Those of you who own livestock will recognize this situation: there’s something not quite right about one of your animals, but you can’t put your finger on it. Or the problem stops just as you’re about to call the vet. It can be expensive to get the vet out to … Read More
Our first cria of the season was born yesterday and we’re off to a good start. Snowshoe Praline gave birth to a light brown female at day 325. That’s a little early and it shows; the cria has slightly floppy ears and her teeth have not erupted, but she weighs … Read More
This time of year is as close as we get to “down time” on the farm. Outdoor chores are limited: no gardening, no mowing. Breeding chores are limited; no breeding, no birthing. We stick very close to home in the spring and summer, but this time of year we have … Read More
Every spring we look forward to a new crop of crias – baby alpacas. And every fall we’re relieved when the months of being on “baby watch” are over. This year we had 15 crias due and the last one made its appearance yesterday. But not successfully. Our beautiful white … Read More
Hurricane Irene spared much of the northeast part of Vermont, thank goodness! Many towns in other parts of the state sustained heavy damage from flooding and will be cleaning up for a long time. The day after the storm, skies cleared and it’s forecast to be a beautiful week. Today … Read More
Today was a busy one at Snowshoe Farm. With 70+ alpacas in four barns, we scrambled to prepare for Hurricane Irene’s arrival tomorrow. Like many people in rural areas, we depend on a well for water and if we lose power, we lose our water. So we filled 5-gallon containers … Read More
The first offspring of our White Male Color Champion, Snowshoe Aristides, were born this spring and more are coming along. I’ve posted photos of those crias that are currently on the ground on Ari’s web page here. We’re pleased to be seeing some very nice crias! Contact us to make … Read More
We had a busy day in the barn today with two crias being born. One was an uneventful birth; a first time mother who did just fine and has a healthy and beautiful cria who is nursing well. The second birth was a little more exciting. As soon as I … Read More
The two newest crias on the farm were born this week. Both were uncomplicated births and the crias are healthy and active. That’s the way we like it! Our little preemie is maintaining and getting slightly stronger, but is still unable to pick himself up. He requires regular feeding. He … Read More
This little guy was born yesterday – just a couple days short of 11 months gestation. Not extremely early, but he exhibits all the signs of being premature: teeth not erupted, floppy ears, weakness. His dam – who is usually a very good mother – doesn’t have a lot of … Read More