She's Still Winning

We are so proud of Darcy Dakotia because at almost four years old she is still winning the blue ribbon at fleece shows. Her beautifully fine, dense, lusturous fleece won a blue ribbon at the AOBA National Conference Fleece show.

The AOBA National Conference was very interesting. We attended a lot of seminars conducted by industry experts. Dr. Norm Evan's talk on the benefits of skin biopsy was particularly interesting. We have biopsied both Darcy and Nebula and are anxious to get the results. I can understand now what a valuable tool the skin biopsy can be in guiding our breeding program.

This was our first time at the conference so there was no standard to judge it by, but I couldn't help overhearing some disgruntled long time members gossiping about the high price of attendence and other issues with AOBA that I can't recall right now. I guess once I get my feet a little wetter in this I'll understand the politics more. Unfortunately politics play a role everywhere!

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cria with very protective mommy

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Spring has arrived

Ariana and Bossanova's cria

We have been in the midst of so many wonderful things it has been hard to take the time to record it all. The best thing of is the birth of Ariana's beautiful cria, today May 1st. She is a gorgeous 14pound (looks like rose gray).

Yesterday, several animals were shorn by Mary Jane. She does such a fantastic job. Darcy was the first to go. She was very calm as she had a nice spa treatment. Ed trimmed her teeth while Mary Jane trimmed her hair. I think she must feel a lot better now. Ed also took a skin biopsy. We are looking forward to seeing the test results. Ruthanne helped me sort Darcy's fleece on my new sorting table that worked out just fine. The fleece is going to AOBA nationals at the end of May. It sure is beautiful and I can't wait to work with it.

Last weekend I went to a Marty McGee Bennett clinic that was very informative and encouraging. I highly recommend a Camelidynamic clinic for all alpaca owners. I truely am fortunate to be getting my training from the best people in the business. Every day is a learning experience.

We think we finally found the right person do grade and prep the barn site. We are on his list and expect him here early next week. That means the barn is not too far behind. The grader also has connections with a hydroseeder. My next job is to research the proper plant mix for the pasture.

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Am I Halter Trained Yet?

I have been working the past couple of weeks training Nebula and myself. Halter training is a skill. Sort of like training a dog. I have learned a lot and it is getting easier, but I still have a lot to learn. One thing I have learned is that alpacas are pretty smart animals. They catch on very quickly and constantly test us humans. I'm trying to learn how to read her behaviors and mannorisms. She really is a sweetheart but I guess we all have our limits. That may be why she spit at my face when I stopped her and stooped down to talk to her about staying behind me. Lesson one: Stand tall and control the animal with body language- they don't understand english very well. Getting in their face is inviting a spit. I have to admit I saw it coming but I was too late to stop it.

I will go to the barn today and walk with her one last time before the KY Classic. Mary Jane has been extremely helpful. I could not have done any training without her. She handles the animals very well. I aspire to be like her one day. We are leaving TOMORROW and Mary Jane will not be there for support so I have to get used to this and do it on my own. I really need to stop letting the animal take advantage of my good nature, but she is so cute and too smart!

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technorati tags:alpaca, alpacas

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