OUR SMALL HERD

Our original four boys came from Ardo Alpacas in Aberdeenshire. We are not alpaca breeders and have our boys purely as pets. Our experience is that you don't need to be a breeder and that a 'batchelor herd' can give much pleasure to the owner. We have 5 acres including our big garden and grazing for the boys, 15 miles north of Inverness, Scotland. I spin, knit, felt and crochet with the fleece from the boys.

Clicking!!

Just a reminder that clicking on (most) of the photos will show them greatly enlarged.

Sunday, 26 February 2012

Mild weather

We moved the boys into the top paddocks this week which always gets them excited.  When it comes to feeding time, it doesn't matter how quiet we are when we approach the paddock from behind the hedge, they always seem to know that we are coming with food and this is the scene which meets us.  Ah, bless!
The boys coming into the fresh grass, although there is very little of it around the gates where the drainage has been put in.  Fergus at the front, with Rufus, Wee Eck and Gully behind.
Even before we get the straw down, which we normally do before the boys get in the paddock, the boys started rolling in the shelters.  They do this every time they come into new paddocks - straight to the shelters for a roll!  Here is Fidget getting acquainted with this shelter again.
It might appear that Fergus has fallen asleep here, mid chew, but he is just enjoying his supplement!  All the boys like to lie down from time to time whilst eating, whether it is their supplement, hay or haylage.  They always look very contented when they do this.
Gully has just had his roll in the shelter and is going to join the other boys.  He has fleeced up nicely over the winter, including his furry ears which were bald when we first got him.  He had some skin problems at that time but he's turned into a bonnie boy with lovely fawn fleece.
He's at the drainage again!  Having moved the boys out of the lower paddocks Robbie has been putting in more  6 inch coily pipe to try to keep the steading area better drained.  Another 6 barrow loads of stones finished this part off.  One further trench has to be dug and piped in this paddock then all of this digging practice will come in handy when it will be time for the veg garden to be dug over!  No rest for the wicked! 
And finally.........I took this photo of a rose at the back of our house this morning, a sight that we usually associate with summer.   With all the very mild weather around just now, insects and birds must be very confused by it all - I know that the humans around here are!
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5 comments:

  1. Anonymous26 February 2012 at 14:55

    Can't believe you have a ROSE Blooming!! Wow! Hope it doesn't frost or snow!! The trenches are looking quite professional!! Bet he'll be glad when the diggin's done!! Boys are looking quite fit!! ...debbie

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  2. Debbie, Barnacre Alpacas26 February 2012 at 15:57

    Drainage..... we need lots doing here so if Robbie fancies a change of scenary send him this way as he's doing a cracking job up there.

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  3. Unknown26 February 2012 at 17:09

    Everything is looking pristine up at Tigh Mhor...this dry weather is so welcome...Robbie's drainage system will no doubt be tested before long though!

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  4. Andrew28 February 2012 at 21:36

    Drainage. It's on the list but would mean I have to add a mini digger to my essential equipment.

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  5. Zanzibah Alpacas3 March 2012 at 00:44

    The boys are looking blooming great, along with that lovely winter rose !...Im sure the winter is not over just yet...but here's hoping....someone is a dab hand at the ditching !...great job....a brief rest and like you said...just in time for the gardening season !!........Jayne

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