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 12 August 2012

Sizzlin' hot

We've had a lovely week of 'summery' weather with the last few days being particularly hot.  Filling and refilling the water troughs and trays was a priority but in the end the hose reel was played out to get the boys cool.  Lots of sun bathing going on by the boys and on one occasion Wee Eck fell fast asleep whilst the other boys moved to the other paddock.  Eck is deaf so we gently woke him by walking past and when he did come to life he was completely disorientated.  He didn't know where he was, couldn't see any of the other boys and started panicking and running around the paddock by which time the other boys had seen him running around and they all ran to him!  Deep joy - Eck saw them and calmed down immediately! 
They really love having their 'undercarriages' sprayed before going off and rolling in the dust again!  Unfortunately they become quite boisterous, jumping and pushing as they try to get wet and I usually end up soaking wet, flat on my back - or both.  Time to call in the cavalry!
Well, at least one ageing cavalryman.................here Fidget gets a good cooling down from Robbie who gets the 'hot lips' treatment on his bald spot (sorry - bald expanse!)
Wee Eck gets into the water tray and sits down, Gully is watching him whilst the other boys get hosed.
Gully is not one of the 'pushy' boys, preferring to be in the background and it took him quite a while to get used to the water trays and use them.   Perhaps his sensitive skin has something to do with this.  He enjoys the spray now and jumps around kicking his hind legs in the air.
Fyta, the main water man - should have been named 'Hydro' - thoroughly enjoying the spray!   Interestingly, only one of the boys is not too interested in the water games, and that is Rufus.  You can see him the background, to the left of Fyta's head,  lying in his favourite sand pit and wondering what all the excitement is about! 
And finally..............yesterday we had a visit from young Matthew with his mum and dad, niece Pauline and husband Chick, during yet another roasting day.   Matthew and his watering cans are the centre of attraction for the boys.

3 comments:

  1. I guess kids aren't the only ones who love to play in the sprinkler!! Poor Wee Ech, must have been very upset not knowing where his pals were. It looks like your new home is coming right along!! Lookin' Good!! The large windows will be wonderful for overseeing the boys and property!! ...debbie

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  2. Looks like you have also been graced by the sun....its about time it made an appearance this year ....during 'summertime' The boys look like they are having a great time including Robbie !! Your house looks lovely, will you be in time for winter and a nice roaring fire !!......Jayne

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  3. Lovely to see your boys enjoying the water! It's interesting how some just can't get enough of it! Our Silhouette ends up dripping wet as she pushes in front of everyone else...even when dripping, she still wants more! The house is coming along well and what a great view you'll have!

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