Karmelita is expected to give birth first. While her early date is this Friday she really is not expected to give birth until the middle of June. On tuesday though her morning behavier was noticably different. She was cushing (sitting down) more, did not follow the other females around, and seemed to go the manure pile but not have any activity. All these can be signs of giving birth. We hemmed and hawed on whether is was actually happening or not (being the first for us) and decided that it really was too early. We did have the local dairy farmer though pop in about 10am just to double check to make sure things were not happening as the prelabour period is upto 6 hours.
Of course nothing was happening but got us thinking about the natal process more. While karmelita is still showing this different behavier, we are assuming that is because it is close and not actually there yet. But it is things to start to watch for.
Note: must gather the recommended items for a neo-natal kit.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Return to normality
This weekend things started to become a little more normal. While Saturday still being wet we ran to town and purchased a few things like a manure rake (and it does work better than a shovel), well pump, chicken wire (to cover a few holes the dogs try to get through, etc.
On Sunday, Caroline and I ignored the alpacas and related activities and concentrated on yard work like we would most normal May weekends. Spent the morning setting up mowing deck on the tractor and then three hours to do the first cut of the season. Caroline in the mean time planted the snow peas and beans (vegatable garden is now half in) and then collected the grass trimmings and layed it in between the rows as weed control. Tried to get the gas powered trimmer to work but was completely unsuccessful. Had to hand trim with the shears. Gas motors were my bain this weekend as I also could not get my chain saws to start either.
On Sunday, Caroline and I ignored the alpacas and related activities and concentrated on yard work like we would most normal May weekends. Spent the morning setting up mowing deck on the tractor and then three hours to do the first cut of the season. Caroline in the mean time planted the snow peas and beans (vegatable garden is now half in) and then collected the grass trimmings and layed it in between the rows as weed control. Tried to get the gas powered trimmer to work but was completely unsuccessful. Had to hand trim with the shears. Gas motors were my bain this weekend as I also could not get my chain saws to start either.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The fence is done!!!!!
At long last the fence is finished. The fencers finished back filling and capping today. The yard is cleaned up, and we are looking forward to not having a crew show up in the yard before we are up on Saturday mornings.
Getting friendly
Well, as friendly as alpacas get. The gals will now approach and eat alpaca ration from a frisbee, and some will eat right out of the hand. We can move about the barn and pasture without them bolting, they tend to hang around to see what we are doing. The males, well they are going to take some time. Pirelli takes off if he even thinks you are going to catch him.
The cats have quickly turned into barn cats but need to do a better job getting rid of the pigeons.
The dogs are becoming accustomed to the alpacas but every now and then instinct takes over and a bark-fest begins. We can now have them in the barn as long as they are supervised.
The cats have quickly turned into barn cats but need to do a better job getting rid of the pigeons.
The dogs are becoming accustomed to the alpacas but every now and then instinct takes over and a bark-fest begins. We can now have them in the barn as long as they are supervised.
Scales and shearing tables
Administration stuff can be so time consuming. Had a day at home on Friday, and as it was wet, it was a great opportunity to arrange for some equipment purchases.
Between the internet and the phone, it took most of the day to source an appropriate scale at a reasonable price. I did learn that the cheaper scales cannot be left in the barn year round because the sensors are not sealed well enough. Good to know. Also have to make sure the scale can be calibrated to 1/10th of a pound, essential for weighing cria.
Shearing tables are some expensive! They do make the shearing process less stressful for humans and alpacas alike and is an investment well worth the money. The alternative is to convince (wrestle) the alpaca to the ground, stretch her out and tie the legs.
I did manage to find a table out of New York and with the strong dollar even with shipping it will be less than the Canadian source. It's closer too than having one sent from the west. I did have to engage a customs broker and fortunately we have an acquaintance who is one.
A couple of useful links: www.lightlivestockequipment.com and www.coleinternational.com.
Between the internet and the phone, it took most of the day to source an appropriate scale at a reasonable price. I did learn that the cheaper scales cannot be left in the barn year round because the sensors are not sealed well enough. Good to know. Also have to make sure the scale can be calibrated to 1/10th of a pound, essential for weighing cria.
Shearing tables are some expensive! They do make the shearing process less stressful for humans and alpacas alike and is an investment well worth the money. The alternative is to convince (wrestle) the alpaca to the ground, stretch her out and tie the legs.
I did manage to find a table out of New York and with the strong dollar even with shipping it will be less than the Canadian source. It's closer too than having one sent from the west. I did have to engage a customs broker and fortunately we have an acquaintance who is one.
A couple of useful links: www.lightlivestockequipment.com and www.coleinternational.com.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Farm Insurance
One of biggest challenges has been getting farm insurance...still not in place although we have been working on it for 2 months.
Our existing broker has been trying his best and found a company that provided farm insurance but did not cover livestock to the values that we would require. Alpacas are worth a lot more than most sheep and cattle. While he has finally found some additional coverage the cost is very prohibitive.
Most other companies we have contacted will not provide us with insurance because our home is a custom loghome which scares everyone away.
While I do not mind paying a little more for the loghome insurance policy it should still be offered so that you can get the other coverages required. And of course everybody wants to have all the coverages under one house. You cant get livestock insurance unless you have farm insurance with the same company. We have one more company we are waiting on who said that they can cover us but we want to see the price. Their livestock insurance is half the price of what our current guy is providing.
Like many, I find the insurance business a racket that we have to use but the public does seem to have any rights or ways to fight back. Our existing company that does cover the house won't cover us any longer because we have become a farm. The operations in the house have not changed so why does the home policy have to change. Why can we not get farm coverage that covers only the liability and fire/theft/act of god coverage that we need and leave the house policy alone. Other companies have said they will not insure alpacas cause they do not recognize them as livestock. What else are alpacas but domesticated fleece bearing livestock. Some insurance inspectors say our fireplaces are fine, some do not. Note: I have had only one hurricane related claim in the 10+ years I have had home insurance so that is not an issue either.
Buying insurance is becoming worse than buying a car (my other least favorite thing to shop for).
Our existing broker has been trying his best and found a company that provided farm insurance but did not cover livestock to the values that we would require. Alpacas are worth a lot more than most sheep and cattle. While he has finally found some additional coverage the cost is very prohibitive.
Most other companies we have contacted will not provide us with insurance because our home is a custom loghome which scares everyone away.
While I do not mind paying a little more for the loghome insurance policy it should still be offered so that you can get the other coverages required. And of course everybody wants to have all the coverages under one house. You cant get livestock insurance unless you have farm insurance with the same company. We have one more company we are waiting on who said that they can cover us but we want to see the price. Their livestock insurance is half the price of what our current guy is providing.
Like many, I find the insurance business a racket that we have to use but the public does seem to have any rights or ways to fight back. Our existing company that does cover the house won't cover us any longer because we have become a farm. The operations in the house have not changed so why does the home policy have to change. Why can we not get farm coverage that covers only the liability and fire/theft/act of god coverage that we need and leave the house policy alone. Other companies have said they will not insure alpacas cause they do not recognize them as livestock. What else are alpacas but domesticated fleece bearing livestock. Some insurance inspectors say our fireplaces are fine, some do not. Note: I have had only one hurricane related claim in the 10+ years I have had home insurance so that is not an issue either.
Buying insurance is becoming worse than buying a car (my other least favorite thing to shop for).
Fencing Part 3
Well the fence is now up. 2800 feet of 7 ft chain link buried 1 foot deep. The fence is buried so that coyotes and other dogs will not dig under the fence to get to the cria. Our location is quite remote and there is a good size pack of coyotes that pass near us on a regular basis. But now the fence is up and we can move the girls to their side of the barn and pasture which is larger.
Next on the list is some good weather (the long weekend had 2 days of rain) so that we can do a final clean up.
Next on our list of things to get done include:
Next on the list is some good weather (the long weekend had 2 days of rain) so that we can do a final clean up.
Next on our list of things to get done include:
- build covered entry ways into the barn so the winter snow cannot get in easily since the barn will always be open to the alpacas.
- shear the alpacas as soon as possible as mothers will be giving birth in june/july and August
- fertilize the pasture this week (weather permitting). Thankfully our local farmer has the equipment to do this quickly.
- purchase a scale to weigh animals, off ground hay feeders, neo natal kit
- buy or build small trough to ease competion on mineral/grain mix
We did get some good knews in that we qualified for some provincial and federal government funding for some of our capital purchases. We will get part of the cost of the fencing back under the protection of livestock from wildlife program, part of the costs to bring water from an existing well to the barn, and part of the costs to get a website developed. A link to the program is below.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/prm/programs/fifguide.shtml
Government funding is always good news. Now that we have had our Enviromental Farm Plan developed we will also look at getting funding for a Nutrient Management program for our fields and manure storage capacity. Probably next year though.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Vet Visit
Finally found a little time to make a post. Now that the Alpacas have settled in we both have returned to our day jobs full time. Had to catch up on all the work I missed over the previous 10 days so put in a little overtime to meet the deadlines.
On Monday, our local large animal vet came over to give the alpacas a check up and give shots to those who need it. Tetanus and dewormer to protect against the menangial worm that the local deer carry and can cause great problems for Alpacas. Took me over an hour to herd the males and then females into the barn in anticipation of his arrival. This is a skill we will have to work on. Today our herding wands arrived so hopefully this will help. We will try them out this weekend.
Most of the alpacas except Wyonna accepted being poked and held quite well. Wyonna though showed her disdain by spitting. This is the first time I have actually experienced this unpleasant smell they make when spitting. Was also a first for a young veternary student who came out with the vet.
The males are still a little skiddish and are a real challenge to capture or herd. They are unfortunately in the area that has one temporary fence and our dogs figured out a way in and gave them chase. Sutlan, though got to close and got kicked so has been limping all week. He has not completely learned as he found a new spot yesterday but this time we were able to intervene in time before damage was done. The fencer said he would get the last 500 feet done this weekend. Hopefully the weather holds.
On Monday, our local large animal vet came over to give the alpacas a check up and give shots to those who need it. Tetanus and dewormer to protect against the menangial worm that the local deer carry and can cause great problems for Alpacas. Took me over an hour to herd the males and then females into the barn in anticipation of his arrival. This is a skill we will have to work on. Today our herding wands arrived so hopefully this will help. We will try them out this weekend.
Most of the alpacas except Wyonna accepted being poked and held quite well. Wyonna though showed her disdain by spitting. This is the first time I have actually experienced this unpleasant smell they make when spitting. Was also a first for a young veternary student who came out with the vet.
The males are still a little skiddish and are a real challenge to capture or herd. They are unfortunately in the area that has one temporary fence and our dogs figured out a way in and gave them chase. Sutlan, though got to close and got kicked so has been limping all week. He has not completely learned as he found a new spot yesterday but this time we were able to intervene in time before damage was done. The fencer said he would get the last 500 feet done this weekend. Hopefully the weather holds.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Fencing still not complete
Unfortuneately our fencing was not complete this past weekend. The weather was very poor with lots of rain and wind plus the main fencer was sick with the flu. One of our dogs got past the temporary fencing and chased the male alpacas which is what we were hoping to avoid. Our dog ended up being kicked by one of the males and now is walking around with a major limp. While nothing seems broken we will monitor. Hopefully our dog has learned his lesson but I still want to get the fencing done so this can be avoided in the future.
Also picked up a couple of barn cats from the SPCA this weekend on the way home from the show. Hopefully they like their new home and will catch the mice and maybe destroy some pigeon nests.
Another benefit of attending the show is that one of the Vets who owns Alpacas has got the local FEED company to make up a grain and mineral mix which is appropriate for Alpacas and now will be distributed in their system upon request. The supplier had sample bags to take home. The females took to it right away.
Also picked up a couple of barn cats from the SPCA this weekend on the way home from the show. Hopefully they like their new home and will catch the mice and maybe destroy some pigeon nests.
Another benefit of attending the show is that one of the Vets who owns Alpacas has got the local FEED company to make up a grain and mineral mix which is appropriate for Alpacas and now will be distributed in their system upon request. The supplier had sample bags to take home. The females took to it right away.
Mayflower Alpaca Show
This weekend I attended my first Alpaca Show. My wife had gone to Pacafiesta in Halifax before but this was my first. If you are thinking of becoming an owner of Alpacas, definately attend a show or two. I learn things through out the weekend. I know have a much better understanding of confirmation, fleece and overall alpaca quality. There was also guest speakers that including vets, a researcher from the local veternary university, the judge of the show and others. All the Alpaca owners were very friendly and provided helpful tips.
I now have met another 7 or 8 other Alpaca owners who all seem interested in forming a loose group or club so that we can easily exchange ideas and help solve each other problems by passing on previous experience. Also as a group I think one goal we have in common is to try to educate the public more. The Mayflower show did have a regular flow of public attendance. Hopefully this will continue in the future.
To Heather who was the host of the show. Thank you
I now have met another 7 or 8 other Alpaca owners who all seem interested in forming a loose group or club so that we can easily exchange ideas and help solve each other problems by passing on previous experience. Also as a group I think one goal we have in common is to try to educate the public more. The Mayflower show did have a regular flow of public attendance. Hopefully this will continue in the future.
To Heather who was the host of the show. Thank you
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Our five ladies
Karmelita, Nikki, Wyonna, Sweet Dreams, Kiana - all but Sweet Dreams are currently pregnant with due dates from June through August.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Centre of attention
The alpacas are certainly drawing attention as most nearby residents have been dropping by for a look. The interest is good as it will help keep everyone aware and a watchful eye on them. Most people now when they drive by slow down instead of speeding up on the straight away at our place, just so they can have a look.
Other events on the farm
This last 4 days have been busy. I took two days off work for the arrival of the alpacas. My wife is also taking two days this week.
The fencers have got all but 500 ft done so that will be finished this coming weekend which will be good as I do not completely trust the temporary fencing. The fencer had also expanded my field a little bit by including an old wild raspberry patch inside the fence line but the plan was to exclude the patch. Yesterday I spend a few hours mowing it down. My have to chemically treat it though as raspberries can be persistant.
Other tasks including 3 more trips to the landfill with debris cleaned out of the barn. The previous owners kept a lot of junk.
The fencers have got all but 500 ft done so that will be finished this coming weekend which will be good as I do not completely trust the temporary fencing. The fencer had also expanded my field a little bit by including an old wild raspberry patch inside the fence line but the plan was to exclude the patch. Yesterday I spend a few hours mowing it down. My have to chemically treat it though as raspberries can be persistant.
Other tasks including 3 more trips to the landfill with debris cleaned out of the barn. The previous owners kept a lot of junk.
Settling in
The herd is settling in nicely. We have found Alpacas like to munch on spruce trees, although they are enjoying the spring grasses immensely.
We are figuring out how to heard and catch the animals, the only problem at this point is that they are all the same colour - white. Just how are we going to learn who is who? Photos will help, and they seem to like to pose for pictures making that job easier.
The dogs are becomming accustomed to sharing the fields with livestock. The barking has subsided (thank goodness for that) and we are able to let them off the leash.
We are figuring out how to heard and catch the animals, the only problem at this point is that they are all the same colour - white. Just how are we going to learn who is who? Photos will help, and they seem to like to pose for pictures making that job easier.
The dogs are becomming accustomed to sharing the fields with livestock. The barking has subsided (thank goodness for that) and we are able to let them off the leash.
Monday, May 5, 2008
ARRIVAL!!!!
This afternoon our first seven Alpacas arrived. All in good health and only a little resistance as I led each one off the truck and to their new home. Pictures will follow.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Getting excited
Heard from the trucking company last night that the Alpacas would be leaving Ontario. Now though will not arrive until Monday. Dissappointed they would not be here on Saturday now. Means that the fencing and cleanup should get done which is good but would rather have them arrive. Some left their home April 16/17 in BC.
Wonder if the flooding in New Brunswick is affecting things since this is where the trucking company is based and they have family there.
http://www.ctv.ca/gallery/html/NB_flooding_080430/photo_0.html
Wonder if the flooding in New Brunswick is affecting things since this is where the trucking company is based and they have family there.
http://www.ctv.ca/gallery/html/NB_flooding_080430/photo_0.html
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