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 16 August 2015

Hay and visitors.

At long last a break in the wet weather mid-week meant that the farmers hit the hay fields in a frenzy of activity.  On Thursday we collected 31 square bales from Karen & Dave Robertson in Beauly and returned with them to the hay store.  That should keep the boys happy for the next year!  The boys were interested to know why the vehicle and trailer were parked in their paddock and the photo shows, from the left, Fergus, Faro, Fyta and Fidget.  Lots of flies about at this time and Faro is rubbing the top of his head on the grass to get rid of the beasties.
A closer inspection of the trailer by Faro (left), Fyta and Fergus revealed that it only contained a load of hay - no carrots or other goodies there then!
Yesterday evening, just as the sun was beginning to sink in the West, we had a visit from 6 lovely Swedish tourists who were on a short visit to the Highlands and staying with a neighbour. The boys were very well behaved and ate the carrots offered. Fergus was quite happy for everyone to stroke him and even Fidget stayed close.  Usually when the carrots are finished they wander off, bored with humans, but not during this visit.
Fergus soaks up more attention whilst the rest of the group take plenty of photos.  We also managed to have a rummage through bags of fleece and have a look at the spinning wheel and knitted garments.  It was a 4.30am start for the group this morning as they drove to Aberdeen airport to fly to Schipol then on to Sweden.  Lovely to meet you all, hope you'll come back and see us all again and hope you got home safely.
A lovely crisp morning today as the boys start their day.  Faro is in front of his chums, from the left Fidget, Fyta and Fergus.
After the water troughs have been cleaned and re-filled, Faro fancies getting sprayed with the hose.  He had his legs sprayed and under his chin, which he likes.
And finally........... this 'Bear's Breeches' (Acanthus spinosus) is in full colour at the moment.  Handle this plant with care as there are very sharp needles hidden just under the leaves and flowers.

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3 comments:

  1. Veronica Brennan22 August 2015 at 11:14

    So fun to read about our visit and look at the pictures. To visit you lovely people, who were being very friendly and showing us around and to meet these 4 beautiful alpaca boys was an highlight on our visit in Scotland. Would love to visit you all again. Wish you all the best and take care!

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    1. Shirley23 August 2015 at 19:45

      Hello Veronica and Paul, Lovely to hear from you and glad you got home safe and sound! Hope you will all come back and see us again, but for a longer stay next time. You could always learn how to trim alpaca toe nails - now that would be exciting!! Take care of yourselves, regards to all the other fine Swedish folk. Shirley & Robbie

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  2. Paul Brennan22 August 2015 at 13:08

    Great big thanks to Robbie and Shirley for your hospitality! We are now safe and sound back in Sweden with very fond memories of Scotland... and alpacas.. of all things :-)

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