, I won;t have to struggle with the big door. Which means the alpacas and me can get in and out without risking being blown away !

I have opened a couple of my haylage bales.....the horses have tried one bale, they loved it.

Yesterday, I used Ruby to put a bale out for the cows....who are as I type enjoying a nice bale of haylage.

It has turned out great, smells lovely and everyone even the alpacas seem to give it the seal of approval !

This was a bit of a trial, which seems to have paid off....we have about 70 bales to use, so there is plenty to go around. I hope to do more of the same next year, as not only is it much better for Molly my horse with the dust allergy......it means that I don't have to use part of the barn to stack it....which gives me more room for the animals.

Winter is well and truly here......and we are hopefully as prepared as can be.

I have noticed that Zorba has been off colour lately...he has just been not right, I have been watching him, and he has been spending lots of time....just lying in the field......he is still eating well.....but tonight....I suspect he has an infection, in the gentleman's department.....after monitoring him....today....I have given him an anti-biotic injection...which I hope will make him much more comfortable....I'm hoping to see a big improvement in him tomorrow....he is a lovely boy.....very kind natured, he let me tie him up tonight to check him over and give him his injection.......its times like this...I'm grateful for having the facilities that I have.....the barn, the light....and well....when you know your animals....you just know when they're not well.

I hope that he is much more comfortable tonight !

Taking it Easy !!

2011-11-22T22:42:00.003Z

Autumn colours....

Zimushka ....and the babies.....

Stravinsky......some where under there is an 'Elite' white alpaca !!!!

Baby Love !.....Zoretah !

It has been quiet here in Zanzibah Land.

We are just ticking along at the moment, taking things easy..or at least trying...that's the plan anyway !

Thankfully the animals are all fine, the girls have settled into their field for the winter. Its hard to believe that in a mater of months it will be time for weaning.

The weather is being kind for mid November which makes a nice change, this time last year we had snow !!

Talking of snow....my snow chains have arrived....well their not chains, as such...there a new generation of snow chain...so we are slightly more prepared this year, than last.....I wonder if I will get the chance to use them....!!!

I had an alpaca moment this evening....sitting on a bucket in the barn...with the girls and babies.....its just a great way to life your spirits.....a lovely cuddle with Zoretah...and Zadi~Blanca....makes it all worth while....

Ruby is getting acquainted with the mud ! I have used her to move some hay/straw. My parents have gone back home....the next time I see them....it will be for the Christmas Holidays.

So for the moment its just a case of making the most of what you got !!

Ruby Red .......Has arrived !!

2011-11-12T19:46:00.006Z

Special delivery...all the way from Wetherby to Aberdeenshire......Siromer 304 arrives safely !

Scary moment.....just coming down the ramps....then the rear bucket....fell off the back ! just missing the new car !!!!

What a load....' Where there's a will....There's a way...... !

Just Great .........!

Just before......the Siromer...is unloaded ....!

It has bee a quite week here at Zanzibah Land !

I have been feeling unwell most of the week, however I have managed to still get a few little jobs done !

As I have been off colour, I have been having a bit of a think.....about making my life easier, last weekend I managed to muck out the new wooden barn with the big tractor, however there is only about an inch either side of the tractor and its very tight indeed....but I managed.

However this lead me to thinking...long and hard about making my life easier..now most of my heavier jobs entail mucking out the barns......and I decided that I needed a smaller tractor for this job.......I have decided to probably sell Daisy the digger as she really isn't used as much as I might like to use her....anyway being only a two wheel drive she is quite restricted in the snow for the winter....and I can't really use her to dig myself out ! I have done quite a few jobs with her and she has been a great asset, I will be sad to see her go !

But......to take her place I have bought a little Siromer Compact tractor....she is a 304 model...28hp with a front loader, bucket and muck forks......optional 2 or 4 wheel drive and semi-hydrostatic forward and reverse.....she's great !

Only problem....is that she was for sale.......down near Weatherby ....problem...is how do you get a tractor......best part of 360 miles up to Aberdeenshire.......Aye you guessed it.........the Hit Squad.....came to the rescue !!

No rest for the wicked in their retirement.....tractor viewed, trailer sourced and hired.......and back to collect the little Siromer....she is know as 'Red'.....the guys who owned her...Nick and James...mainly used her for chopping logs......and I must say I take my hat off to Nick who did a great job of squeezing her onto the trailer......infact....there was no room at all and the muck bucket was hanging over the front of the trailer, thankfully the front trailer board came off.......the rear bucket was jammed at the back...under the front wheels and the front loader arms...were actually outside of the trailer......then it was a case of a long haul....from Co Durham all the way up to Aberdeenshire......the journey took about 10 hours.......everything was going great up to Perth.........when the trailer had a blow out.....and my parents had to detour to a garage for a replacement tyre......thankfully they arrived safe and sound....and still attached to the trailer and tractor still firmly tied on......about 6pm last night....

Today we have spent...most of the time.....getting acquainted with ....'Ruby Red' ..she is lovely.......there was a scary moment...when I had to drive her off the trailer.......after some starting issues and having a quick chat with Nick.....we were off !! I drove down the ramp really slowly.....and then there was a massive clank !! I looked round to see that the muck bucket with forks...had fallen off the back of the trailer......and wedged thankfully between the trailer hitch.....phew how lucky was that.....as my mam and dad have just got a new car......that would have been a right old disaster.....after getting this far....safely.....I never thought about it falling off...as I hadn't put the bucket on......and none of use gave it a second thought......that was a close call....!!

I don't think the new car would have been quite the same with a massive muck bucket stuck in the back...somehow !

Ah..well, all's well that ends well !.....I managed to drive 'Ruby Red' off the trailer without any more mishaps.....and she is parked in the barn tonight....we have done a bit of a service......checking oil/water levels and generally having a good play.

I have also moved the alpacas back to their previous arrangements...the girls are back in the 3 acre field and come into the big barn at night...the boys are back in the 6 acre field and are coming into the new wooden barn.....the Nick Nacks are as usual at least until early part of next year when the weaning begins...then they will join the baby group.

So....after a quiet start to the week, it has turned out to be quite an exciting end.....the little Siromer is fantastic....she will help me a great deal...she is big enough to load the muck spreader, strong enough to do some of the work required round here......and nimble enough to muck the barns out with ease...especially with the semi-hydrostatic gears.......much easier than having to drive in and out of forward and reverse.....just change direction with the push of a handle......with ease....!

I'm feeling slightly better today after quite a miserable week......my parents are just great, helping me without any hint of a bother......and frankly I cannot thank them enough....just goes to show...what you can achieve with a willing heart....and a desire to help !

So all that remains to be said is a 'Great Big .....Thank-you' to my parents.......in times of need.....well your real friends or family are.....never too far away.....are they...!!

Busy Weekend !

2011-11-06T22:10:00.003Z

Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca.....

Baby line up ......

The Nick Nacks...growing up nicely....Wellground Vital Spark(L) and Wellground Stravinsky (R)

Zirrianna......

It has been another busy weekend.....what with one thing and another....

Once again we have been graced with nice weather especially for this time of the year....!!

I have managed to arrange the bales in the cows field.....there was only one casualty....that was obviously been attacked by the cows....!! Hopefully this will make a good enough wind break to shelter the cows when the weather is bad.

I have also managed to move the trailers up to near the fence line...and take the tape down that was dividing the field to keep the cows off while it was growing for the hay crop.....the cows have wandered onto the nice green grass.....and I shall collect the remainder of the posts and tape up tomorrow....

On Saturday, I managed to muck out the barn where the boys live....so this is nice, clean and cosy for now......

Also today I took a little time out after moving the bales...to introduce a lady to the art of spinning....I had a contact via the Internet..from a lady who was looking for a spinning course.....I offered to help teach her how to spin....and this afternoon we met up and did just that........so I think you could say its been a busy weekend......

I'm planning on having a day off tomorrow.....that's the idea any way.....!!

Unless.....I find myself....chopping a few more logs.....!!!

Winter Preparation ......continues !

2011-11-02T22:53:00.004Z

Guess who !!......this photo is taken with a good camera !....and a skilled photographer....not me !

The babies......Zirrius, Zoretah, Zimushka, Zadi~Blanca and Zirrianna !!

Chickens do the strangest things !!...I was visiting Anna and one of her chickens 'Sadie' decided to sit on my bonnet !!

Me and some of the gang......

I have been busy with some winter preparations....

Today I received most of my straw that will be needed for the winter. I have spent most of the afternoon re-arranging the barn moving various bales of hay and straw that were opened out of the way in order to make room for the new straw which I have stacked, packed and put back the stuff that was being used......so I now have a full barn once again....there is 24 bales of hay, 12 bales of straw in the main barn on one side....along with the adult boys and the Nick Nacks on the other side......of one half of the barn, the other is always open for the horses to use as they need to....

Now, in the new wooden barn extension....there is 36 bales of hay along with 4 bales of straw...on one side....and across from the entrance to the main barn is where the girls and the babies live......basically we are full to capacity....!!

Just as well we managed to get the extension done on the wooden barn in time for the onset of winter.....

All that remains for me to do is stack some 'rapeseed straw' that will make a good wind break for my Highland Cows to provide shelter for them over the winter months.....its a bit of an idea I had to make a shelter for them......and tonight I had delivered 24 bales of this stuff....so if the weather is dry.....I shall be busy placing this in a strategic position.......that's providing the cows haven't trashed it overnight.......!!

Dougal has a bit of a habit of sticking his horns into any hay or straw....and he often wears it on his head.....I will find out tomorrow...if he has been playing with the bales....or if they have been rolled round the field overnight !!

I have wanted to do something for them for the last couple of winters.....as its really quite bleak when the wind is blowing at minus what ever temperatures.

I have managed to chop about half of the logs ready for the winter...and when I get a spare hour, I shall be trying to get the rest of them chopped and stacked.

Also on the 'to do' list is mucking out the boys side of the barn.......before I start to deep litter the horses side for the winter......

As its now November.....it will only be a couple of weeks before I get the chance to have a look at the Haylage......then I will find out if it has been a disaster or a success.....mind you, the horses are not needing to be supplemented at the moment.....so it might be slightly longer before I actually break into the bales......I'm really quite interested to find out....just how it has turned out........I do hope its a success for Molly more than anyone else.....as she is my horse that seems to have a dust allergy !

I have treated myself to a new wheelbarrow.......as there was a big hole in the bottom of the other one.......which I had patched with an old feed bag.....and my mam was having a bit of a moan at the state of the wheelbarrow when she was here.....so we are all posh now with a shiny new galvanised one.........I can't complain as the other one had done lots of work.....and it had seen better days !!

A bit like myself.........I guess !!

Zoretah ......!

2011-10-27T22:26:00.004+01:00

Zoretah,(L) Trienza, Zirrianna, Zadi~Blanca, Aymara....and Pacosha....in the background !

Zoretah is growing up nicely .....

Zoretah and Trienza.....

Just following on from last night.....here she is.........Zoretah....

She is special...and it was all made possible by the 'gift' of plasma....from Wellground Alpaca Stud ......if I hadn't of had it....the story might have been so very different !!

We are so very grateful...for having that option !!

Makeover Complete !!

2011-10-26T20:45:00.003+01:00

Makeover......complete !!

Zadi~Blanca ......

I have started on the winter log store !!......

Zimushka......

Me and Minstrel......having a cuddle !!

It has been a couple of days since my last blog......when I went to get the hayrack !

Well I have been busy doing a bit of a makeover...and I'm pleased to say, I think it looks great.

I have been busy doing a few winter jobs, mainly chopping logs in between painting the hayrack. Yesterday it was so wet, all the alpacas had a day indoors, it rained and never stopped, so it just wasn't worth putting them out for a few hours to get soaked.

Today I have taken a couple of photos of the babies, who are growing up fast. As usual Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca came right over to have a close look....and I got some great pictures.

Time is a marvellous thing and patience is just one of the ingredients to sometimes win the babies over, when Zadi~Blanca was born she always stayed close to her mother and kept her distance, but over time she has gained confidence and now she comes over to see you and have a cuddle ! which is just great. Zirrius is a cheeky monkey and is always being a nuisance in a nice way....he is just a typical boy ! Zoretah is very special, she had such a fragile start to life, despite being my biggest cria born this year, she still has the shaved area on her neck, where she had a plasma transfer.....she has always been very friendly and I think she knows along with Trienza her mother, that I helped her into this world.....I think we have a mutual understanding......strangely enough I can just sense it !!

Zirrianna who is the oldest cria is also growing up nicely along with Zimushka who are my two grey girls.....

As mentioned, I have been busy chopping a few logs....I still have rather a big pile to go, but this is my second digger bucket full......hopefully I shall get them stacked tomorrow, along with doing a spot of re-arranging the barn....I need to move a few bales around.....more winter preparation.......

Tonight I have ordered some snow chains.....!!! I have been promising myself some for the last 2 winters..and never got round to getting them, as they had sold out.....by the time I got round to it....and because of where I live....I just know they will come in handy....even if its just to get me through the snow up the track......going off previous winters.....

I am determined....to be ready......willing and able !!

To Infinity and Beyond.......I hear you cry !!

I shall look forward to trying them out......this year.....I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunity.....I am getting ready !!

To Rumble !!!!!!

:0)

Look What I Found !!

2011-10-20T22:31:00.003+01:00

Trienza and Tremona !!

The Hay feeder being unloaded !....

The alpacas.....tonight in for bed !....

Slinky...checking out the new feeder.......

Its marvellous what you find in the most unexpected places.

I was on a bit of a mission the other day, when I happened to notice this hay feeder in one of the fields.....I asked the people who owned it, if they wanted it and they said that they had no need for it....so we struck a bit of a deal......

Today I went to collect my bargain purchase.....it will have a bit of a makeover.....but I have often thought that one of these would be very handy for putting the hay in to feed the alpacas......

I went to collect the feeder with the trailer, which is proving very handy....as there was just myself and the lady there....to load it....she did say it was heavy....however with a bit of 'Girl Power'....we had it loaded in no time......and it was much easier than we both thought....I had gone well prepared...with ratchet straps.....bit of wood....and various ideas how to get it in the trailer......it was quite a pleasant experience.........which makes a change !

So here is my new purchase....I do like a bargain........and when it gets a makeover....it will look like new.....

Tonight I got a lovely picture of Trienza and Tremona....looking over the door.....waiting for their tea !!

We have Light !! .....and Lift Off !!

2011-10-15T22:31:00.004+01:00

Alpacatastic !!

On the move.......girls and babies.....

I have been busy this afternoon, sorting out the light in the new barn extension !

I managed to run a new light into the barn, so that was this afternoons job. I had to go and get some animal feed, as I was running low, we've not been out much as we have been too busy trying to get all the jobs done !

I'm glad to say that we have managed to do all of the big jobs, in preparation for the winter.

We have worked what feels like non stop.......I think that we have had every tool out of the tool shed...and its going to take me days to put them back !

It will be very quiet after today, I shall have a bit of time to do other jobs that have taken a back seat, like the garden and the lawns...not to mention a bit of spinning.....

My parents will go back to a more normal easier pace of retirement......it will be Christmas time before they visit.....so plenty of time to re-charge their batteries.

I'm hoping that we can have a much easier time then.........

All that remains to say is a great big 'Thank-you' to them for all their help......I couldn't have done it without them......so it will be back to me, myself and I. My parents have 'Lift Off' for tomorrow.......back home !

The alpacas have been enjoying the nice sunny weather this week, infact we have had a real good spell, I have managed to make my hay, late September ! it is good hay, well worth the wait, it is stacked, packed and under cover in the barn. I shall be looking forward to trying the haylage in November sometime...as its the first year I've ever made it....it will be interesting to see how it has turned out, this was made mainly for one of my horses who has a dust allergy......

The proof will be in the pudding.......so they say !

Road to Hell...has speed Humps !! :0)

2011-10-14T21:22:00.003+01:00

Much better...but it does have a few...'Speed Humps'

Better than this mind...Im hoping you can see....the improvements !! What a mess !

Daisy pulling the tractor...out of the gateway...as we were stuck with a trailer full of rock !!

Having a break.......we have worked.....non stop for 2 days on this........to create this mess !!

Mam......and Holly .....checked, cleaned and put back to bed......she is now 'Huge' compared to

4 ozs when she was found last year !

Carrying on from last nights topic......the track....better know as the road to Hell !

Well I managed to get the last few loads this morning.... and after dinner I had the delight of trying to smooth it out !

I'll have you know we have spent all day sorting out the track, we have had just about every piece of equipment out. The trials and tribulations have been and gone, we did have the tractor stuck at one point in the gateway to the 10 acre field....loaded with the trailer....sunk into the soft mud.......thankfully Daisy came to the rescue and helped pull the tractor out....

Most of the afternoon was spent.......driving up and down, with the tractor and the homemade plough....a strainer post ! then I moved onto Daisy who did her share....then back to the tractor with a steel girder on.....then the quad was out with a pallet dragging behind !!

To top it off.......I have a much improved track....much better than before...........however....I do have a number of...'Speed Humps' as described by my mam.....to slow the horses down !

I have rang the professionals to request they come and sort out....my BMX course !......to come and remove the humps, my tractor and Digger do not have self levelling buckets...so when you go over the humps...the bucket just follows......so I have called on the services of the contractors....who are much more skilled than me at this sort of thing !

I am happy with our efforts........just a few humps to deal with, but overall .....much improved compared to the ...........Boot Sucking Mud !!

The horses have been watching with amusement and have been up and down the track already. I'm sure it will be much better for them through the winter months.

Especially when it gets the professional touch !

We even managed to have a look at Holly tonight, we needed to check her to see if she was ok, before she goes into hibernation.....she is massive, she was hissing lots...and she now is the size of a football....and weight a healthy amount....she has been dusted with special flea powder....and given nice fresh straw......so hopefully she can go into the winter ...nice and snug.

So, tomorrow is hopefully going to be an easier day...I have a light to fix in the new wooden barn extension....so we can see, as the nights draw......and at this time of year.....I regularly get caught out...with the dark !

So that's on the 'to do' list for me tomorrow......its the last day for my parents before they go back home.......we have managed to do most of the jobs......on the list.

I have a bit of finishing off to do....but I think I can safely say....I'm more prepared than I was a month ago !

The Road to Hell........seeing is Believing !!

2011-10-13T22:46:00.003+01:00

Seeing is believing.....Yes....TPT....is on Norris's Back !!

This is the road....to Hell....Im hoping it will be much improved....tomorrow !!

The wood was delivered on Tuesday....chopped up Wednesday....and stacked, ready for splitting !

Well this is the road to hell....and what a day ..........

I suppose things get worse before they get better....and I hope its not going to get any worse....the track, is in a state and it has been trial and error, trying to get the trailer into position. There is so much mud, its more a case of sliding into position....

Tonight we are shattered....Ive done more loads than I can remember....I have lost count of the total.....tomorrow I'm hoping to level it with the good old.....home made snow plough !

As the tractor is 4 wheel drive, I think Daisy is out of her depth at the moment with this....as she is only a 2 wheel drive digger.....so tomorrow I shall be trying to get the levels sorted.....

I'm hoping to have better photos.....after tomorrow....if not then it will be back to another plan !

At about 4pm we came in for a cuppa tea.......and I happened to look over into the chicken area......now after the day we've had....you could almost question your sanity....especially when I could hardly believe what I was seeing !!

Its not the first time......Tara Palmer Tompkinson....has been on the back of Norris.....thankfully...I managed to snap a picture.....its a bit hard to see....but this Turkey...is actually standing on the back of Norris....!!

I'm starting to think.......that we are all just a bit mad here !!

Even the animals ...........

Jack of all......master of None !!

2011-10-11T23:27:00.004+01:00

Guess....what we've been doing !

The girls...in the new field....

Logs just delivered......

Early morning......sunshine !!

We have had another busy day here....the weather has been lovely and at this time of year you just have to make the most of it !

The tipping trailer has not arrived yet ..............but the logs have.....and guess what todays jobs were .......yep you guessed it.......chopping the logs and stacking them in the barn, to keep them dry.....in preparation to split them at a later date.

I managed to re-arrange the alpacas for the winter, thankfully all went where they should have and are getting used to the change around.

The barn extension is now bedded up nice and cosy and the girls and the babies are getting used to their new home. I have also been busy fixing some guttering along the walls of the barn.....this makes a great feed trough, which can be removed for cleaning etc......I think the girls are getting to grips with their new feeding arrangement. All I have to do is to make a wind shelter for the gate....to help with the wind blowing through the extension....on windy days especially if there is snow also !

Maybe this will be the job for tomorrow, unless the trailer arrives !

A Relative Picture !!

2011-10-09T21:11:00.004+01:00

Some of the hay stacked in the wooden barn....

Nearly done, gutter now fixed, just a couple of boards to fix round the door-way !

The boys last week....and a lovely Rainbow.......

I know last night I did a blog about.....stacking my hay in for the winter....however there was a lack of a relative picture ! as I hadn't managed to take a photo of the barn.

So here is the relative picture, of the new part of the barn stacked with hay ! I have also managed to take a photo of all my dads hard work...he spent most of Saturday up the ladder fixing the guttering, whilst I carted hay into the barn.

Today we managed to fix the door on the stable of the old stone steading, as the frame had came away from the wall and this meant that the door wouldn't shut properly. After that job and a cup of tea...we managed to hang the gate on the opposite side of the new barn, this now means that the other gate is now fitted properly, I just have to drill a hole in the door to secure it.......tomorrow I shall be having a bit of a change round. The girls and babies are moving onto the 6 acre field, the boys will move across to the 3 acre field, which joins the small birthing paddock, the Nick Nacks are grazing in here at the moment, however its now getting time to introduce the Nick Nacks with the older boys ! After this swap round it means that the boys will be coming into the barn at night, with the Nick Nacks beside them in a separate enclosure....... the girls will come into the new wooden barn on the opposite side of the stacked hay ......its all very complicated, but I do have a bit of a plan........this is all in preparation for the winter........and the changes ahead !!

Just hope the move goes smoothly.......no doubt I shall find out very soon ...... But thats the plan....anyway !!

Stacked Just in time !!

2011-10-08T23:07:00.004+01:00

Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca......somewhere under here !!

Troublesome two-some .....

Bottoms Up !!.....Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca play fighting ...

Yesterday, I spent most of the afternoon...carting hay into the new wooden barn that we have been building !! this year.........so one side of the barn is now full of hay, as this year is the first year for stacking it was a bit of trial and error.....in the end I managed to get 36 bales in total in there. I only stacked two high as the tractor is at its maximum lift and sometimes....you struggle to get the third row off, I didn't want to risk it. I was busy till after dark.

Today it was another early start for me, to re arrange the other barn in order that I could bring in the remainder of the hay. I had another 24 bales to move, tonight we are forecast rain all night and a very unsettled week.......so I am pleased that I have managed to get that job done !

Dare I say it....I am nearly organised for the winter, I just have my delivery of straw for the winter to find a home for....and we are sorted.

Tonight the rain is lashing down, the boys are in the new extension....!! that we have been working on....I have a gate to fix, it is tied on for tonight....so tomorrow I intend to hang the gate, make a wind break to shelter the new part from the prevailing wind.....I'm waiting to hear if we can get the tipping trailer for next weeks job....and then my parents will be making their way back home.....for a rest !

The next time I see them will be Christmas time.....I'm hoping that this year will be a much milder winter, however I've heard lots of rumours already !

I just hope Im not going to be snowed in for 5 weeks this year....

Up on the Roof !

2011-10-06T21:58:00.003+01:00

The girls and the babies.....growing fast !!

I have spent most of the day up on the roof !!

Finishing off the corner of the roof, which needed to be tidied up, this has been sheeted and then the next job was to 'sark' up the gap in between the different roofs. This took up most of the afternoon, together with doing a spot of cementing. To fill in the gap between the stone gable and the roof of the extension.

True to form, as I was pointing up the edge, the rain came ! and we did get rather wet at one stage, the cementing has been covered up to protect it from any more rain this evening. I haven't managed to get a photo, but I think you can see the bit I'm talking about on one of the other earlier pictures......just have to hang the gate, make a panel to stop the wind from blowing through the part which the alpacas are going to be using......finish off the bottom part of the sides, as this is double boarded.....and I shall be done !!

We are hoping to fix the weather strip on the main barn doors....tomorrow, weather pending.

Then one last big job on the 'to do list' all being well next week, I have to borrow a tipping trailer for this one, so if we get the go ahead for the trailer, then the job will get started. I shall keep you posted on my progress....in between all this I have a load of 3 meter trees lengths being delivered on Tuesday, just waiting to be chopped into fire wood for the winter !

So its ......all hands to the deck......and I still have my hay barn to stack, so I guess you could say......looks like another busy week !!

Nearly There !!....

2011-10-04T22:51:00.003+01:00

Nearly finished......tonight.....Zaninni is waiting for his tea !!

Having a rest.......before sheeting the sides.....

Mam and the dogs.....(ltor) Meg, Diesel, Jessie, Zonda

Waiting to go out.....this morning !! Zienna, Zirrius, Zimushka, Zirrianna...... Zakhura black hiding and Dusty !

Me and my Dad.......

We have been very busy working on the barn...extension....and we are nearly there !

The poles were concreted in on the Friday, and setting on Saturday, we had ran and only got a little bit extra done. On Sunday we started to build the main structure and it was finished by late Sunday evening. Monday we started to fix the smaller cross beams ready for the sheeting.

Today we have fixed all the smaller beams and cut the sheeting and tonight the roof is done. Also we spent the afternoon 'Yorkshire' boarding the sides.....so we are nearly finished. My new gate arrived this afternoon sometime.....however, it must have came when we were in for dinner.....we never seen the delivery yet !

It was only late this evening...after I had moaned ....that the gate hadn't turned up ! I walked up the track.....back to the barn to get the hammer....only to notice that a nice shiney new gate was propped up by the barn door ! To my surprise.....

To it was another late finish....just by dusk....I managed to get the last photo of the evening......when I went to feed the boys.

Next on the 'to do list'...is the other barn doors....the ones that rain in....and end up flooding the floor when the rain and wind...are in a certain direction....I have managed to get some galvanised steel.....type guttering......that when turned upside down......will do the trick !

We will find out soon...no doubt when we come to fix it !....I'm hoping it works and stops the rain coming into the building.......as this is where the girlies and babies sleep !

So the finishing touches on the extension are on the cards for tomorrow.....re-fix the wooden door to the front.....of the new extension....and hang the gate on the other side.......this will be where the boys will winter....in times of horrendous weather.......and no doubt.....its just a matter of time, before.....winter really sets in !

I'm hoping to bring the hay in.....maybe at the weekend...it has been resting on the field.....as if you bring it in too soon, although baled nice and dry...it tends to sweat in the buildings !!

So another job.....no rest for the wicked !!!

;0)

Barn Extension......extension !!

2011-09-30T20:40:00.003+01:00

I've lost lost my ears !!.....

The extension......is underway !

Some of the work-force .......nearly finished for the day !

The jobs have started.......we have managed to repair the shelter that got damaged with the heavy snow....last year ! So I will be able to use this now as it has been out of action.

We have started to extend the barn.....so the jobs are well under way.

The telegraph poles are in their new rightful place......and have been concreted in, tomorrow I'm hoping to fix some of the main structure, after going for the wood.

I have been using Daisy to scrape the ground to level it, before we dug the holes, for the poles.

The weather is supposed to cool down a little, today has been just too muggy.....I have the hay stacked together on the field as it has to stand a while before I bring it into the barn for the winter.....

So the jobs are well under way.....I have received a new sign today for the rear of my trailer........just have to fix it on....sometime.....soon !!

You can't please Everyone !..so You have to please Yourself !!

2011-09-26T21:26:00.005+01:00

Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca ....quality control !

A lovely sight......sun shining and all baled up !

The girls enjoying the sunny day....

Nosey ......checking it out ....

Oh well, sometimes in life you have to stand by your principles, even if that means to stand alone !

Those who know me, will already know, that I am the sort of person to speak my mind and stand alone if necessary !!

After all this is my blog....and my opinion, if others who happen to read this have other opinions, then so be it, however this does not detract from me voicing mine.....sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes indifferent !

All I will say, is......then if the answer to last nights post is to be a responsible breeder/alpaca owner is to breed less and not be part of flooding the market....then this I am prepared to do, after all.......I got into ownership of alpacas primarily for me ! Maybe if this pricks the conscience of others....then so be it !!

Now onto a totally different subject, I have managed to get my hay baled this afternoon. Thankfully the weather stayed kind and I have managed to get some top quality hay. This year the hill has yielded 60, 3ft bales........which is great news, its a nice feeling to have the job done and dusted !

I only have one more field to have cut and silaged.....this is the field that the boys graze, hopefully this will be feed for my cows over the winter.

According to the weather forecast.....its going to be dry all week......maybe that Indian Summer is here and now !

Look who's sitting beside Me !!

2011-09-25T22:02:00.005+01:00

Its just great to have this special sort of friendship....and mutual trust !

Just priceless....moments....shared ! ...so rewarding !!

Peek-a-Boo !!

Just finished.......time for me.....to have an alpaca moment !!....

What better way after spending over 4 hours....rowing up my hay...having a break...!
After spending most of the afternoon sitting in the tractor rowing up the hay ready for baling I decided to reward myself with a treat....I went to see the girls and the babies....before going in for a well earned cup of tea !!
I was sitting in the field...and all of a sudden I was joined by my little alpaca friends.....what a marvellous feeling, having great company.....I just love it...and obviously I just love them !!
As I sat, I was quickly joined by Zirrius who comes over and almost sits on you....being a little nuisance as usual...then Zoretah came over, she sat down right next to me, its just a fantastic feeling to be so close to these beautiful animals....by their choice !! then soon after Zoretah came for a sit down....little Zadi~Blanca came over to, she said hello, with a little nose sniff and sat down right next to Zoretah !!
Meanwhile......I was being closely watched by Minstrel, who I think was a little jealous, she had a look of disgust on her face, as she usually comes over for a cuddle, but this time she had been beaten...by the babies.....in the background, you can see Zimushka. Zoretah was happily chewing her cud......just enjoying the company !!
What a great privilege.......and I know that others who experience this, know exactly what I mean.......any owner who truly has their animals interest at heart...know just how rewarding this experience can be ! with any animal...not just alpacas !
I feel the need to mention, that it saddens me greatly to have to be subject to an article in the most recent edition of the BAS Magazine........!!
I know that most of the small breeders, who have their herds, love their animals and spend time getting to know each and every one.....would never dream of selling into this sort of market !!

I think it is only fare to say, that this market will be solely supplied by the huge commercial breeders, who hold no value over their surplus stock !!, with very little contact. I can only give my opinion on this and I know that I value each and every animal I own.......not just for their 'breeding capability'.....for their characters, personalities, fleeces and just for being privileged to have the sort of moments that I have just had...today.....

I believe that it will be a very sad day....if the market is saturated to the point of these beautiful animals, holding little or no value....other than for this purpose !

I challenge...anyone.....!! with a conscience...to experience the delight that I experience on a daily basis........living with my alpacas.......

To even bear the thought....of actually having them slaughtered....into cuts of 'Meat' !
I can promise one thing......to my alpacas.......It will never happen to any of my animals.....
Actually, I would like this sort of Alpaca Enterprise....to be a very brief.......business venture........nothing would please me more......

I do have to question the morals of the BAS.......to even put this article to print !!
Surely Alpacas....are far more valuable ........I can just hope that others share my point of view.........but this is a part of the business.......I want NO part in !!

I can appreciate...in Peru & Chile.....the breeders use them as a multi purpose animal....but lets face it.......I think we actually have a choice here......and I certainly choose NOT to go down this route !!!!

I can just hope and pray .....others will follow me !!

Surprise, Surprise !....& Guess What I'm Doing !!

2011-09-24T21:58:00.004+01:00

Zeto...me and the new trailer !!.....

Haymaking....tonight !!......

Mam and Dad...and the dogs with the new trailer....and Zanzibah Banners !

Well, todays the day, that the big surprise is revealed.....

After a little bit of modification......the new addition is a trailer.....I have added a few changes....and the 'Less is more....might be going out of the window....slightly......I fear by the time I've finished.....I might have ....More than Less !

I have treated myself to a Bateson 316 Eurostock Trailer, I once waited all day at an auction for one just like it...but unfortunately for me....everyone else had the same idea...and it was far too expensive at the time !

Fast forward......about 3 years....and I now have one......actually my parents brough it up, as it was for sale down near to where they live, I spoted it on good old Ebay and knew it was exactly the one I have wanted for ages....so I now am the proud owner of my Zanzibah transport equipment ! I know it will be very handy and will be a wise investment.....

I have had made a couple of changes as this trailer is fitted with all the sheep partitions, which actually fold away very neatly....I don't think I will be needing them for the alpacas. I can carry up to 10 in here going off my towing capacity ! I don't think I shall have it full for quite some time ....

Changing the subject slightly.....I am also haymaking !! The 8 acre hill has been cut on Thursday morning, I have turned it on Friday & tonight......Im hoping to get some baled tomorrow into haylage, Im also hoping to leave half to make into hay....mind you we are forecast rain on Monday, but after that a nice sunny week......so it looks like Im going to be busy over the next few days.....I shall be pleased when this is done, then I just have to get it wrapped and the hay carted into the barn for the winter....then just some silage for the cows and the feed quest is over for this year !!

Just need to build the barn extension and repair the roof on the small alpaca building that was damaged last year with the snow.....not to mention...a few other jobs on the 'to do list' ...
So my secret is out......I am now the proud owner of a trailer.......

To 'Infinity and Beyond'.......we now have wheels !!

Its Zeto's Birthday today...he is 2 years old, he has had a nice Birthday present !!

More Visitors....and Minstrel Steals the Show !!...Again !!!

2011-09-21T22:08:00.004+01:00

Peter...with Minstrel....!!

The girls and babies....have more visitors !!....

Val having a cuddle with Minstrel...and Zoretah....is watching !

Biddy & Val....meeting some of the Boys !!

Zirrius and Zadi~Blanca......play fighting !!

Since my parents arrived on Sunday...I have been working on my surprise....its not quite ready...so unfortunately I can't reveal what it is !

I'm hoping...the finishing touches will arrive soon....so I can reveal just what it is...and although, I did have some good advice.....I don't think.....I have managed to resist....the temptation....but the wise words...of 'Less is more' have echoed....I fear I might not have managed, I fear I have 'more' than....'less and when I reveal....the big surprise....it's still not quite finished !!

Apart from that....I have had more visitors.....friends Biddy & Alistair came round with some other friends Val & Peter...to see the alpacas....I suspect...we just happened to be there also !

Is really quite marvellous, to see new people greeted by the alpacas, the girls, babies and boys were on their best behaviour.....and once again Minstrel stole the show.

She is on top form at the moment....I shall forgive her, for pretending to be pregnant....for this year...anyway !! she is just ......far too nice at the moment !!

Everyone who meets her....I'm sure will remember her for some time after.....the experience !

As usual, fleeces, knitting, spinning, jam making and just a general good old chit-chat.......I think its fare to say....a great afternoon....with some very lovely moments mixed in for good measure, Val just fell in love with the alpacas....and I think Pater was secretly smitten with Minstrel also....the babies are so lovely and innocent, coming to see us....its just great to have such close contact and it really does just put you in a good mood.....Alpaca Therapy...you just can't beat it !!

Val left with some fleece to spin, apparently I have re-inspired her to make something special out of the alpaca fleece.....I shall look forward to see, just what she creates !

Water-Babies !!

2011-09-17T21:37:00.004+01:00

We are slightly wet today !! ...Zimushka has lost her fluffy britches !!
Water fascination.....'piggy in the middle'

Zirrius and Zimushka.....both want to be in the water !!

Busy day today, cleaning the chicken shed....!

After the Swallows have gone...I like to give the chicken shed a good clean, I have a leaf-blower and its great to clean the wire, its surprising just how dusty it gets. I always wait till the Swallows leave, as I don't want to disturb them, whilst they are nesting !

So the chicken shed now, is nice and clean for going into the winter.

We have had torrential rain again overnight......the land is soaked....! mind you I did manage to do a spot of grass cutting, I wanted to see just how soggy it was....I managed to do some of the track and up to the house, but not the lawns....just far too wet !

Before I went in for my dinner break, I went to have five minutes at the gate, watching the babies......obviously they all came over to see me, then went back to play in the puddle in the field....its marvellous, just how attracted the alpacas and cria, are to the water.....Zimushka was playing in the water the most, she was sitting in the puddle, very happy.....hence the new look.....!! no fluffy britches......today !! Waders or wellies essential ! The babies just love, splashing and playing in the puddle.

After dinner, I went back out to finish off.....sorting out the chicken shed, then after the brief grass cutting, I decided to muck out the boys barn, to tidy it up, once again we have had rain and the alpacas are in again tonight.....a dry back and a dry belly, after all there is no fun sitting out in wet fields !.....and my fields are definitely wet !!

Slightly Jamtastic !

2011-09-15T21:32:00.003+01:00

(LtoR) Zoretah, Zirrius,Zimushka, Zadi~Blanca.....only Zirrianna missing !

Zirrianna....too busy eating, to join in !

Slightly jamtastic !......and I've already given some away !

What a reception.....its just great to be greeted this way !

Ah.....remember what a difficult start she had !......Zoretah ! ........she is extra special !!!

I have been busy over the past week or so.....its the time of year, I find myself doing a spot of Jam making !....and Chutney making....

Well I suppose it keeps me out of mischief ! I've been finishing off the last of the jam and chutney today....I seem to have quite a little collection, going on !

Hence the title....of the blog !

Changing the subject slightly......I have been out doing what I do best....spending time with the alpacas, I was out and about in the thick of things.....as usual being surrounded by the alpacas...and the babies ! the weather was quite nice today, which makes a lovely change from recently.

I'm sure this is the calm before the storm....as my parents are visiting this weekend, I'm sure we will be busy, hoping to do some of the jobs on the 'to do list'...before the winter sets in....not to mention....the still pending....hay/lage crop ! I'm hoping its going to be dry enough soon, long enough, just to get it done ! ..the phrase...better late, than never, springs to mind !

I have a couple of nice surprises....instore ! but you will have to wait and see.....not long now !

I have hung up my pinny for this year.....no more Jam making !

I suppose, I'd better dust off my hammer...I can feel a barn extension coming on, along with a few other jobs !

But for the here and the now....I'm having some alpacatastic time !....a little bit of play-time, before all the hard work !!

Lady Zanzibah Off.....to America !!!

2011-09-13T14:26:00.006+01:00

Zeuss ....

Cobweb Felted Scarf......sold to a lovely lady from America !

Zeuss......sniffing the feed bucket ....

Regular readers will know, I do little bit of hand spinning and felting when I get the time.

I have been know to use my artistic flare and imagination to hand craft, unique knit ware & felting, I usually design it all by myself from start to finish.

One such item has been purchased by a lovely lady from America...who saw the wrap...and just fell in love with it !......so its making its way all the way to America !!

Fancy that.....one of my designer wraps/scarves, heading all that way....one thing guaranteed.....there most certainly isn't another one ...!!

Which makes it quite unique......I do hope the lady, enjoys wrapping herself in Alpaca Luxury !
Incidentally....my handcrafted knit ware range is called......The 'Lady Zanzibah' Collection...hence the blog title !!

The star of the show.....well...has to be Zeuss....who provided the gorgeous fleece to make this garment !

Ticking along nicely !!

2011-09-11T00:26:00.005+01:00

Growing up faast...

Here comes.....trouble !!

Zirrianna..... & Zimushka !

Life here is ticking along nicely....apart from the weather that is....!

The babies are growing up fast, learning to be quite confident around people. This is one of the main reasons, I decide to bring them in every evening. I believe this helps with building confident alpacas around people, especially for the future when you need to handle them to do routine husbandry tasks and obviously for the odd....alpaca moment.

A certain favourite of many visitors...who likes to steal the show, Minstrel is in a happy pleasant mood lately....however this can change like the weather...at the drop of a hat....so you just have to make the most of it.

Talking about the weather......after re-checking the computer.....again and again, waiting for forever and a day.....its looking like, after a sprinkle of the wet stuff...on Tuesday...we are forecast....a reasonable week....as I type this anyway !

So this might mean one thing....yes.....getting the other field cut, for ideally hay, however if the weather is not as good as forecast.....then nice quality haylage will be more than sufficient !

So, there might be a good chance.....I'm going to risk it....for next week...I shall be re-checking the computer again tomorrow.......just to make sure, before I ring the contractors....and give the go-ahead.....!

Its a risky business....especially as the days are getting shorter, the dew is more heavy in the mornings...and well I guess, Autumn is definitely knocking on the door.......ideally haymaking should be a summer time job.......summer-time......I ask myself.....when was that !!

Apart from this...pending job.....there are a few exciting things hopefully happening.....for one my parents are coming to visit next weekend....and well.....there are a few other little surprises...but I can't say anymore of that.....those who know....well.....will know, what I'm rambling about...those who don't know....will just have to wait and see.....!!

But I'm slightly excited to say the least !! oh...and its not an animal addition...!

Some work.......and more Play !!

2011-09-05T00:23:00.008+01:00

Cristina, Anna....with Zirrius.....Minstrel and Zadi~Blanca !!

Just caught Anna....trying to smuggle Zirrius in her pocket !! .......Nice Hat Anna !!

De ja vou.....the flooded barn ..and me.....mucking out again !!

Cristina, giving Minstrel a stroke......and a certain little pest...trying to steal the limelight ! With Anna and Zadi~Blanca.....looking on ....

Yesterday I had a bit of a De ja vou moment......I'm sure it was just the other day...I had mucked out the barn.....

Oh ...yes then we had the torrential rain.....and we got flooded.....and the barn was under about 4" of water.....

So I on Saturday I had the barn to totally re clean......we are back to nice and clean.....and it is still drying out in places.....but the alpacas have nice clean dry bedding again.

Today I had visitors......Dave and Cristina came over to meet....us all......!!

The alpacas we on their best behaviour and we were surrounded and greeted by both boys and girls.....but I think once again Minstrel stole the show.....she was closely followed by Zirrius.....who was a first class delicious........nuissance.....!

I've only got a limited amount of photos.......I forgot to take the camera out...for our first visit....then remembered......later for the second visit.....then I was far too busy trying to teach Zirrius how to behave....with visitors...that I nearly forgot....

I also had to do a security check....before my guests left....as I was sure they were thinking of hiding Minstrel in the back of their pick-up...and I just caught Anna....trying to smuggle out Zirrius....

You have to extra vigilant......I'm sure the thought crossed both of their....minds !!

We had a great afternoon......eating lots of biscuits....and cakes......and a extra special cup of 'Ringtons'.....tea !!.....

The time just flew ......there was lots of alpaca chatter....and I think I could safely say...we all had a great day !!

Happy to Help !!....

2011-09-02T21:09:00.004+01:00

Upper Mill Alpaca Farm's lovely new arrival !!

Meet the gang.......the new baby and his mum.....

Today I had the pleasure in meeting some new alpaca owners......Upper Mill Farm Alpacas, just outside Turriff......which actually is about 20 mins from me !

I read an article on the Accidental Smallholder website from some new excited alpaca owners....who had their first cria born yesterday.

I managed to make a comment, and to cut a long story short, ended up going to see them and help them find out what sex their new arrival was. My friend Anna came with me to help just incase the new mum was over protective.

We found the new location with no problems....and what a wonderful location, I was met by Dave who was waiting for us.....we were quickly introduced to the all the lovely animals and the alpacas.

What a beautiful setting and the alpacas were lovely, very contented we quickly saw the new arrival....what a beautiful brown cria......

I managed to catch mum, and then Anna and Dave held her, whilst I had a quick check of the baby.....I managed to find out that they had a beautiful baby Boy, he was slightly premature, his ears were very slightly floppy and after close inspection he had no baby teeth.....never the less....he was all there and very healthy indeed....

Its marvellous to have your first alpaca baby....you never forget your first baby and they are always very special.....

I have found out that the new baby has been named Rufus, he has had his first Lambivac injection and he will get another one within 4 weeks......

So on Sunday, I am returning the pleasure....Dave and Christina are coming to visit us here at Zanzibah Alpacas......so I'm sure we will have lots of alpaca chatter......

N is for 'Nibbles'.....D is for 'Delicious'!

2011-09-02T00:48:00.003+01:00

Zirrius...he is so cheeky !!....

Zimushka.....she is a Munchkin !!...

Poor.....Zoretah..trying to have a snooze !.....and being pestered by Zirrius !!

Zimushka....is checking the puddle out !!.....

Zoretah under Zirrius....with Zadi~Blanca.....joining in the fun !!

Im sure that I'm not the only one that have strange pet names.......for my crias ! over the years.....

They are usually formed around their personalities.....and strangely enough...one special little fella....has two, pet names.....this year !

I'm sure by now...you have guessed, he is Zirrius.....the only boy born here this year. Out of five babies....we have four girls and one little boy.

You just can help yourself from giving him a cuddle.....he comes to greet you across the field...and because he's a typical boy...loves to pester anyone in the vicinity....usually ending up playing....'wheelbarrows'.......on the others...

He is Delicious..with a capital 'D'....and he is so cheeky..he likes a little....nibble....so 'N' is for Nibbles...
Its great to have these fantastic babies.....around, part of the pleasure....I can just watch them for hours.....playing chase in the field...and enjoying life......definitely give you the 'feel good factor'.

I would defy anybody...to spend a little time with them not to feel.....just great after wards !!

Oh...What a night !....

2011-08-28T12:58:00.005+01:00

The boys back in the barn....and tasting the new hay !

The Nick Nacks.....

The girls...are slightly wetter than...hoped...as the rain is coming in the doors!!

Outside.....its horrendous !!

The boys have had a horrendous night...out...shivering and soaked...but there in now !!

What a night we have had.....

The weather has turned for the worst and I think we are now getting the rain and winds that most of the rest of the country have experienced over the past week.

The poor boys have had a night of it......and were soaked right through.

Not only do we have horrendous weather, I have woken up with a cold !

So its a case of feeling completely under the weather......I have brought the boys in, the barn is proving very useful.....indeed.

The girls did have a nice clean, dry barn, last night ! This has been short lived....as the rain is battering off the gable end of the barn....and running down the wall, onto the big doors...and its running in the barn....so, unfortunately the nice dry barn now had a bit of a water feature running through.....most of the floor is soaked...and the girls, have found a dryer end...to huddle into.....

I can feel another job on the list....I need to build a canopy....over the doors..for this kind of weather...to stop the rain bleaching in !

Apart from that.....once again the fires on and I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself....and I have

a..........runny nose !! ............and a dripping window !!

No Rest for the Wicked !!

2011-08-27T17:01:00.003+01:00

Nosey !!...

Zanubis ....

Another job...crossed off the list....

So much so for a day off.....

Today, I decided to crack on and muck the barn out. It has needed done for a little while.

Although I use the tractor...thankfully it does most of the heavy lifting. I still have to take down the divides....move one or two large gates....and move several pallets...which I use for partitions.....this usually takes a couple of hours...by the time I put all the muck tines on and open.....several gates....close several gates...to stop the horses escaping...and then....I have to clean the barn out.....and put it all back together...then bed them all up....

I started at 1pm and I have been on all afternoon, I have just finished at 5pm.....It takes ages to tie...and untie all the binder twine.....

So tonight I have a nice clean barn, I know the alpacas will appreciate it when they come in. The weather has been much cooler today, mind you we haven't had the torrential rain yet !

Now I have this job crossed off the list....I think I'm up to date, so I can have a bit of a rest.

Just keeping one eye on the weather.....how come the forecasts...always get the cloud/rain right, but never seem to have the same accuracy with the sunshine !!

The nights are getting much darker.....so much quicker.....which can only mean one thing.....the seasons are changing.....and it won't be long till my lovely little Swallow friends leave me once again, for warmer climes....!!

I have the fire on tonight, as it is cooler this evening......I'm off for a nice long hot shower......I think I deserve it !!

Done...and Dusted !

2011-08-26T22:50:00.006+01:00

What a wonderful sight !!......(for me anyway)

The Nick Nacks....are growing up very nicely !!

My lovely two Wyandottes.....and Norris...

Some of the bales...waiting to be wrapped.... can you spot Slinky !!

Tonight the quest to get some haylage is....done for the time being.

Last night I had to help bring the remainder of the haylage up to the barn to get wrapped....it was dark by the time we got finished so I couldn't take a photo of the finished stack.

So this morning, when I let the alpacas out....I managed to take a photo for the blog.

I am really quite pleased with the end result, however I shall not know exactly what its like till I open them around 10 to 14 weeks time....then if it has been a success ...then I shall really know.

In the meantime....we are forecast some of the horrible weather that most of the UK has been getting......the high winds and the rain over the weekend.

Yesterday morning before I went out to move the hay...I managed to do a bit of spinning, this has been washed and dried...and it is now a little ball of wool...which will make its way down to the GWR Yarn Show........

I have also been keeping a close eye on Zakhura and Zirrianna...after their injections.....I think that Zakhura looks happier already.....and Zirrianna looks fine, but it was a case of having to treat both of them.

Both will have another injection 10 days after their first one.

I have relocated the muck spreader tonight, to make some extra space in preparation for mucking out the barn. I shall be doing this sometime soon....as I will have to tidy up the barn as I will have to make extra room for the next pending hay crop and the straw for the winter.

Tonight......my back is aching....for a change !!

Whey.....Hay......lage !!

2011-08-26T00:02:00.005+01:00

A bit to go.....and the baler was not working !!

Working fine.....

Just starting to row up....

Wednesday afternoon........before all the work !

It was all go yesterday...

In the morning I thought I'd have a look at the progress of the pending....haylage ! It was debatable if I needed to turn it again, or just get straight into rowing it up.....thankfully I decided it was ready to go...and I just had to row it up..so I started at 1pm.....and I was busy all day what with one thing and another....I was still carting hay in at 10pm....last night...with very limited lights on the tractor.....I have one side that works..and the other side that doesn't !

The haymaking was not without its usual trials...for some reason...the baler was not working properly......it was wrapping sometimes...and not others....it took quite some time to get it sorted.......after a bit of a carry on.....it was sorted and off we went !

At a guess....I think that it was about 7 acres...that was cut, I have managed to get 70 bales of what is supposed to be haylage. It is a bit of a trial run this year, so I won't really know till I open the bales in the winter. Last night I managed to cart about 48 bales of hay and bring them up to near where they were to be stacked. I had ran out of space, so today I had about 28 bales to collect off the field this afternoon......I had brought them to the top of the field, just in case I had room to get them all stacked in the place I had hoped for.....and tonight all the bales are wrapped and stacked nice and neatly, ready for the winter.

Most of this will be for the horses, mainly for one who has a dust allergy.....but if its good..I shall try the alpacas with it....but I still have another 8 acres.....to do, so I'm sure I will have plenty, depending on the weather, it will either be.....hay or haylage.

Then I still have the boys field to get cut.....this will be made straight into silage...for the cows !

I am just pleased that one filed is done and dusted. Just waiting for a nice break in the weather....for the next episode.

I am hoping to get a photo of the nice neat stack.....of haylage as it was dark..when we got finished.

I have Trailed.....and Tribulated !!..Already !!

2011-08-23T21:56:00.004+01:00

Just starting out...on the quest...to make some.....haylage this year !

Zakhura..has got a skin problem....which came as a bit of a shock ! we are treating it !

I have 'Blinged Up' ..the Hayturner !

The boys the other day.....waiting at the gate !

As usual the trials and tribulations...have been experienced already with the haymaking experience !

Sunday was a bit of a slow start....to cut a very long story short, after three attempts with the tines bending.....I decided to call in the experts to see what was going wrong...I had three attempts at turning the hay...and I got one row done...then the tines were bending...I just couldn't work out why ! The first attempt...one of my bolts which secure the hay turner onto the tractor fell out...and the turner was not running right...so this bent the tines !

Anyway.....I rang the experts..my contractors for some advice ....and thankfully he was at the yard...and came over to have a look !

There was nothing seriously wrong..with things...but after I had taken off all the tines on one side....I was definitely ....confused...about the arrangement....and I was sure some were on wrong ! but I had myself in a bit of a muddle....there was one or two wrong but the most of them were ok.

It is difficult to see how its running ...whilst driving the tractor..so it was good that James could stand and see it working.....a little bit of final adjustment...and it was right.

So after starting at 12.30pm and expecting to be done in a couple of hours.....I hadn't even got started till 4pm.....I battled on and thankfully all ran well....I eventually got finished at about 6pm.

Now when I parked that tractor up for the evening....I decided to mark the tines and direction....after all I didn't want to get in a muddle again....if I was to find myself in the same situation....so I have 'blinged' up the hay turner !!.....I have a Blue side and an Orange side !..with directional arrows...just for good measure !!

Its very colourful...it nothing else...and I don't care....what anyone else thinks..as long as I know......how the thing works !

On a different note.....last night I noticed that my black girl Zakhura.....had several baldy sores on her back....which surprised me to say the least......as I bring the girls in every night and spend hours..with them...I was very surprised that I had missed this ! Im was checking her only a couple of weeks ago...and strangely enough, I thought she looked a bit poor ..!! I had thought that it was maybe due to the fact that Zirrianna might have been pulling her down...however after discovering her skin problems...this also obviously has had an effect on her condition.

She has been sprayed....with Terramycin, and she has also had an injection of Dectomax....as I think this is a mange problem.....I have discussed this with Rob & Les at Wellground, and it might be a thought that she could have caught this from the local wildlife.....as she was fine a couple of weeks ago.......so I guess its a possibility, and I know for sure that we have not caught any thing from any other source....as we are a closed herd !

So I shall be keeping an extra special close eye on her and Zirrianna, over the next few weeks....she will get a repeat injection in 10 days time......so if it is mange....this should do the trick....

Just goes to show.......no matter, how careful you are...there is always something to catch you out....!!

Hay...... we go Again !!

2011-08-19T21:23:00.007+01:00

The boys today....enjoying the sun..

Just starting....about 8pm this evening....

The big tractor....makes my little tractor look dinky !

My preparation team....this afternoon.....we are ready...I think !!

Well its that time of year again....the quest to win the hay, haylage & silage has started !!

After checking the weather forecast for the next week......apart from one shower threatening....on Tuesday...its according to the Met Office...looking good...

So, today I rang the contractors...who are obviously working flat out...to ask if they could fit me in for getting the fields cut. I was hoping for today sometime, or maybe tomorrow.

I decided to have quite an early finish tonight, I was all done by 7.45pm....then you guessed it, I could hear a tractor......and I thought to myself...I bet its the contractors coming up the track !

So as I type, they are cutting the 10 acre field, well actually more like 7 or 8 acres, as I have decided to graze the cows on a section for the summer....then after that is done, he's going to cut the hill...this is about 8 acres also...so he's going to be on till midnight I guess....

The lights are on the tractor and its all go, so guess what I'll be doing over the next few days....yep....trying to get the hay made, the haylage prepared and at some point when the contractors are not so busy...I will be getting some silage done on the 6 acre field that the boys graze.

So wish me luck....and keep your fingers crossed for a nice dry spell....and no disasters !

This afternoon...I have managed to move a stack of pallets, which were in the way of the hay turner, I have moved just about every bit of machinery in order to get the hay turner out. I have spent most of the afternoon....giving it a bit of a service, everything is oiled, greased and checked....for the start of the hay making quest.....

Just got to hitch it up...and off we go !

I wonder how we are going to get on this year !

I'm hopeful and positive...so lets hope it stays that way !!!!

I shall keep you posted.....as to the trials and tribulations.....in store !

High Spirits....and Ladies that Lunch !

2011-08-18T21:28:00.004+01:00

YIPEE !!.........eeeee Zoretah in mid air along with Zirrianna, Zirrius and Zimushka today !!

Guess Who !! .........

Anna with Minstrel ......

Irma, Kim and ........little me !! with Zeuss in the background.....

Kim......their behind YOU !!

Yesterday was the final day for Irma and Kim on their holidays.....but before they left we obviously had to try and have a normal sort of day !....

We decided to go out for lunch ...... now some of those who know me....will know that I don't get out often.....so the thought of a ladies that lunch afternoon...was quite exciting...!!

It would give me a chance to take the overall off...and the smelly wellies....and try to dress....for the occasion.....no wellies required !

Irma, Kim, Anna and myself went to a lovely little restaurant...where they do a very nice paninni !......and the Knickerbocker Glory...was a must !!, it was very nice indeed.

After the little lunch treat it was time to don the old togs and do what comes natural...of course...spend some quality Alpaca time....

I managed to capture some nice photos of Kim and the babies......who are very keen to come and spend a bit of time in your company.

Yesterday, we said our 'Goodbyes' and as far as I know...Irma will be somewhere at sea...between England and Holland.....tonight.

I decided to also have some quality alpaca time today.....I managed to capture the babies in really high spirits....having a fantastic time....chasing each other round the field...at one point running flat out.....its really quite worrying when they're at full pelt !

So now we are back to reality....and normal, if you can call it that. I have a bit of a spinning mission to conquer........not to mention the big Haymaking........some time soon, weather pending.

A Sort of a Normal Day ....nearly !!

2011-08-14T22:33:00.003+01:00

View across.....Cullen beach......and a lovely sunny day....!!

The horses...having a quick brush.....with Kim & Irma today !

One of the lovely fisherman's cottages...in Cullen

A nice walk along the footpath to the beach....

Obviously some are starting to wonder, if I ever have a sort of normal day, as asked by Barbara at Beckbrow !........ well actually the short answer is No !!

At the moment my friend Irma is staying with me with her daughter Kim, having a little holiday, the day started quite normal...which was nice.

I left Irma and Kim brushing the horses, whilst I decided to cut the grass.....as its been so wet, I haven't been able to get it cut.

Then later in the afternoon we decided to go to Cullen for an ice cream......as you do ! The queue was out of the door onto the pavement, when we arrived........however we were swiftly served.....once again they had run out of strawberry flavour....I had to resort to second choice lime !!

We had a lovely walk round Cullen, through the little fisherman's cottages.....they weather was lovely and the scenery is just gorgeous....I was just enjoying having a bit of a day off....or so I thought !...little did I know what was in store..!!

We returned back home after doing a bit of shopping.....a quick trip to the 'Spotty Bag' shop for some dog chews....and it was time to drive back home ....

As it was such a lovely day, I decided to open my driver's window......now, its been playing up making a funny noise for years......but little did I expect it to drop inside the door panel and get stuck..!! I had to drive all the way home....with a stuck open window....just in time for the odd spot of rain the threaten....!! typical...so guess what I was doing after I got home, yep dismantling the full door panel.....to try and fix it !

After a little while I had a nice amount of various screws, nuts, the odd speaker, door panel, and various bits and pieces.......after about half an hour.....we managed to find a new bolt...and find the broken piece...well the bit that had dropped off, well I have never dismantled a car door before........but I quickly managed to see how it worked......we had a bit of an ordeal trying to get the glass..inside both of the guides either side of the glass....but thankfully we managed, little did Irma know that she would be doing a quick course in car door fixing.

I have oiled the bits that move.......given it a quick try and tonight, I have a nice smooth window.......and its working...better than it has for years.....

So in answer to Barbara's question...do I ever have a normal sort of day.....well.......Im still waiting.....to see...who knows...what tomorrow has in store !!

What a week !!!!

2011-08-13T15:06:00.007+01:00

Zoretah & Zirrius.......

The 5 Zanzibah babies......Zirrius, Zadi~Blanca, Zimushka, Zirrianna, Zoretah !

No romance.......here.....maybe next year !

Carl & Rosemary.....and whats left of their car !!

The boys sheltering in the new barn, soaked.....

Where do I start..what a week indeed.......the time has just flown by !

On Monday evening I was enjoying a nice shower...around 7pm my phone started ringing..now I never get many phone calls...and I thought they would ring back....this they did, actually about 4 times.....by now I was wondering who on earth was that....I was in the middle of washing my hair....so I couldn't nip out and answer it !

Anyway....I eventually got out of the shower...to check my phone, then the house phone rang, it was Rob from Wellground...asking if I was ok......yes I replied, then the next thing was ...he thought that I may be required...!! briefly Carl & Rosemary from Westhill Alpacas in Dorset, were up in Scotland, they had a car accident and to cut a very long story short, were stranded at Keith about 25 miles from me.....bedraggled outside Tesco's !!

I got ready quickly and made my way over to collect them, we had been battered by torrential rain over the past couple of days, all the roads and fields were flooded, the river Isla had burst its bank and swelled to triple its size........needless to say both Carl & Rosemary were soaked and shaken with their ordeal, they had spent a couple of hours in the local hospital, making sure they were ok....we then went to Huntly to collect belongings from their car, what a right off.....actually guys, you were very lucky indeed......to come off with minor injuries.
We called for fish n chips at the chippie, then made our way back to my place. Next day, problem 2.....how to get back to Dorset, well once again, cutting a very long story short, we managed to find a little fiesta to get them home, my friend Anna had a little run-about, she was actually going to sell it shortly.....so nothing else for it, Rosemary & Carl, acquired another vehicle........and its done them proud, getting them all the way back to Dorset, apparently the heater was on constantly, and they ended up.....sweating all the way there !

As I had mentioned the weather, which has been horrendous, the boys were brought into the emergency shelter ! the barn.......just as well we got it nearly finished, they have spent various nights, in and out .......its great.....I'm even thinking of extending the other side....next time my parents come up in September !

I had one more mating to do....I had thought that Duke might like a lady friend........however he let the side down......!! He was squealing as I caught him, all through getting his halter on....then.....he took a little look at Tremona...who quickly put him in his place.....ears back and spitting.....no hint of an orgle....and there was definitely no romance on the menu !!

Maybe next year...he might be more grown up !.......(I'm begining to think....he might never grow up !!)

So it was back to plan B..... Tremona has been romanced by Zorba.......he has produced me 4 girls, out of 4 matings.....so I wonder what we get next year......he is a lovely boy, with huge amounts of fleece, he actually yields the most fleece of all. He is also very nice natured....so I shall be watching to see.....what we get next year...he is the father of Zadi~Blanca, Zienna and Zakhura......sadly the other girl was a still birth.

So basically that is a capsule of last weeks events......

My friend is coming to visit me today, from Holland, with her children, they are staying for a couple of days........so that should be a nice break for all of us.......

I'm keeping a close eye on the weather......I can smell a dry spell.....coming !

Growing up Nicely !

2011-08-04T21:51:00.006+01:00

Zadi Blanca and Zimushka.....

Zirrianna.....

Zoretah....

Zimushka......

Zirrius.....

We have been taking things easy over the past week.

I had been keeping an eye on the weather in anticipation for haymaking, however the forecast keeps changing and I think that it will be postponed for the here and the now, until we get a nice dry spell !

The weather is very unsettled at the moment so I think we will wait a little longer.

I have been out with the camera to get some recent pictures of this years cria, we currently have five babies, and one unknown !....I was hoping there was one more to come, however as time goes by.....I think not !

The girls and babies are back in their field, I did have the Nick Nacks in there for all of a day, until Stravinsky decided to take a little too much interest in Tremona.....and I decided to separate them back into the little paddock.

All that is left now is for me to decide on the romantic liasions for the future....but one thing for sure..... Im definitely going to repeat the union of Dusty and Zelqui !...This has produced me two beautiful greys.......Zeto and Zimushka. I am also going to repeat the same mating with Zakhura and Zanubis.....this has given me Zirrianna.... just got to sort out the others.....

So looks like Im going to be a bit busy over the weekend......

The Great Escape !!....

2011-07-31T11:24:00.005+01:00

Mam and Dad....off home, for a rest !

I have been getting a new pet Turkey !.....she(think) is about 7 weeks old...first day out in her new home !.....I have called her Tara Palmer Tompkinson (TPT)..as she has a long thin neck !!!

Some of the Zanzibah herd....enjoying the afternoon in the new larger field...if you look close, you can see the boys admiring them......over in the other field !

My special friend.....Haggis...after his brush, last night.

Let sleeping dogs lie !......Zonda sleeping with a little pest ! Jessie.

Well yesterday saw my parents head home for a well earned rest and the Great Escape back to the North East.

The pace has been relaxed considerably here for a brief moment......I have been watching the weather forecast and its looking like the second week in Aug is pencilled in for the start of the next quest......the haymaking experience !!

Yesterday I spent some time pottering around...doing a few catch up little jobs, I managed to pick some of the lovely Red Currants in the garden, and ended up making some jam. Most of the currant bushes are in the orchard, the chickens have managed to pinch the berries off these, but I don't mind.

I have moved the alpaca girls back into the 3 acre field, with the Nick Nacks and the younger girls, Zienna and Zakhura....the grass was getting down in the little birthing paddock and there is plenty in the other field, so I now have two groups....the boys and the others in opposite fields.

Its great to watch the babies running round the larger field and the speeds that they get up to is marvellous...as long as we have no mishaps ! I must say, I have also been bringing the girls in from the flies in the afternoon....they have been horrendous......lately in this field, they all have a siesta in the barn, then go out later for the evening for a few hours........

Last night I also managed to spend some time grooming my enormous hairy teddy bear, no not alpacas.....but Haggis, my lovely Highland Cow.....he is moulting and he has big tufts of old hair that hang on, Haggis grooms Dougal but sadly Dougal doesn't return the favour !! So every year round this time, I get my little hand rake out and groom Haggis, he stood for over an hour last night enjoying the experience, he is a lovely boy and he is very special !! I had managed to do one side a few weeks ago, but with the barn building he had the other side left to do, he is now looking very handsome with his new combed look......tuft-less !!

Needless to say, Dougal stood and watched the whole grooming experience, from a safe distance, he is still on the agenda....for those feet to be trimmed.

A bit of a lazy day today, but no doubt I shall end up doing something, I have some fleeces to sort out and some spinning on the agenda........mind you those jobs are really quite enjoyable !

Its a cooler day here today, with scattered showers, as I sit typing I can see the girls and the babies cantering round the field........what a wonderful view....I know lots of you out there have the same lovely scenery to enjoy....so I'm off...to do just that !!

Phase ..............FINISHED !!!!!!!!!

2011-07-26T23:00:00.005+01:00

YIPEE.............Im chuffed to bits....its done !!

Looking from the opposite side.......finished......just a couple of little things to do...next time !

The big doors.........are split...just incase, I decide to keep the alpacas in here for the winter...

This is what we started with...this morning !!

Yipee.............today is a great day...........the barn is finished....for the moment anyway !

Today we have managed to fit the door on the other side of the barn, fix the edging around the sides which finishes off the sides.

We have also managed to finish off the trim above the big doors on the other side. Fix the boarding around the doors and clear the trailer and some old bits n pieces that have been propped up where the new door now is.

My parents are planning on going home on Thursday, so tomorrow its a bit of a tidy up, along with getting some alpaca feed delivered and sorting out another couple of odd jobs.

The barn is finished for the time being, I shall continue to finish off some of the boarding on my own, and there are a couple of fixings to do which I shall get on with later.

On the side we have been working on today, there is a gap between the door and the roof, I have actually ran out of sarking board, which I use to do the Yorkshire boarding, so next time I shall be ordering some more planks just to fill the gap in, and we are a couple short around the main door, so these will be done at the same time.....

What a job..........I can't believe its done.......I'm chuffed to bits ....that its built.....we have been working on this for the past three weeks....and I can honestly say.....I think we are all pleased it is finished......and I know that I am even if I do say so myself.......quite proud of it !

Just goes to show what you can do.....with alot of hard work.....and determination......along with the obvious aches and pains.........

Nevertheless.............its done...............and the jobs....a 'Goodin'

We are all now off.....to have a lie down....for quite sometime to recover !!.....

My parents will be going home for a well earned rest....and I shall be getting my batteries...recharged..........just in time for the haymaking !!!!!

Phase 8 .......the end is Nigh !!

2011-07-25T22:26:00.004+01:00

Zoretah and Zirrianna...sniffing my boot !!

The last door.....mam and dad is joined by Sonny ...in the background, waiting for his tea !

Me sitting on the floor........putting the hinges on the door !

This door is now complete with 4 doors on......as of yesterday !

Yesterday we managed to finish off the big barn doors.....what a job that was getting them hung up....however with a bit of a doo.....we eventually managed to get them hung yesterday. It is just left to do the finer points of finishing off the main boarding on the bottom section and around the edge. Fix a few bolts to secure them together and sort out something extra strong to secure them into the ground. As this is the windy side that gets battered by all the winds...so its got to be a good job !!

Anyway onto phase 8 !! This is to make the door which will eventually block off the opposite side of the barn which leads directly onto the track. This is a much smaller door....but it still measures 10ft x 8ft. Just as a matter of interest I have used 600 screws on the doors...I know this because the boxes are of 200 and I've had 3 boxes !!!

Today I have managed to make the door......this door can be completely opened..to allow the tractor in if required, however it will mostly be kept closed. I have made a window in the door, this will be used if there are any alpacas in this part over the winter......this will allow light in without actually having to open the door.....I have a similar panel in my other shelter I made and it works great....I can either open it and let the alpacas see out or close it up if the weather is horrible...

After making the door...we had to stand it up to put the hinges on......and a photo shoot was required.....to record the moment......I said we looked like the Punch & Judy !!.....show.....'Thats the way to do it '!!

We had a little audience...the horses had came down for their tea.....and Sonny was in the background, waiting patiently, he is my oldest horse, he is now 27 years old....and I can remember the day he was born......like yesterday !!

Now, I have the gate on, this works both ways, to block off the new part of the barn, or the main barn, depending on which way it swings. Which is great as I can now either block the main barn off completely and if I have to keep something in....I can do with the new gate.

I have spent alot of time....thinking about how to get things right which will help with the running of the place and the animals....especially being on your own.....it can be tricky at times, but hopefully things are getting sorted to make life ....just that bit easier......especially after this job has been completed......this is the last big job...on the list....!!!......honestly !!

The weather has been like winter, so cold we have got the winter overalls and ski suits out.....the alpacas have spent a bit of time in the barn as the wind and rain was atrocious.

I'm still confident that Marquette is pregnant....and I'm still waiting for this baby to arrive ...... I'm sure that there is one more baby to come ....sometime !

The other babies are growing fast and seem to be happy and full of life. Zirrius is very cheeky, he sometimes comes over and has a sneaky nose nibble !! Zoretah is also very confident round people and is happy to come to see you for a cuddle also....its lovely to see them all so happy and confident around people........by choice !

Phase 7 !!.....

2011-07-23T22:11:00.006+01:00

We are getting there...!! Mam and Dad.....with one side complete ....

Zirrianna, she is now a month old !

The youngest, Zirrius(fawn) and Zimushka(grey) enjoying the sunny weather !

Zirrius is a sweetie, he is very friendly and comes to greet you.

The gate has been fitted to divide the barn.

It has been another very busy couple of days.....

The work force is is rapidly getting weaker by the day.....we are fighting a loosing battle with all the aches and pains....at this rate ....we will be needing a fork lift to get us out of bed in the morning !

I have spent the last couple of days making the doors, to cover the opening at the furthest side of the barn, these will protect what ever is inside the barn from the elements, either bales or alpacas.....who knows......but one thing for sure...this barn will be full of something over the winter months...!

We also have hung one of the gates on the inner side of the barn to divide the main section from the shorter section, this gate will also stop the horses...from pinching the hay, as they usually do after the barn is stacked.....up for the winter.

The other side of the barn across from the opening, also either will be used to store straw, or alpacas...depending on who goes where....I'm still sorting out the finer points.

Today, we have got one side finished and we are hoping to get the other side finished for tomorrow. I will then just have the other door to make to finish off the other side.

The alpacas are doing fine, the babies are doing well, enjoying playing with eachother, it is great to see them starting to develop. Zirrianna is now 4 weeks old today and little Zirrius is exactly one week old today.

I'm a little undecided if there are any more babies to come......Marquette is too large not to be pregnant, and she had us convinced she was going to have her baby on Thursday....!! she was behaving very strangely, I was sure she was in her first stages of labour, however...after a couple of hours of keeping a close eye on her.......nothing happened...and I think it was a false alarm !

Finally.....it is like winter here at the moment......more like October than July !

Lets hope the summer soon comes back........its far too soon to be feeling like winter !!

Phase 5 and 6 Complete !!... Happy Birthday Zanubis !

2011-07-17T22:16:00.010+01:00

Zanzibah Zanubis is 3 today !.....

Me.......and the barn...nearly finished....Yehah !!

Zanzibah Zirrius.....is now dry !

Little Zadi Blanca.....enjoying the sunshine....

Zoretah...she is so friendly...she comes and sits next to me for a snooze !!

The work force.....walking the plank !!

Another busy day today....no rest for the wicked...

Thankfully the weather has been kind......not the rain forecast, unlike some ! So once again it was time to don the work-wear and hammer....to get more of the barn finished.....

I can happily say...it is nearly finished...as I type the blog tonight.....phase 5, the long Yorkshire boarding is complete...and not only that....I have also managed to get phase 6 done...this is the smaller Yorkshire boarding to completely cover in the bottom. This measures approx 4ft and it makes the whole of the bottom of the barn wind and water-tight....so if I decide to use it for my alpacas.....then in the severe winter weather...the barn will still be nice and dry and cosy !

The rest of the barn measures approx.....10ft tall and is open at the gaps, to allow the air through, without it being drafty.

So we are nearly there....and I must say, I'm really pleased its up.......I have thought, wished and wanted this barn to be built for over 5 years.....and now its done. It will make a massive difference to me, my animals and just giving us all that bit extra space, especially in the winter time...when we are usually packed to the rafters...with hay and straw !

Today I was out with the camera...and I managed to take a couple of photos of Zirrius....he is now dry and is a lovely shade of fawn...with a darker fawn stripe down his back, darker fawn ears and dark fawn knees......he's a happy, chunky little fella.

Next on the agenda, is to make the doors for the far side of the barn these will be full height, to allow me access with the tractor....actually the whole barn has been made, so I can drive right through....if needed......then a few gates....and it should be complete.....

I think I can safely say.....the hardest jobs are done....and its hopefully well on the way to completion !!

Finally...today is Zanubis's 3rd Birthday...so Happy Birthday Zanubis !!

Zanzibah Zirrius .......

2011-07-16T21:45:00.008+01:00

Zanzibah Zirrius.....tonight in the barn....

The longest section is nearly complete.....but I was rained off tonight !

Tremona is checking her new baby out !

Just born this afternoon.....

Tremona has had her baby this afternoon.....

This was a mating with Zanzibah Zeuss , his pedigree includes Purrumbette Ledgers Boy he is a lovely white boy with a very laid back attitude, regular readers will recall that Tremona is my .....mighty flighty girl...so I really wanted a quite natured boy to improve her temperament....as she is so nervous....so I decided to use Zeuss. Often temperament is overlooked in the quest for fibre fineness....but to me it makes a great deal of difference when you are having to deal with your animals....we all have some who are far more pleasant than others......!!

He is a lovely fawn boy, he arrived around 2.45pm. I had just returned back from shopping and my dad greeted us ....pointing to the paddock and saying....'You've got another one'!!

So needless to say I rushed round to see who had given birth....it could only be one of three and my money was on Tremona.....she was sheared yesterday and I was worried about shearing her....however we had no choice as I had postponed the shearing till after the babies arrived...and I still had three girls who had not had their babies.....

Thankfully, all was well with the birth as I had to pop out to get some more roofing fixings...to finish off securing the roof....as I had ran out.

This little fella is very strong......Tremona is getting used to the idea of having a baby to look after....she is nice with him...but she hasn't quite got the hang of keeping an eye on him......and looking after her baby...she was walking off and leaving him after the birth, so I kept a close eye on them to make sure...things were going to be ok.

He was soon up on his feet within 10 mins...and chasing after his mother......she likes him and is happy to let him feed...infact he was feeding within 30mins......and he hasn't stopped.....Tremona just leaves him and goes off to graze as if he wasn't her concern, but little Zirrius is soon after her and he was quick to follow and he has continued to get stronger and get the hang of those legs....

I think he is fawn....mind you I have never had a fawn baby......he has some very light colour variations throughout his fleece.....with a fantastic luster already !!

He is tucked up nice and snug in the barn with the others tonight as the weather is quite miserable, foggy and rainy.....

I'm pleased that I have the barn to give these new babies the start in life they deserve....after all we wait so long for these little ones....and the weather is so unpredictable at the moment...I'd just be worrying if they were outside on a night like this.....

Today I have been doing a little more to the barn.....the first part is Yorkshire boarded up and there is only the short section and the bottom to do......along with the doors and the gates......then hopefully....it will be nearly finished...apart from the guttering, which will probably be done another time......as next on the agenda....is the quest...to win some Hay !

Hopefully, the weather will settle long enough for me to get some hay, I am also going to make some haylage and silage this year for some of the other animals......

Well......thats...the plan....anyway !!

Another Busy Day.......Phase 5 !

2011-07-15T22:52:00.003+01:00

The girls today after shearing !

The barn is coming along.....

Me.....up the ladder now !!

James and Kym arrive to shear the girls....

Today has been another busy day here......no new arrivals unfortunately !

The weather has been kind to us as we continue with the barn, we are now onto phase 5 !!

The forecast is for the weather to change over the weekend and into next week, so we had to get done as much as we could whilst the weather was good....who knows what we will wake

up to tomorrow.....I might even get a day off....!

The rest of the wood arrived yesterday, this will form the Yorkshire Boarding on the sides of the barn.......although we had another appointment.....today also.
James arrived around midday to finish off the shearing, this time it was the girls turn, I am still waiting for definitely 2.....maybe 3 more babies to arrive, obviously they all have other ideas and must be happy where they are for the moment.....but they had to be sheared....

By 2pm all the girls had been sheared and were wearing a slightly new sleeker look ! the babies were pleased to be reunited with their mothers...who do look very different, but everyone knew...who was who !! and who belonged to who !!

So tonight another busy day.....we are getting on quite well with the barn and hope to get it finished by next week.......weather permitting.....

....obviously....baby arrivals.......take priority......

Thankfully the girls are just across from the barn...so its a good excuse to keep a close eye on things.......its great to see the babies...racing round playing with each other !

Zadi~Blanca 24Hrs Old....Phase 4 Complete !!

2011-07-13T23:31:00.005+01:00

Zadi~Blanca and Aymara....today resting in the barn.

Yippee........Roof completed....tonight !!....Yehah !!

Zimushka....had an itch !

The workforce.......is relieved to get the roof....finished !! ......who invited Humpty Dumpty !!

Little Zadi~Blanca is now 24hrs old, she is coming along nicely after her arrival into the world.

She has continued to grow stronger and is feeding well and since standing has been very active getting used to those long legs...she has already started to join in playing with the others....which is nice.

It has been just under one week since we started to fix the roof trusses.....to build the roof. This is a big job and we had finished it on Saturday, which meant that by Sunday we were ready to fix the roofing sheets......and today we have completed that job so we have managed to roof the whole building in 4 days.......not bad for a geriatric workforce !!

So tomorrow I have a load more timber being delivered, this will be used to make the sides.....so now we can look forward to phase 5 !.........for tomorrows 'to do list'.....

The 'lean-to' barn is massive....it measures approx 60ft by 14ft.....so I'm sure you can imagine the size of the roof.....we have spent most of the days.....climbing up and down the ladders......thankfully....we have managed to finish the roof ...without any mishaps.....!!

So, sometime tomorrow....we are working at ground height...which is nice for a change.....my dad decided to take some photos of me tonight...just finishing off the roof.....so you can get an idea of the size......of the barn....it looks huge...infact it makes me look...small, standing at the other end......we got finished at about 9pm tonight....

Hopefully.....I think that is the biggest jobs complete...and we can crack on with the sides.....the task is to get it finished..before my parents go home.......next week sometime.

The babies are all doing fine, its great to have some little ones to enjoy this summer.....hopefully the girls will be sheared on Friday so they will feel much cooler......I wonder if I get any more babies....before shearing.... I hope so, after all, I put off shearing till after the babies were born......but you can't rush these things and you just have to go with mother nature....

Zanzibah Zadie~Blanca

2011-07-12T22:55:00.006+01:00

Zanzibah Zadie~Blanca ...has arrived !!

The others come to see the new arrival....

Zanzibah Zimushka...and Dusty today...

A well earned rest.....Aymara with her little girl...

My Dad and Me.....up on the roof !!......

We have a new arrival today......

It was not without a bit of a drama.....Aymara has had her baby ! I have waited for this baby to arrive safely for years......I was worried about this arrival as the last baby Aymara had was three years ago.....unfortunately it was a breach birth and the baby had died before delivery.

It was a very sad time for us all here...so this baby was a real concern.

I remated Aymara the following year, but she did not conceive.....it has been over three years since we lost her last baby...I was hoping for a girl from her, as this was the last time I would be breeding from Aymara as she is one of my older girls and I don't really know exactly how old she really is.

The father of Zadie~Blanca is the same male I had used before....actually I have used him four times over my girls and every time he has produced a girl......he is also the father of Zakhura(Black) and Zienna(White/Brown/Black)......I thought that it might be asking too much to hope for a little girl this time...but I was secretly hoping !!

Anyway.....back to my new arrival..it was a slightly traumatic time.....I did call the vet ....as Aymara unfortunately had not managed to deliver this baby after an hour of trying....I was really worried that this might be another breach birth.....

I had quickly checked....to see if I could find the legs....but they were no where to be found ! I could feel.....something, I thought it was the rear hocks...so at this point...the vet was called...I was worrying about a c-section...and hoping that things would be fine....

I went down the road to meet the vet as it was a different vet who was covering for holidays.....so I was sitting in the car at the bottom of the road....and my phone went !

It was my mam......saying 'Its here.... !!....shortly after that the vet turned up and we quickly drove back to the farm.....all the time I was wondering....what I was hoping to find !

Honestly.....I didn't expect to see...what I did....a brilliant white cria....lying next to Aymara......for some reason....I was expecting....a brown colour...similar to her mother....!!

My mam said ....what do you think.....it is......I said.....a Girl !......WOW !! Yes indeed...another little girl...here for us at Zanzibah Alpacas.....

So that's.....four babies....this year....and four girls......what a result....!!

FANTASTIC !

Getting back to the barn...we are getting on....just fine.....with the odd distraction....I have been up on the roof.....fixing the sheets....

I guess...you could...say.....'I'm on top of the world !!'
Or at least the roof !

Tonight, Zadie~Blanca is feeding and appears to be very bright and active....

The logic behind her name......well....my mam is called Sadie, and she helped deliver her, hence Zadie....also, she is so white.......just like a little snowflake ! ....so that's the reason for the Blanca !!

Zanzibah Zimushka !!

2011-07-10T22:19:00.004+01:00

Zanzibah Zimushka .......arrives !

Minutes old and already looking for a first feed....

Just born....the others are there to greet her !

Starting to sheet the roof !

We have a new arrival here in Zanzibah Land....

Dusty has had her baby, a lovely grey girl born this morning at 10.12am. We were busy working on the barn and I thought that Dusty was in labour.

A close inspection and yes she was. I was up bright and early this morning at 5.30 am, I was convinced that Dusty was going to have her baby either yesterday or today.

Dusty hardly shows any signs of being in labour and just quietly gets on with it ! This little girls was born within 10 minutes, no complications and certainly not wasting any time entering this world !

This was exactly the same mating that produced Zeto two years ago......I was secretly hoping for a grey girl, just like Zeto.......and just look what we got....

She is very similar to Zeto, slightly darker.....but I'm not complaining.....she was up within 20 mins and feeding.......running round getting to grips with those legs......within the hour....

Fantastic ! what a lovely little girl.....I have named her Zimushka.

She has dried out nicely and looks to have a lovely long fleece, very like Zeto, I wonder if she has as much neck fleece ...........time will tell.

So we now have three cria born..........and all girls.....WOW ! That's fantastic......I'm chuffed to bits.......after all we missed out on the babies...last year, so we are making up for it this year !

I have spent most of the day on the roof, keeping an eye on the new arrival.....

The barn is coming along nicely, we have started sheeting up the roof, it took a bit of working out...but I think we now know what we are doing !!

So tonight.....Zimushka is in the barn with the others.....tucked up nice and snug......

I'm still waiting for Aymara to have her baby.....lets hope they arrive before Friday, as James is coming back to finish off shearing the girls .......

Zoretah One Week Old Today .....

2011-07-07T22:00:00.004+01:00

Zoretah and Zirrianna enjoying the evening sun !....

The barn is taking shape.....

The roof structure is nearly complete......

Dressed as usual......NOT !

My Mam meets Zoretah and Zirrianna....

It has been a really busy week here.....

Zoretah is one week old today, she has continued to improve and now spends most of her time running round the field chasing Zirrianna. It is hard to believe that a week has flown by already, it is also amazing just how much she has continued to improve and grow much stronger over the past 7 days.

Her front leg is still supported for the time being, but it has improved loads since she was born, I think I shall be taking it off in a day or two. Now she is standing better you can see just how much bigger she is when she is next to Zirrianna.

It has been a bit of a mixed week for weather, sunshine, showers and obviously with the sun comes the flies.

I have been very busy, my parents arrived on Sunday for a little visit.

Needless to say, on the agenda for the 'to do list' is the barn which was started earlier, we have been on phase three..........it is coming along quite nicely...hopefully it will be done just in time for haymaking......or failing that...it might make a lovely new alpaca building for the winter...I haven't decided yet exactly what it will be used for....but I'm sure its going to be a great addition to the farm....I have wanted to do this building for about 4 years....so hopefully this will be crossed off the list soon......I'm really quite excited....about getting this building completed.

Hopefully most of it will be completed before my mam and dad go back home....in about a week or so.

On the baby front......no new arrivals here at the moment...however, tonight Dusty's baby has been jumping around.....we are currently on day 343 days for these girls......so any time so

Baby Update.......

2011-07-02T08:05:00.009+01:00

Stravinsky......checking out Zoretah....

Zirrianna......she is just full of life ...

Zirrianna.....has been pestering Zienna....who's is in hot pursuit !!

Trienza and Zoretah.......

Zirrianna is one week old today....boy how the time just flies by !

It is hard to believe that its one week today since she was born and I looked out the window....to find her standing in the field....especially after checking on them at 5.30am.....no sign then having another check at around 6am....and she was there ...

Zirrianna is much smaller than Zoretah...however she is very strong and is running round the field like a little Greyhound.....she often goes over to check Zoretah out....and tries to encourage her to play.......

Zoretah continues to improve and she is getting much stronger on her legs.....she is starting to explore alittle and be much more active...I have seen her starting to have a little run/stumble round the field with Zirrianna....

Zoretah is feeding very regular and everything seems to be working just fine, her legs are huge and now that she is starting to straighten up...she is starting to stand much taller than Zirrianna....when they stand together.....its quite remarkable just how much bigger Zoretah is, especially taking into account that she is only 48hrs old today...so she is 5 days younger than Zirrianna !!

Her front joint on her nearside leg is very weak and yesterday was starting to buckle a little as she walked, this was making her foot turn out and hence more difficult to walk.....those legs are long enough to be a bit of a hindrance....so I have put a support on it to try and give the joint a little help !

Funnily enough 3 years ago I had a little black cria born....with a front leg which was folding under her........I had a bit of a brainwave....moment....when I had to think of something to help support her leg......and she is grown up just fine...she is now the proud mother of Zirianna.....my lovely black girl called Zakhura.

So anyway back to the brainwave.....I have found that a great thing to use is the grey polystyrene pipe insulation...the 15mm is just ideal for those lovely little legs.....bound with usually insulation tape.....it does a great job....offers enough support without causing any harsh sharp edges to worry about......it worked wonders with Zakhura.....so I'm hoping it will do the same job for Zoretah.....and its very inexpensive, you can get it from most DIY shops....and a length goes a very long way.....thankfully I had some lying around after all the building work......

I shall be leaving this on for a week or two...just depending how we go......

All the alpacas are turned out again early today.......and the support is definitely helping Zoretah she is much more active on her legs...and I can see she is starting to get much stronger........

I'm still waiting for at least two more of my girls who are due.....anytime.....lets hope the next one is uncomplicated.......

What a 24 Hours.....

2011-07-01T10:29:00.007+01:00

Zoretah.....resting what a 24hrs..

Out this morning.......with the others....

Getting to grips with those....legs....!!

Much stronger....today.....thankfully

Where do I start.....what a rollercoaster ride ......

Zoretha.....had quite a traumatic entry into this world.......however after a tense time delivering her......to be honest.....as the day went on ....I was not really happy with her....

As time passed by I did several checks.......on her through out the day...and I had a bit of a niggle....that something just wasn't right.......so at about 4pm I went back to see if Trienza had produced any more milk.....but she seemed not to have much.

Then I had another look at the baby's umbilical cord.....I just wasn't happy with this....so to cut a long story short.....I decided to get the vet......to check things over....!!

I was concerned by her umbilical cord...it was very large where it entered and I could see a pulse in it.....I had clamps that I bought to be prepared..but these were far too small.....honestly..I have never seen such a huge cord..!

Also....as Trienza didn't appear to have much milk.....I was concerned about her getting her antibodies......which was really niggling at me......I also was concerned about infection for the mother...as the birth was quite difficult......so best to be safe than sorry...!!

Thankfully....when my Nick Nacks arrived....Rob and Les from Wellground Alpaca Stud kindly brought me some plasma......what a life saver.....I knew I had this for emergencies...and I was so grateful....these babies are really so precious.....you have to do all you can to help....anything less would be .............. failing in my opinion.....

The vet arrived, and Zoretah...was thoroughly checked over....she is much bigger than Zirrianna....her legs are huge......she was very weak on those legs.....however, the vet was happy with her umbilical cord.....and it was re-tied using a nylon (like fishing line) string....double tied to be on the safe side....no hernias.....or anything like that....just a rather large and very sin'ewy.

I decided to use some of my plasma.....to help push this baby in the right direction.....so her neck was shaved and we administered the plasma....IV straight into her vein.....to avoid any delay in the stomach via the tubing route. This would mean...that it would work.....much quicker....
Then back to Trienza.....she was checked over and I asked for an anti-biotic to cover for any infection, she also got an injection to assist her with her milk production.....
After all this....they were brought in to the barn for the evening.....and I was much happier....in myself......you just know...when you're not happy with something...!!

So I have a new saying.....' If in doubt....Get em Out' .......either the baby or the vets......!!

This morning....I went to check on things....and....Im happy to say.....I think we are heading in the right direction.......she is still weak but I can see a remarkable improvement....already....

Both mother and baby are out enjoying the day, just resting....after quite an ordeal.....

Better to be safe than sorry...............

Its not good to have regrets..........you have to seize the moment and go with your instinct......after all ..............life is a massive learning curve.......and we are still learning...!!

Ps...I have weighed her this morning and she is 9kgs ! Thats the biggest baby we have ever had so far in 5 years...I know lots of you out there are reporting heavier....but honestly....thats big enough...for us......thank-you...very much !!

Zanzibah Zoretah !!....

2011-06-30T16:31:00.008+01:00

Zanzibah Zoretah.....is here.....she needed a little bit of help....into this big wide world !

Anna.....with the new arrival.....first time, she has seen an alpaca being born....

Trienza...with her new baby.......minutes old....

Me....and Mum with her lovely new baby....!!

We have a new arrival here .......and it has been slightly traumatic !

As expected I was keeping a particular eye on Aymara and Trienza......who I thought might be next to have their babies...

Sure enough....I let the girls out this morning...thinking....Im sure one of those two will have their baby today.....however at 8am....nothing un-toward....

By 9.30am I noticed that Trienza was humming alot and walking around being slightly restless.......so I decided to keep a close eye on her......at 10am....she was showing more signs of her early stages of labour .....and I knew that today was going to be the day...I decided to watch her from the barn....just incase she needed help....as this was her first baby...

I left her for half an hour and I could see that the feet and the nose were present.....that was good...at lest the presentation was right....I waited...to let nature take its course....

However, at 10.45am....she was struggling....and not getting any further.....so I decided to intervene......I had rang my friend Anna and thankfully she came over to see the new arrival..just as I was about to assist....

On closer inspection....she couldn't deliver the legs and head....so I had to push the legs back slightly......in order to allow room for the head to be delivered.....once I had done this...with a little more assistance....we managed to deliver ...the head and legs......phew it was traumatic at one point.....and it was definitely the right thing to do....to help her....you always have that doubt....whether to help or not.....and I'm glad I did....as left too long.....the mother and baby just get weaker.....

I managed to deliver....her and she is quite a size, she is much more weaker on her legs than Zirrianna...who was standing....ready to greet me....when I found her....

I have named her Zoretah......both were brought in as the weather changed to showers....to keep a close eye on them......I was getting worried about her feeding, as Trienza appeared not to have much milk....and the baby was struggling to stand...to feed....

By 2pm.....things were still the same...so I decided to get my colostrum....and my goats milk...to tube feed her.....I found her...lying down in the barn....so I went to warm up the feed.....when I came back...with my colostrum and tube feed bottle......as I walked into the barn.....I looked....and she was up and feeding......which was great....

I had a good check....to make sure she was getting milk and all four teats had been tried......by this time now the placenta had been passed....and this should mean that Trienza will start to produce more milk......

So ......we have another.....new arrival......a very shaky......beautiful.....brown baby girl !!

I'm hoping to weigh her tonight...when I bring them in.....later....

One thing for sure......I'm glad she is here safe and sound....although its very early days.....

Beautiful Day !!....except for the flies...!!

2011-06-29T22:16:00.005+01:00

Beautiful....day !

Zirrianna......with flies under her nose !...

What a life.....how to spend the afternoon......

Zirrianna........snoozing with Zakhura......today

Today has been a beautiful day.....everyone has been resting and enjoying the fine weather.

Zirrianna is four days old now....and I thought we might have had another new arrival for company...however we are still waiting. A couple of nights ago I thought Aymara was in her early stages of labour....I was up early to check her, however no new arrivals....as yet.

So we are still waiting.....I'm sure we won't be waiting too long. All the alpacas have had a lovely day.....I managed to take some close up photos of Zirrianna, however after a close inspection......she has some flies under her nose !....those flies.....get every where...even when you use fly repellent...!

I took the time today to just have some alpaca moments......enjoying their company in the field......its just a great way of relaxing......I find.....these animals have a great way of de-stressing you.....not that I'm stressed .....well how could you be.....in such good company.

I wonder what tomorrow has instore !

Doing Just Fine .....

2011-06-27T10:07:00.004+01:00

Zirrianna......dry now !

Two days old now.....

Jessie......she's 7 months old......and was looking for a new home !!

Zirrianna is now two days old....and she is doing just fine !

She is a bundle of joy .....bouncing around getting to grips with those lovely long legs !

The other girls are looking more likely, infact I have spent last night checking Aymara, who I was convinced was in her first stages of labour last night.......after being up and down all night, things are just the same !

Everyone is turned out into the little paddock, so if I have an emergency I can get them into the barn, which is just across from there.

The youngsters, namely, Zienna, Zullulah and the Nick Nacks ...have met the new arrival and are really funny with her........they are very submissive around the new baby and have a quick sniff of her .....then scoot away !!

Changing the subject slightly......I have a new addition .....she is very small, sweet and also quite cute.....she was looking for a new home......and I think she has just found it......

Meet Jessie....she is a Mini Jack Russell .......apparently !!

Zanzibah Zirrianna !

2011-06-26T10:25:00.005+01:00

Zirrianna ........just minutes old !

Zakhura with her little baby !.....enjoying a well earned rest .....

It started to rain....so they all came in....

My lovely new arrival is doing very well this morning....she has been checked several times...and it appears that things are fine with Zakhura and Zirrianna......yes she has been named...

Most of you are aware by now.....that my alpacas are named with a 'Z' to go along with a bit of a tradition I have started......I think that most of us, who own these animals....have one or two...odd habits !! ......I have a list(of 'z' names)

Anyway that is mine....no doubt I can hear some saying...amongst others !

Yesterday.....in the morning it rained...so she was brought in......then after trying several coast on...too small....too big.....I found one to fit.....in the afternoon the sun came out...and I decided to turn the alpacas out......for what I thought would be a lovely afternoon...for the new baby !

I was wrong......checking regularly...as you do....I found her sitting in the field with her mother....being...eaten alive...by some very nasty flies.......she was swiftly brought back in again....and that is where they spent the day.....in the big barn......in out of the rain and those horrible swarms of flies.....she was bitten all over her little ears and face......she was cleaned down and some fly spray squirted over them !

Zakhura is a brilliant mother....very relaxed...infact she lets me deal with the baby with no real concern......I think this has alot to do with nature and the fact that most of my girls I have bred are quite well handled......sadly I can't say that for some others...who lurk in the herd.....you know who !

Its a much cooler day today...so there should be no fly problem..however....I shall be putting a little waterproof coat on Zirrianna.....I'm afraid.....you might have a bit of a wait to be able to see her true colour.......she looks like a cross between a cappuccino chocolate colour with a touch of burnt orange thrown in.....!! Quite unique.....

Zanubis her father when he was born...was a dusty pink colour.....I couldn't believe it when he was born.......he has a very distinctive.....cappuccino tinge round his legs, face and belly....it looks like she is this colour completely !

As the afternoon went on and she dried......she definitely looks......burnt orange ! ...that will be a new one for the colour registry ! ;0) Zirrianna looks to have a lovely calm persona about her already....its funny how there personalities....are so different......right from the word go..... she has been wieghed yesterday and was 7kg.

I'm just hoping that when Tremona has her baby....its just a little more chilled out than she is ! She is so flighty....and spends most of the time......frightening herself !!

Early morning check of the alpacas.....and no new arrivals..as I type....but you never can tell.....if they come like Zirrianna....that will be a surprise.......even when I was keeping an eye out !

Special Delivery !!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-25T07:20:00.005+01:00

Look what I found...this morning !

Zakhura and her lovely new baby ......

Oh....just look at me !!........

Minutes old.......a special early morning delivery !.......

We have a special delivery !!!

It was an early start for me this morning....I couldn't sleep and got up at 5.30am...I looked out of the window...and the girls were resting....some lying down...and I could see Zakhura just standing..... nothing unusual there...then...

So I decided to go back to bed....I couldn't sleep and debated about getting up...which I did...I thought I'd have an early shower.....so I re-got up at 5.50am.....

I looked out of the window....to check the girls again...and briefly I thought I saw something little....!!!!!! so I shot out into the conservatory to get a better look over the hedge !

WOW !..............we had a special delivery....how did I miss that ....then !!

I have been waiting with loads of excitement and worry .....for my maidens...to have their first baby !.....and this is one of them......that's the way....to find them.....already up on their feet ...

We have a beautiful little girl.....she is fantastic....and very bright and strong to say so young. I have been waiting for 340 days to see what we got....and she is well worth the wait ! This beautiful little girl....by the looks of things has taken after her dad for colour ! At the moment...I think she is looking like a very dark almost cappuccino grey, for those who have seen Zanubis....he is a very unusual colour.

Mind you having said that....when she dries....I shall get a much better idea.....

Oh....I'm so excited........as you know we had no babies...last year....and Ive been waiting for what seems like ages...to see some lovely little arrivals......well .....she is here.....

I have been watching how things are going...as Zakhura is a first time mum and things are fine !....Ive already seen the little one feeding and it amazes me just how able these babies are after a few minutes of life........

Any way ...enough of my drivel...........meet my lovely new......special delivery !

Lets hope......they all arrive just like that......

Just Typical !!.....

2011-06-22T22:00:00.005+01:00

Little Zelqui.....sitting in the field...before shearing !!

Everyone....in ....today !!

Stravinsky.....and the youngsters....on the other side of the girlies....

The girlies......its like winter...up here....tonight...

The Nick Nacks....are starting....to settle in...

As most readers are aware....some of the alpacas have been sheared......and guess what .....

Yep you guessed it.....since then...it has been raining....and raining...infact its more like October than June !

So ......after the alpacas were sheared....they were turned back out into the fields....however this was short lived or at least till the evening....

I have one little alpaca who goes by the name of Zelqui..he spends most of his time keeping a sharp eye on the girlies in the opposite field...however they weren't there....all the girls and the youngsters including the Nick Nacks...were tucked up in bed in the barn !

The other boys were happily sheltering in the field-shelter....but not Zelqui !!

As the time went on.....I went to feed the boys and noticed some were shivering.....so what about poor Zelqui...well he came down for food....and then went back to his post...out in the field....looking for his girlies......

At about 11pm...the weather was getting worse...and I decided to go and put a coat on Zelqui......I had thought about giving him a tent !!.....I took the towel to dry him and I managed to...try on two coats.....one being too small and the other being far too big !

So I decided to lead him back to the old stone steading....where I decided to tie him up and go and get the other boys...in for the night.....

When I went back out to the gate....all the boys were there waiting to come in....so they all ran in....and that's where they have been....all day !....

No-one has been out today....including Norris....who has also spent the day.....in his old house where he grew up !!...he knows where to go...and he also ran in last night !! for bed-time...

The girls are on 337 days and some are looking rather....expectant....its still a waiting game...mind you ...I have spent some of the evening...watching Aymaras baby bouncing around inside......Ive also seen.....Tremonas baby moving tonight....and I'm sure that Zakhura won't be too long now......so its a case of keeping a close eye on these girlies.......

I have moved Zienna and Zullulah in with the Nick-Nacks....as Zullulah was having a sneaky feed from Marquette......which is not good.....especially if she has her baby soon....we can't be having that.....after all....Zullulah is nearly 2 in October....she has to grow up at some point....

Zullulah was not happy and spent about an hour....trying to jump over back with the girls.....so last night I spent quite a bit of time...making sure she didn't get over and didn't hurt herself.....eventually she lay down in the huff......

and settled.......herself.....but was not happy.

......and finally..it is Duke's 2nd Birthday today....so he got a Birthday Kiss...sent from Debbie at Barnacre Alpacas.... he's a big boy now....!!

New Look for Summer !

2011-06-21T16:27:00.003+01:00

Zeto......getting sheared !

Zullulah, Zienna.....Stravinsky and Sparky....with the new summer look !!

The younger boys......folowing the girls !....

Zullulah and Marquette.....mother and daughter......

Yesterday evening saw the arrival of James Dixon and his wife Kym. It was late evening when they arrived with us at Zanzibah Alpacas.....as they had been busy shearing all day for other alpaca owners, what a long day they had ...started off shearing at the Isle of Skye and headed across to Inverness to shear for Tigh Mhor and others before eventually heading down to me for the evening.

It was a bright and early start for us this morning, we started shearing for 8am. I had already got the alpacas in for the evening as the weather forecast mentioned showers overnight and bet your bottom dollar if I'd left them out....it would have rained.....and they would have been soaked......as I had brought them in....obviously it stayed dry !!!!

The first to get his morning new summer look was Duke.....who screamed right through the whole process.......from start, when James caught him...... to finish.....he is a real screamer.....!! With the odd spit thrown in just for good measure.

Thankfully the others were much more dignified.....and behaved themselves...apart from Zaninni who tried to get a sneaky bite of Kym......he was showing himself up ! There is always one or two....who lower the tone.

So we are all up to date with the husbandry tasks....toe nails, new hair do, and wormed all in one day....hows that for an alpaca treatment.

Today I have got the Nick Nacks in with the girls who are in the little baby paddock, the weather forecast wasn't looking good...so I might just keep them all in there for the time being. Sparky.....(could be nick or nack) has spent the afternoon.....trying to meet the girls who are having none of it.......as I look out of the window they have settled down to graze and are quite happy together.......the younger girls who are not pregnant also were sheared...so look very different from the others....

Just waiting for those babies to arrive now.......we are on day 336.....and still waiting !

If you got it.........Flaunt it !!!

2011-06-18T09:39:00.004+01:00

Zerquo .........flaunting it !

Zanubis.......watching 'how its done'

Boys in high spirits ......

Zeto .... keeping out of the way !!

Zorba, Zelqui and Socksy in the background ........the gauntlet has been thrown !!

Yesterday we had a lovely sunny day..so to take advantage of this I got the camera out and decided to do a bit of a photo shoot of all the alpacas.

Especially as most of them are due for shearing next week.......and the change is massive, which takes a little getting used to .....I must say !

The boys were in very high spirits and decided to have a good old parade and stand off with each other........then the fun started, for supremacy !! ......as boys do !

Thankfully they ran them selves round and a bit of a play fight ended with no real harm done. As the boys are in over a 6 acre field they can run away and eventually tire them selves out before any real problems start.....Boys will be Boys....but I do keep a close eye on them all !

The girls are just doing what girls do......spending most of the day resting, grazing a lounging around, after all most of them are carrying very important cargo !!

So thankfully things are ticking along nicely here, no babies as of yet and still counting down the days.....

So ........lets hear it for the boys.....after all ...

If you got it...........Flaunt it !!

A Little Bit of Knitting ......

2011-06-16T19:33:00.003+01:00

A blend of Zanubis & Zeto .....with a little touch of Zeuss and Dusty !!

The Nick Nacks......quite amused with Norris !!.....

Zanzibah Zeto .......under a full fleece !.....he'll be looking very different on Monday !

Beautiful......bums....!!! Duke(L) Zanubis(M) Zeto(R)

Last week I had a bit of a knitting task !

It was a bit of a surprise present for my friend Anna, as it was her Birthday.

As she loves the Grey Alpacas, I decided to knit her something with this fleece. It was a bit of a mammoth task......but I managed to get it finished in time.

I started off with a hat, then I decided to carry on and knit a scarf........then as I had some wool left I decided to make a pair of hand warmers ! So in the end I had made a nice matching set.

The alpacas are all doing fine, we are on day 331 today for the girls and the weather has changed to slightly cooler with scattered shower.....and this is forecast for the weekend and for the early part of next week......typical...for shearing !.....great !!!

I'm just hoping that it won't be too cold......and miserable ....especially for my pending babies....after all that was the whole reason for changing the 'birthing clock'.......to summer !

Does any one know where it has gone !!!!!

Norris....has had a Hair Doo !!

2011-06-15T21:04:00.007+01:00

Norris...looking very smart !....

Norris getting sheared....I think he enjoyed it ! Zanubis.....

Norris...looking rather hot !!......

A couple of weeks ago Norris had a new Hair Do !

He is the first to get the new summer look......if you remember last year I hand sheared him, but I didn't manage to get under his belly sheared !

So this year I decided to get the professionals in.....for a much 'cooler' look.

Norris behaved remarkably and he was done it about 5 mins.....

The alpacas are due to be sheared next Monday so lets hope the weather is kind to them after the big day.

Sods Law usually dictates that the weather is horrible just after shearing, you never know we might even get a little new arrival before then.

Aymara is looking like she is starting to prepare herself for her new arrival, she is currently at day 330 ! I don't think we will be waiting too long, mind you I have four or more girls at the same gestation, two are maidens, so might carry slightly longer than the others.

Having said that, Zakhura looks the largest between the maidens closely followed by Trienza !
Apart from that is has been another lovely day ......just a case of waiting and counting the days.....its starting to get just a little bit exciting.....

What a Palava !!!!!!!!!!!!........I'm BACK !!

2011-06-14T18:45:00.006+01:00

Duke ............on the move !

The girls..............

The Nick Nacks.........

Some might have noticed .............I have been missing !! ...... I wonder if I have been missed !

Short story.....BT cancelled my line in error ....which resulted in me having no phone or Internet !

It has taken this long to sort things out......not impressed comes to mind along with a very long list of swear words !!

Anyway ....................IM BACK !!!!!

I can't wait to spend no doubt ages....trying to catch up on all the things that have happened since the 20th of May !!.........so I might be a little behind...when it comes to the goings on !!

I shall.....catch up ......

For those who are wondering.....I have no babies...we are on day 328 and some of the girls are looking rather large....so not long now.....I have noticed lots of you have got babies....and I need....to get acquainted with them all.......

Holiday Nick-Nacks !! .... looks familiar !!

2011-05-19T22:11:00.006+01:00

My lovely ..............holiday Nick-Nacks !!.....

Wellground Vital Spark (L) & Wellground Stravinsky (R)

My little holiday nick-nacks....!! couldn't resist these !!!!!

Wellground Vital Spark having a cuddle !!

Regular readers will know that I have had a bit of a busy week what with one thing and another.........erecting telegraph poles for the pending barn, chasing Dougal yesterday and dealing with my totally miserable cold, not to mention collecting some of the sheeting for the barn and taking delivery of the new.....brightly orange little tractor and some of the wood for the roof.
My parents go home tomorrow....so things will be a little quiet for the time being.
Now, back to my little bussman's holiday to Wellground Alpaca Stud in Wiltshire....its funny how time flies........and its nearly two weeks since I returned......

I had a great time on my holidays....and as everyone should know...it wouldn't be a proper holiday without getting some holiday nick-nacks.....

I must confess...I've been keeping a bit of a secret......however due to one thing and another.....I've been meaning to mention...my last chapter on my holiday and this one is probably been the hardest secret of all.....

Ok, then I will confess.....my little Wellground holiday nick-nacks....are rather small, very cute and totally adorable......I shall look at them with very fond memories of all my wonderful experiences....over my week at Wellground.

Apart from that....they will grow and I'm sure I will spend many happy hours enjoying them.

So ......the wait is over.........meet Wellground Stravinsky and Wellground Vital Spark. These two boys are making their way up to Scotland on Saturday.......

I shall be rather excited to say the least.....to greet my little nick-nacks and of course....Rob and Les.......

Both boys will join the growing herd of Zanzibah Alpacas.....Wellground Stravinsky is a beautiful solid white boy sired by Silverstream Csar of Anzac, his dam is Wellground Ruffo's Reflection.........he just oozes quality !

Wellground Vital Spark is a beautiful fawn boy sired by the renowned Cambridge Buckingham, his dam is Wellground Cool Lucy. He is a quality fawn boy with a fabulous fine fleece just what you'd expect from the Wellground Stud !!

So there you go......just a little retail therapy.......whilst on my holidays.....
You can keep your designer handbags....and shoes......
I don't need a bigger wardrobe........
I'm off to ........prepare for my new arrivals !!
The secrets out !!!!!

Mission........Impossible......Failed !!

2011-05-18T17:57:00.011+01:00

Its a good bit of kit...but..I think its a bit of operator error !!.....

Haggis and Dougal.....no pedicure today !!

Today was the big day.....for Dougal and his pedicure.....however... we failed !!

The vets arrived (3) to be precise !! to help with the mission to trim Dougal's feet. I had more helpers in the way of my parents also....we were ready ! or so we thought !!

The generator was strapped to the quad and it was Showtime !! I had read all the instructions and familiarised myself with the piece of equipment .....and the dart was loaded with the injection to knock Dougal out....for a little sleep ......

I walked down into the field, it was my turn to see if I could actually hit the moving target, I'd practiced on the bale of straw....but its now a moving cow ! Well as luck would have it....the wind started to pick up and it was just typical.....

I moved into my firing range....and stalked Dougal round the field..just waiting for the wind to drop and make my aim.....Dougal was not happy..and started to walk off...I followed and waited for my right time.... I fired the crossbow and hit my target right on the arse !!......however....due to operator error....the dart did not hold in the skin and there was a bit of an air leak on the syringe !! Most of the injection was lost in mid air !!....not ideal.....!!

However I managed to hit my target so in a way I was quite pleased.....I returned back to the vets....to re-fill......the syringe....now it needed 15ml of sedative to drop him...so another 15 ml was needed.......we began the process all over again..to re-fill the dart gun.....

The way the Medi-Dart works....is via a pump which you fill with air into the big orange piece of the dart, now on the needle side of things..there is a plunger which is pushed back as the needle hits the target....the air is then released from the air chamber and this then re pushes the plunger back to retract the needle out of the animal.....if the plunger is not fixed into its locked position..then this allows the liquid to pass through the needle. Are you following me...?

Mistake .....on our behalf......the vet loaded the liquid back in and I then inserted the pump into the bottom of the orange tube.....however...we did not check the lock valve on the plunger !!....It normally takes 4 pumps to load the chamber.....I gave one pump and the sedative....just squirted out the top of the dart !.....Oh dear...this was the second amount wasted.......

The vets were running out of sedative.......and we found the last amount....re loaded the dart and off I went back down the field........no pressure there then to get it right.....

I once again stalked Dougal round the field....and waited for the wind to drop and take my aim.........Bingo....I hit my target....for the second time....I was once again quite pleased.......however........we had put too much air in the chamber.....and the needle held for a moment..but the plunger pushed it out too soon.......and it only delivered half the amount of sedative......I walked back to get the pump to re charge the needle chamber again.......

I passed it to one of the vets...and he was going to top up the sedative with some more.....but he unscrewed the wrong collar....and the remaining fluid squirted out all over the floor again....

Now bearing in mind....the vets had no more sedative......that put pay to that.......so to round the story off....in a nut shell.....we failed....to get him sedated enough to trim his feet.......

Dougal had a bit of a lie down....but no where near.....sedated.......

I'm afraid its going to be another.....try....another.....day.....

Lets hope ....the operators.......have less error...... and the aim is just as good......

A bit of Trial and Error........I will persevere.......

No doubt .....when I succeed....you will know....about it !!!!!!!!!!