Alpacas Are Faster Than They Appear

Chad and I entered the pasture today to do a little pre-winter planning.  We needed to remove a couple of halters and neck chains from our alpacas, as everyone is settled in now.  This is what we learned:

1.  The only Alpacas willing to be caught are the ones you don't actually need to work with. 

2.  Sheep are NOT good helpers.  (especially Forseti)

3.  Alpacas can and will run at a much faster rate than we expected.

4.  Catching Alpacas in an open pasture without any type of holding pen is not really a good plan. 

5.  We have a lot left to learn about Alpaca care. 

With that being said, we still have halters and neck chains to remove.  We did; however, have a great opportunity to pet and chat with all of the other goats, birds and sheep in the pasture. 

Rabbits

My 2 rabbits Rayne and Nova.  Nova looks completely different now; however, I do not have a new picture of her.  She is really stunning.

Stefan

Stefan is our first Alpaca.  (another sale barn purchase)  He needs some serious TLC, but we adore him.  He has such a gentle nature but a very animated and outgoing personality.  He is standing by our little nanny, Luna. 

Twyla and her little girls Londyn & Lily

Twyla was a sale barn purchase that was not "part of the plan".  She was dirt cheap and her girls are so adorable.  Lily is one of my favorites (but don't tell the others).  Twyla seems to love her new home, and we are thrilled to have her with us. 

Happily Eating Sheep

New Sheep Lovers

Well, it is official...we are hooked on Shetland Sheep.  We started out the summer with 3 very nice lambs from Corinne.  That was all it took.  Yesterday, we were lucky enough to bring home 4 lovely sheep from Kelly B.  Our new ewes should have lambs this Spring.  It's all so exciting.  Mix all this together with new alpacas, pygmy goats and newborn puppies, and you have the beginnings of a very interesting petting zoo (aka The Pepper's Place). 

I have A LOT of reading and research to do before Spring, but I am up for the challenge.  I am originally a Quarter Horse/POA girl, but I will figure this out.  We are still breeding/selling Chihuahuas.  That is so much more work than anyone realizes.  It seems like the cuter the creature, the more complicated reproduction has to be!

I hope to use this blog to introduce myself into the Shetland Sheep world.  I will apologize in advance, I am on a very elementary level of techinical sheep terms.  I will also be asking a TON of questions.  Any advice or warnings are always welcome. 

~ Erin