We’ve had requests from time to time for details regarding the design of the feeders in our alpaca barn. Back in 2002 or so we built a new barn for our females. It’s a center aisle barn with hay feeders dividing the pens from the aisle rather than using panels … Read More
Recent conversations with new and prospective alpaca owners prompted me to think about how we manage our farm during the winter months. Things vary quite a bit seasonally on a farm and winter has its own challenges. Staying warm is challenge number one – not for the alpacas, but for … Read More
No alpacas in the pastures this morning! Up until now, they’ve been spending their days grazing on what little green was left in the fields and seemed to be very comfortable with the mostly dry, but cold weather we’ve been having. But this morning, we woke to 6 degrees, snow … Read More
Ain’t that the truth! We woke to the sound of mowing in neighboring fields this morning. After a week of hot, humid and showery weather (not good for drying hay!), today is cooler, clear and dry. And the forecast is for more of the same. Three consecutive days of dry … Read More
This lovely white female alpaca was born at Snowshoe Farm on June 11. She weighed a bit over 13 lbs. Her gestation was a few days less than 11 months and she presented as just slightly premature. She was up and about and nursing from her mother within no time. … Read More
We almost never fail to have a warm spell in January. And I don’t mean just a day with temps above freezing; I mean 50’s and rain. This week we are experiencing the thaw. Today’s temps were easily in the 50’s, the sun was shining and there was no wind. … Read More
Esther Rose finally gave birth to a male cria this morning on day 366 of her pregnancy. That’s a very long, but not uncommon, gestation length for an alpaca. Despite the long wait, this little guy weighs in at less than 11 lbs. This is the smallest cria that’s been … Read More
Snowshoe Farm, along with two other Vermont fiber farms, is eagerly awaiting our first batch of socks from our farms’ fiber. Early last year we joined with Vermont Grand View Farm and Stonesthrow Farm to combine our different natural fibers to produce what we hope will be a very nice … 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 is some of the first “down time” we’ve had since shows and fiber festivals started in late September. Ron and I are doing NOTHING for Thanksgiving (turkey dinner with friends on the weekend). We’ve kept the day open in case of good weather so we can finish up more … Read More