Well no sooner had we cleaned up the barn and pastures and had a cup of coffee than I got a feeling that something was happening in the birthing pasture.

A quick look showed that a couple of girls were sniffing at something shiny on the ground.

A reflection off the afterbirth told me that my instincts were correct and that there was a new born cria out there somewhere.

It didn't take long to find it hiding next to her mum.

The mother is particularly possessive and virtually attacks anyone who comes near, it took some careful maneuvering to get in there and discover it is a girl and get the iodine onto the remains of the umbilical cord. Then retreat to a safe distance.




Within an hour the baby was up and feeding and both look pretty settled. Its a clear sky today so my guess is that the temperature will fall tonight, so we will put a cria coat on her to help her stay warm.

A great end to the week and a lovely start to the weekend.

Tomorrow we have a farm visit so it will be good for them to see a newly born alpaca as part of their farm visit.

Adrian Stewart