DMAR Update for Week Ending 4/25/09:
Michelle Rose had a slight weight loss last week of 2 pounds. I was concerned and so I stepped up her feedings with extra alfalfa and beet pulp. This past Friday we weighed her and she is now 162 pounds. I continue to give her Doxicyclene, but have now switched over to Fluconazole. It is a little cheaper than ketoconozole and is supposed to be less harmful. Michelle looks good and is responding well. She totally enjoys the one on one attention as it is mostly made up of me bringing in her grain. She looks forward to seeing me now.
 I wanted to share with you all a pair of mittens made by one of my customers, Karen Christian. I believe the fiber is of Electra II when she was a cria. They came out beautifully and look cuddly soft. Great job Karen!
Shearing takes place this Wednesday. This past weekend we did herd management which included weighing, toe nail trimming, and giving needed vaccinations or worming paste. To add to our load we also took a shop vac and blew out the coats. Unfortunately it doesn’t clean the alpacas completely, but it does make my job of cleaning the shorn fleeces a lot easier. With this week of us being in the upper 80′s the alpacas will sure be happy to take their coats off.
 Meet Gianna. Gianna is the newest member of our maremma family. She is being imported directly from Italy. I pick her up on Monday. I can’t wait. We have needed another breeding female ever since Bianca had to be spayed and my sister purchased Donatella. Don’t worry as Donatella will remain on the ranch only that my sister will be responsible for her needs. Gianna will be Santino’s new girlfriend.
