Kensmyth

I am often being asked in winter months if I do Alpaca walking and/or experiences for gifts. my reply is always the same, whenever I can, I will but I try to keep “time” for friends who have never held an Alpaca be they friends of my own or friends of groups who end up becoming friends… this December has been no exception and we have been rushed off our feet with requests to meet our Alpaca. You just have to brave the elements of course !

With wide open spaces here at Kensmyth, fenced with “see through” wire so that all can see and enjoy everything on show, we have had some great fun with our Stud Boys this December as they strut their stuff in the barns as newbie handlers learn to walk at the Alpaca slow pace (barns protecting feet from wet and cold) or outside with visitors – faces glowing with fresh air and happiness at meeting and walking with Alpaca for the very first time.

This is a “gift” that I never fail to take pleasure in giving… and the Alpaca queue up to take part in!

photos that make you smile…

and after the beautiful snow came the sludge and the ice which was pretty tricky…

well the snow continued to fall and became deeper and deeper and is still with us despite several rainfalls – we got it “good and proper” here and I am amazed how many missed out on it!

The Alpaca were in for the worst of it and had never seen it before of course – you can choose a caption for these …

well I have been busy, we have been busy, all farmers have been busy – up and down the country caring for livestock under cover with frozen, artic (artic?) conditions this week.

Clay Meadow has looked stunning in its snow covering this week and the Alpaca have mixed opinions on it – despite their origins. Warnings – sorry – to Alpaca owners that the thaw will bring the inevitable perfect conditions for our little friends the fluke so be warned… meantime back at the ranch… our tree lined drive planted in 2012 and the orchard…

Well I cannot show you photos of Alpaca covered in snow because we simply do not have any! our Alpaca – gee it took some doing – were all barned overnight to protect them… not just because there is no lanolin (nearly none) in their fleece which would let the wet through but also to protect their feet which like pads need to get dry.

from the very very young to the very very old – everyone here stayed dry!

livestock farming is 24/7 365 days a year and here “paca watch” shows through last nights downfall on camera!

but it IS beautiful – 3 inches – snowing all day and 8 inches in drifts!

well we were warned that snow was on its way and the young, vulnerable, pregnant and old Alpaca were all housed accordingly – brought in late in the evening to avoid what was to come…

well – what can you say to these photos – both taken in June 2017 at Kensmyth… bit warmer then…

I despair of the weather forecasters these days. Finger in the air and a good sniff to us Farmers is the best way – that way you are prepared for Frost, rain, sun and anything else – all in one day!

as the temperatures plummet – remember Alpaca are pregnant for nearly 12 months so a female in winter is feeding herself, her cria for next year and her cria at foot – don’t get them in, don’t feed them and you will lose one, two or all of them!

watching our livestock 24/7 at Kensmyth in the day and in the night too!

I do love a good Crustacean – who does not at Christmas? mayo dips, chilli dips, hot or cold – so does my Mum – yum yum.

no seriously – take a look at these at Costco on one of my rare trips out… too expensive for me I am afraid but looked marvellous!