So Lately....

...the babies seem to be growing like weeds. I took these pictures this morning. We had some rain this week and the pasture is starting to dry out and the babies are taking advantage of being able to run around again. The first picture is of the youngest in our group, Diesel. I just love the coloring of his head!
And he has spots all over.


Today is a good day to get the water tanks scrubbed out as it is warmer and no wind. Yes, having animals can be alot of work but it is gratifying work as I enjoy it. Having these guys is who I am. Working with their fiber seems to be a part of me. I feel very lucky to be enjoying my life.

The next pic is of Diesel (left), Vienna and Yahtzee hanging out together. Diesel is energetic and likes to pester the girl crias. And the girls in general. Most days he has a green glob of spit on the back of his head because he made one mad at him. lol

Talk to you soon, Tammy

Spinning Yarns

Since my feltball injury, I have been doing some spinning in my workshop and I thought you'd like to see some of the yarn I have been spinning. Each is a three ply alpaca yarn. The black has glitz in it and gives it some extra sparkle. You know, girls like shiny things! The red on the left, is more of a madder red and I plan to knit a vest out of it. Well, I have already started on the vest. And I don't want to hear any more giggling about my feltball injury! It is very real. At least to me. I am working on an alternative method of making feltballs that won't  be so prone to injury. I hear the giggling again! I really like my feltballs and maybe when you stop giggling about my injury I'll show you some of the cool things I've been making out of them.
Talk to you soon,  Tammy

The Amaaazing Velcro Alpaca!

I'd like to introduce this wonder of nature called "The Amaaaazing Velcro Alpaca"! This is Allegra and I'm not sure how she does it. Those are whole leaves stuck to her. She is still in her cria coat, her baby fiber. In the womb, the fiber that comes into contact with the fluid develops a sticky quality. In the wild, this trait helps protect the babies from predators by hiding them. For a fiber person like myself, it is a pain in my you-know-what. I'm picking this stuff off her every day. I know some people shear the babies wool off when they are born. I might have to start doing that.  Talk to you soon,  Tammy

Who Knew Houdini

So who knew Houdini's offspring lived at my farm? Our boy, Levi, has got out of the boy pasture and was in the girl's pasture twice in the last two days and last night he was in the backyard! Its a good thing he is such a good looking guy or I would be more upset about his breeding Canela. On a side note, at least she liked him! We are still trying to figure out how this handsome guy is getting out. This picture was taken this summer after hosing him down, that's why he's a little wet. And everything was still green then!  Have a great day, folks, I'm off to the pastures to walk fence and scratch my head.

Talk to you soon,  Tammy

Selective Breeding

I don't know if you know it or not, but I do try to use selective breeding practices on the farm. That means, I pick out which male breeds which female (well, usually!). This year, I have females who will only breed to a certain male. And now I see out my kitchen window that 'I don't know what's going on out there'! I don't know,

do you think this breeding will take?  (((giggle)))

Talk to you soon,  Tammy

Introducing Diesel!

I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition at Illini Alpacas! His name is Diesel. He was born on Thursday afternoon to Sara. She is proving to be a very loving mother. I named him Diesel because of all the crias born here, he is the loudest. While others have a hum, he has a low pitched, long grunt noise coming out of him. He definitely sounds as if he has more cylinders operating! He was running around the pasture his first day. To get an idea of his size, check out the picture on the right. He is literally half the size of the other crias. But I have a feeling he will catch up fast.
Talk to you soon,  Tammy

Update On Babies

I thought I'd give you an update on the babies here at Illini Alpacas. It is hard to tell that Vienna is grey in the photo of her after she had been rolling in the dust pile. Behind her is Yahtzee in the first photo. They seem to be growing like weeds and are very inquisitive and friendly. It helps that I handle them a little each day. As you can see in the photo to the right, they like to hang out with each other on a regular basis. They have started eating hay with big girls, too. They really are fun to have around! To the left is Autumn. She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady, although I admit I am quite biased! Talk to you soon, 

Tammy

Feltball Injury

A horrible thing has happened! I have been wounded in the line of duty. I have a feltball injury. In a marathon feltball session, I have bruised my left palm to the point that it hurts to touch or use it. It is unbelievably painful. I wonder if I qualify for worker's comp? I digress...so I have had to take a break from feltballs until I figure out what to do. Its tough because I like my feltballs! lol  Last night, I did some spinning. My grandson, Eagan, might need a new sweater. Or I might need a new scarf. Anyway, at least I can still spin. I'll keep you updated on my recovery. Talk to you soon,  Tammy