It’s a boy!
September 18th 2007 04:24
334 days and it’s a boy! This little guy arrived approximately 6am this morning. I missed it, of course. Here he is at 6.15am, still in his cling wrap.
He’s been a bit slow to get going, this one. Normally, alpaca crias are on their feet trying to nurse within an hour of birth but this little guy didn’t really perk up until he was 5 hours old and didn’t stand until 6.
It was a cool morning, and he was shivering, so I put a coat on him and covered him with a blanket and towel. When he didn't make any attempts to stand and nurse, I took some milk from his mum and gave it to him.
It’s pretty important that they get that first milk (colostrum) as it contains antibodies they need to fight infections. It is quite thick, like cream and the cria can only absorb colostrum into their system for a short time.
This is where having well-handled, tame alpacas comes in very handy. I’ve found though, even our more timid girls will stand still to have some milk taken. Maybe they think it’s their baby having the drink, or maybe they are too exhausted from the delivery to care.
Here are his first few steps.
(The file is just over 2MB so it might take a while to download)
He’s looking quite bright and strong now the day’s warmed up. He’s been on his feet and trying to nurse, so I’ll keep an eye on him. I’m happy once I see them with their “milk moustache”, that means they’ve found the milk bar. It’s a bit difficult with white crias but this little guy is so dark, should be easy to spot.
New babies are always exciting, even after 10 years of alpaca breeding, and he’s a very cute little guy, his mum’s done very well.
Approximately 15 minutes old
He’s been a bit slow to get going, this one. Normally, alpaca crias are on their feet trying to nurse within an hour of birth but this little guy didn’t really perk up until he was 5 hours old and didn’t stand until 6.
It was a cool morning, and he was shivering, so I put a coat on him and covered him with a blanket and towel. When he didn't make any attempts to stand and nurse, I took some milk from his mum and gave it to him.
It’s pretty important that they get that first milk (colostrum) as it contains antibodies they need to fight infections. It is quite thick, like cream and the cria can only absorb colostrum into their system for a short time.
This is where having well-handled, tame alpacas comes in very handy. I’ve found though, even our more timid girls will stand still to have some milk taken. Maybe they think it’s their baby having the drink, or maybe they are too exhausted from the delivery to care.
Here are his first few steps.
(The file is just over 2MB so it might take a while to download)
He’s looking quite bright and strong now the day’s warmed up. He’s been on his feet and trying to nurse, so I’ll keep an eye on him. I’m happy once I see them with their “milk moustache”, that means they’ve found the milk bar. It’s a bit difficult with white crias but this little guy is so dark, should be easy to spot.
New babies are always exciting, even after 10 years of alpaca breeding, and he’s a very cute little guy, his mum’s done very well.
8 hours old
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Yes, we only have one working boy here at the moment, so pretty sure about who dad is.
Funny though, dad is a dark fawn colour and he's thrown this very dark boy. He's also thrown a couple of fawns, (like himself) and a couple of very white babies.
It's not necessary the mum's colours either, so must be a bit of throw back to grandparents happening.
Comment by Lara M
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Who's that white 'curious' one in the background -- such *funny* expression on its face...
Comment by JoH
I have only just stumbled across your blog (I'm just a couple of weeks into my blogging journey) and it's absolutely fascinating. I never thought Alpacas could be so interesting.
Congratulations on the birth. I will be reading on with great anticipation.
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
That's big Ginger in the background. She's the one in my picture, left too. Always pulling a funny face of some sort.
Hi JoH. Thanks for dropping by. I'm just starting out with my blog too. Good fun. Alpacas are interesting creatures. Hope they'll keep me well supplied with things to write about.
Cheers.
Comment by D. Armenta
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Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
He's looking more cute everyday. The way they fold up like card tables when they sit down still cracks me up. It's more obvious on the babies cause their legs look so long. Cheers.