Cold Snap
February 25th 2008 02:37
I had a worrying night Saturday. It rained heavily throughout the day (no complaints about that!). But the temperature dropped and then the wind came up and it kept blowing and raining into the night.
Our alpacas were shorn back in November, so they have enough fleece now for them to cope, but I was concerned about our agistees, who were shorn just over a month ago. Our crias too, especially the two youngest ones, would be feeling pretty cold out in that.
The combination of wind, rain and cold is not good for young or recently shorn alpacas.
We are in a valley here and are fairly protected from the worst winds. The paddocks also have particular spots which I’ve noticed the alpacas head for when bad weather is on the way. It can still get pretty gusty here though.
We have a large shed, so I would be able to get them under cover if it started looking really bad. I also have cria coats which I use on the brand new babies if I think they’ll be cold and some larger alpaca coats. I haven’t used the larger ones yet. The alpacas are not used to wearing them so they may just spend the night trying to get the coats off.
Anyway, they appeared ok when I checked on them. They were all sitting in their sheltered spots just looking at me as if to say “what on earth are you doing out in this weather, hope you don’t expect us to get up”
The crias were sitting next to their mums, on the downwind side (very sensible). While none of them looked particularly happy – how can you look happy when you’re cold and sopping wet, they were bright and didn’t look distressed at all. It was cold but not freezing, so I decided not to disturb them.
In the morning, I went straight out to check and they were all up and grazing.
I had some yummy lucerne hay (that’s the green stuff) for them and they all came bouncing up to me when they spotted it. A few of the agisted alpacas were shivering a little, but they were all alert and jostling for their share of the hay. The crias didn't look cold at all. That lovely fleece keeping them warm.
The rain had stopped and the sun was warming up nicely so I was very relieved.
Our alpacas were shorn back in November, so they have enough fleece now for them to cope, but I was concerned about our agistees, who were shorn just over a month ago. Our crias too, especially the two youngest ones, would be feeling pretty cold out in that.
Alpaca herd - every one has a name
The combination of wind, rain and cold is not good for young or recently shorn alpacas.
We are in a valley here and are fairly protected from the worst winds. The paddocks also have particular spots which I’ve noticed the alpacas head for when bad weather is on the way. It can still get pretty gusty here though.
We have a large shed, so I would be able to get them under cover if it started looking really bad. I also have cria coats which I use on the brand new babies if I think they’ll be cold and some larger alpaca coats. I haven’t used the larger ones yet. The alpacas are not used to wearing them so they may just spend the night trying to get the coats off.
Anyway, they appeared ok when I checked on them. They were all sitting in their sheltered spots just looking at me as if to say “what on earth are you doing out in this weather, hope you don’t expect us to get up”
The crias were sitting next to their mums, on the downwind side (very sensible). While none of them looked particularly happy – how can you look happy when you’re cold and sopping wet, they were bright and didn’t look distressed at all. It was cold but not freezing, so I decided not to disturb them.
In the morning, I went straight out to check and they were all up and grazing.
I had some yummy lucerne hay (that’s the green stuff) for them and they all came bouncing up to me when they spotted it. A few of the agisted alpacas were shivering a little, but they were all alert and jostling for their share of the hay. The crias didn't look cold at all. That lovely fleece keeping them warm.
The rain had stopped and the sun was warming up nicely so I was very relieved.
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Rosemary
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I think they'd like it back too.
I might have to take all the fleeces out and stick
them back on till it warms up a bit.
They can't have all of it back though, I've already sold some.
Comment by Lilla
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You are the best 'mum' in the pack and they are lucky... *chuckle* after the last time I thought you had gone off to organise some 'coats?'
OMG they are just so georgeous, I just have to come and visit to get my fix, and the latest from 'The Paddock.'
Thanks again for putting a smile on my face
Lilla ...
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
I know, most "real" farmers would be rolling their eyes at how I worry about my animals.
They give me lovely babies to sell and nice soft wool so they deserve to be treated well.
Thanks for dropping by.
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Hopefully it will warm up again for autumn. I feel ripped off when I'm short changed of summer days. Too much winter down here.