Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas is an old friend of the Alpaca Tribe. Listen in as Steve and Rita talk alpacas, particularly how life with alpacas is developing having started with four and grown to 35! Be warned, it happens sometimes that alpacas can grow to be a bigger part of your life than you first expected, especially if you have the 'alpaca gene'. We also talked births and weaning; fences to keep dogs out; kangaroos and geese and taking bad pictures in case you don't get one at all. Th...
Jun 16, 2021•24 min•Ep. 128
Keeping alpacas is unique, at least in my experience. There is a cost - financial, emotional and time. But, I think it is a price worth paying for having these unique animals in my life. Listen in to get a sense of how it feels, good and bad and see if it is for you. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Jun 09, 2021•18 min•Ep. 127
Knowing you are finished is such a nice feeling, especially when shearing. Today we are talking about shearing, with some thoughts on how you can approach shearing, especially mentally; what to do when things don't go quite according to plan (almost guaranteed); and how to build for a better future with your alpacas. We have just finished shearing our herd of 37 alpacas - and it is so nice to know we have finished, especially since it rained today. Shearing episodes This podcast uses the followi...
Jun 02, 2021•18 min•Ep. 126
Alpaca fleece can hide a multitude of things. Shearing time can bring things to light - from vegetation and unexpected prickles to body condition and occasionally fly-strike. Explore with me some of the things that can be hidden beneath the fleece and what to make of them. We have started shearing now and I include an update on the first few adventures, including Alys giving us a surprise. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy...
May 26, 2021•17 min•Ep. 125
Alpacas can help teach us how to prioritise. Take sleeping for example - essential for a fast-growing cria and the rest of us. The three alpaca priorities are to: eat well, sleep well and explore like mad, so you can make sense of the world and know how to live in it safely. Priorities we can live by for sure. Check out our earlier episode - Episode 97 - Be More Alpaca This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy...
May 19, 2021•17 min•Ep. 124
Jeremiah Owen of Hiraeth Ranch in California is an old friend of the podcast and Alpaca Tribe. Listen in as we catch up on his pandemic-year with his suri alpacas. Cria births and complications; keeping the rhythm of normality during the pandemic; looking forward. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
May 12, 2021•30 min•Ep. 123
Spring continues to arrive with the occasional flip back to winter. Overall the alpacas are doing well and enjoying the greener grass. The spit-offs are done and some things are a bit clearer. Meanwhile, there are goslings, swallows and rabbits to add to the mix. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
May 05, 2021•16 min•Ep. 122
We all like a challenge - so here is the Alpaca Tribe Quiz! See what you know already. Questions How many toes does a Camel have? What is the group name for Llamas, Alpacas, Guanacos and Vicuna? What are the two types of alpacas? What is the nature of the land that is native to alpacas? What language do alpacas speak? How heavy is a bag of candy-floss? What are baby alpacas called? Answers in the podcast and on the website Have a great day! This podcast uses the following third-party services fo...
Apr 28, 2021•19 min•Ep. 121
As shearing approaches, I wonder what you will do with your fleece? If you haven't tried wet felting you really should. There is also needle felting but I always feel nervous of needles heading towards my leg. Nuno felting is also worth exploring at least for inspiration - check out these books for starters (some needle felting snuck in there too) See Liz Clay's website gallery and be astounded This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy...
Apr 21, 2021•16 min•Ep. 120
Alpacas need and want to have their basic needs met; to be safe and secure; to have some interest; and to be able to express their natural behaviour. So how can we create the best environment for our alpacas? It involves providing many different elements: the physical environment; the emotional environment; and the behavioural environment. We all want to do the best we can for our alpacas and creating this right environment for them goes a long way to caring for them really well. We talked about...
Apr 14, 2021•15 min•Ep. 119
What is the best colour for an alpaca? They come in a variety of shades - what would you choose if you were starting out keeping alpacas? Colours stretch from true white to true black, via fawns and browns. We also have some Welsh gray - which manifests in the wet weather when they get all muddy! But since they are 'dry-clean' animals there true colour emerges when they dry out and fluff up again. Genetics being what it is, you can't be guaranteed to get a particular colour but the art of breedi...
Apr 07, 2021•12 min•Ep. 118
Listen as I deliver breakfast to the girls, complete with Sioned drinking from a puddle - she hasn't read the text-book! Brings back memories of my first foray into a field full of alpacas. Such a thrill and only a hint of anxiety. It makes my day, every time. What about you, when did you meet your first alpaca and how did it make you feel? I'd love to know - let me know here so I can share it https://www.speakpipe.com/AlpacaTribe This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis...
Mar 31, 2021•18 min•Ep. 117
A year on and everybody seems to be reflecting on a year of pandemic. This seems to be both a good reason to do so and also to avoid it. I decided though that I would be reflective too. What is it that we've learned from the pandemic with a Valley full of alpacas? One of the things I've learned is to just keep going. Concentrate on the next thing. Not focusing too much on the possibilities and the things that may or may not happen. But to just keep the structure, and the rhythm and the routine. ...
Mar 24, 2021•14 min•Ep. 116
It is so easy to get excited about the thought of keeping alpacas, but what does it really take and are you right to be thinking about it? Maybe, but let me see if I can put you off first. There is more to it than you might think! We can get sentimental about the idea of keeping alpacas, understandably, given that they are such amazing creatures. However, we need to ask ourselves some serious questions first. Have you got space? space for grazing and housing etc. space in your already busy life ...
Mar 17, 2021•16 min•Ep. 115
Imagine zooming with your alpacas! Would they be on mute with their cameras turned off? Or could you persuade them to tell you what they are thinking? It would be nice if they did, especially if they are in pain. Watching body language and learning to read them is an important skill for alpaca shepherds. The answer - another excuse to spend time with your alpacas - watching and listening. even if you can't zoom. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3...
Mar 10, 2021•17 min•Ep. 114
I count in threes but sometimes I can't get the same number twice in a row because they keep moving. More life with the alpacas in the valley. Listen in for the latest instalment. Ear tags can help identify which alpaca is which, if you have more than a few. The geese have returned and the spring has left - though I am sure it will be back soon Trust your instincts and learn from your alpacas by spending time with them - of course This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis...
Mar 03, 2021•15 min•Ep. 113
Why keep alpacas? There are all kinds of good reasons but it is certainly a good question to start your alpaca journey with. What do you want to focus on? fleece pets breeding tourism Have you got the capacity? space money time Start with what you have and make the most of it shelter fences lane-ways storage If you decide to pursue alpacas you are in a for a rare treat Join me on the journey This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy...
Feb 24, 2021•17 min•Ep. 112
There are signs, no really! But we still have some way to go. Join me on another farm wander with the alpacas considering grazing, sharing the space with birds and wondering about births later in the year. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Feb 17, 2021•22 min•Ep. 111
The winter continues - join me on the feeding round and reminiscing about what our original expectations were when we first started with 5 pregnant females. You can start with some ideas of your own but your alpacas are likely to teach you they know best. Plenty of time to stand and stare will help you progress towards those original intentions and expectations. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy...
Feb 10, 2021•21 min•Ep. 110
Spring creeps slowly forward but is on its way. Listen for a valley recording wandering about and talking alpacas. ~If you are interested in podcasting yourself, check out The Podcasting Workshop by Akimbo led by Seth Godin and Alex DiPalma. The latest workshop is just starting and enrollment closes very soon - and I am the Head Coach. ~You might also want to check out a podcast with a smile from a friend of mine - The Purple Bike Podcast by Karen Morgan This podcast uses the following third-par...
Feb 03, 2021•16 min•Ep. 109
The cold weather turned to snow Listen to some recordings made in the valley and in the stable with the alpacas. Coats and feeding continued to be a challenge. It takes longer but you can cover their needs during this time with additional feeding and attention to their condition. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Jan 27, 2021•17 min•Ep. 108
At this time of year in the UK the vegetation has died back enough to see the fences and be able to see where weeds are growing and need to be removed. This episode gives suggestions on the repair and maintenance work we can do to take advantage of the winter low tide. This is followed by an audio diary of a wander in the beautiful day just before all of the heavy rain returned! Welsh Wales - it is why it is so green. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https...
Jan 20, 2021•25 min•Ep. 107
Welcome to the New Year! Hermione has needed a bit of extra support and so has been wearing a coat - and her cria too. She gets really suspicious of me and repositioning the coat when it rides up a bit is a challenge. To our usual dry food, we have added some sugarbeet with molasses and chopped alfalfa with molasses - quick energy for keeping warm. Plus the died peas for extra protein for the pregnant mums. This episode wraps up with a bit of a valley audio-diary. It was a wonderful day. Stay sa...
Jan 13, 2021•18 min•Ep. 106
Happy holidays to all listeners of the Alpaca Tribe podcast - see you again soon. Peace to you and yours. Happy Christmas! And as we say in Wales - Nadolig Llawen! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Dec 24, 2020•2 min•Ep. 105
2020 has been an interesting year but probably one most of us would like to move on from or even forget. In this final episode of the year, Steve and Sue Heatherington reflect on some of the things of note from this year with their herd of alpacas. From births to shearing, the weather and the freedom to roam, there have been things that have stood out and we can learn from. Thank you for sharing your alpaca journey with the Alpaca Tribe and may the new year approaching bring more stability and p...
Dec 16, 2020•26 min•Ep. 104
Alpacas know what you are saying by the way that you say it. They may not understand your language but they can pick up on intent. Learn to talk to your alpacas nicely. In this episode, Steve talks with his wife Sue about their experience of talking to alpacas. Using the right words for the context means you will convey the emotional intent of calming and reassuring your alpacas that you are a safe person to be around. Practice and also take note of how they communicate with each other. Develop ...
Dec 09, 2020•20 min•Ep. 102
Any subject 101 is a topic for beginners. And since we are at episode 101 (for those that are counting) thought we should have a quick alpaca 101 episode! What is an alpaca and where do they come from? Why do you want to keep alpacas? How many should you have? What might be limiting factors? Where will you get them? Before they arrive Storage Handling Husbandry Growing old together It is going to take more time and energy than you think, more money and will bring limitations to you BUT... you wi...
Dec 02, 2020•12 min•Ep. 101
So here we are at episode 100 on a journey of almost two years. It has been a great journey and I am delighted you have been with me for some or all of it. Thank you. I am also very grateful for the many guests we have had during that time, who have added their voices to the varied subjects we have covered. Join me in this special episode as I select some great contributions and share them with you again. TIMESTAMPS Start playing and then use the links below to jump to the place you want to list...
Nov 25, 2020•30 min•Ep. 100
Grass is green but lots of different shades. Can you remember why grass is green? - well it is all to do with the red and blue parts of the light spectrum being absorbed by the grass and green being reflected. And what does grass do with the absorbed light - well that’s also a bit complex and gets us into the chemistry of photosynthesis and porphyrin rings and the like - I loved learning all about it back in the day but do you know what… it all happens whether you can remember - even if you ever...
Nov 18, 2020•15 min•Ep. 99
Kris Cody sees things and makes connections. On a trip to Peru, he discovered alpacas and the Peruvian people. An idea took root and in time a business was born creating innovative fabrics and products that are made in Peru. Working in collaboration with the earth and people Paka Apparel make products that help people live lighter. In his words - "The products we build, the experiences we create, all support a simple mission: Consumers and creators made equal." Join us in this episode as we expl...
Nov 11, 2020•31 min•Ep. 98
