Functional need to be on site for Alpaca, Clay Meadow in the Cotswolds

With 15 years of Alpaca breeding under my belt, those who know me and have had training courses know that there will always be the need to be on site for Alpaca breeding. It is not because they mate all year round and you need to keep them separate, it is not because they need toenail trimming, innoculations, veterinary care and everything else you can think of, it is not because they do not go into the shelters despite having them.. it is because they need attention all the time.

If you do not know your alpaca you will never know when something is not right and by the time you notice it is usually going to be too late.

Going out to work and coming back to find dead females dying during birthing and dead cria due to the inclement weather is something I have read so often on the usual Social Media sites that it makes my stomach churn for those poor animals. Shame on you breeders who sold to people not living on site and/or without the appropriate livestock experience.

This year we had late dysmature cria, on time cria and stuck cria – you name it.

One of them was a bit of a bloodbath and required a lot of attention 24/7 for two weeks to get to the stage where I was happy all was going to be okay.

I have handled most of the unusual births in my time – leg or legs back, breach, knees forward, you name it but this time it was two legs to the side of the head and now way was she coming out without my assistance.

Despite being ten days late she still had floppy ears and dysmature feet and she definitely needed cleaning thoroughly as did Mum but I managed to assist without any tears which is always a relief.

Amazing creatures alpacas – but you need to be there for your livestock!

you would not believe such a shaky start to this little girl if you saw her now for sure!