well pretty much all farmers across the UK have had some bizarrely unpredictable weather in the past few days. As May disappears in a puff of mist and lightening, the cria drop continues at Kensmyth – madly!

I am often asked by potential Alpaca owners why you absolutely need to be on site for their care, not only for birthing but all the time. Alpaca hide illness and look like “all is well” when you walk into the paddocks. If you do not know what “normal” is for each individual Alpaca by being there and spending time with them in general day to day care – you will never know when they are ill or need help birthing… cria drop is very often not straightforward…

yes – take a closer look at this birth and work out precisely what happened and why both mother and cria would have died had I not been there!!

I do not always know what they are but I can appreciate their beauty… note they are NOT in the paddocks!

it is not only the farmers that watch for first signs of first stage labour – the female groups have a contest each year. Here groups watch to see who is going to increase the number of cria in their paddocks each day LOL

for those of you who were wondering how the Triffids were doing – we await the courgettes!

Birthing season in full swing here – mucho coffee drunko – never forget to check the placenta is intact and not retained or the Mother will quickly become infected and you could lose both – use gloves of course!

Cria drop continues with equal boys an girls so far – heres the birthing kit LOL

a large pint mug of coffee

breakfast for the dog

and dog watch for action – bless the Curly Coated Retrievers for their amazing talents of letting you know when even the slightest thing is going on !

we thought we would get the Jacuzzi out again – ready for the hot weather for when we can sit in the “yard” on the hot days… then the rain came again…

best investment you could make and stores in situ over winter.

well we are having a mix of sunshine, showers, storms and a lot of lush grass – just beautiful…

Nothing better than an Alpaca hug to ensure you feel the love!

Good luck to the pair as they get married today. I am sure Harry and Megan will be sharing kisses like this happy couple did