DMAR Update: Cross these Items Off the To Do List
Matter of Trust: Above is a video showing how alpaca fleece absorbs and holds oil better than the standard synthetic material. The oil spill in the Gulf is tremendous. Peoples’ livelihood have been put on hold. Our environment is once again put under siege. This is a shame and just plain unacceptable! Like always in the midst of tragedy there are always those that step up to try to help. DMAR is proud to be among the alpaca ranches who is taking the cost upon themselves to ship their alpaca fiber to the Gulf to help create these booms. Today one large box of fiber will be sent with more in the near future.
Weaning: This year we have successfully weaned 2 male alpacas and in the above youtube we have 3 females. I am happy to say that all know how to walk on a halter and lead. I have two more females to go but that won’t be until August when they hit 6 months of age. We got a great juvenile show string this year and we are very excited to show them off.
Breedings: Not sure why, but it seems to have taken Kaitlyn a bit longer this year to take to a breeding. Well it might be because she is a big time wiggler. Not sure if any of you have any of these females but they kush at the sight of a male; however, once the male is breeding then the female seems like they have ants in their pants. Kaitlyn is constantly repositioning herself and at times even ends up laying on her side. For an inexperienced male like DMAR Royal Knight this is very frustrating as he would find himself outside of her and having to start all over. So far we are at 2 weeks of her spitting off vehemently. I do believe she is pregnant.
Fans and Coolers: Tom got the fans and coolers going this past weekend. Good thing as the temps have hit 100. Every day I hose down the alpacas legs and bellies. Electrolytes have been added to the buckets and I see an increase in water consumption. So far the alpacas seem to be maintaining their cool.
Even though I may accomplish completing some items on the list there always seems to be another 2 items added for every 1 item I scratch out. I’m sure you all feel this way from time to time.
