Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Alpacas are such a delight to have in your life. I look at them and smile - and sometimes laugh. And then notice their eyes that look back. Hidden depths. I don't think I expected to be caught as much as I have been. Spring advances and the alpacas are happy to have the larger birds - Canada Geese and Pheasants around in their midst, literally. More grass is welcome and sun for sun-bathing and encourages dust-bathing too! Make room for a half-hour holida...
Apr 24, 2024•15 min•Ep. 277
Sheltering from a Spring shower reminds me of alpaca births here on the farm. Feeding at both ends of the day, mending fences and watching the swallows. A good day. Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works , which is part of The Watersid...
Apr 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 276
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! I have talked about being more alpaca before ( episode 97 back in November 2020 ) I wanted to revisit it and found four areas that struck me as important as the moment. I hope they might inspire you to be more alpaca in your 'normal life' too. Peaceful Protective Connected Readers Sue Heatherington (my lovely wife) has just released two new podcasts. One is the reading of her book Quiet Disruptors and the other is called Be More Poet - about a posture ra...
Apr 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 275
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I share a lovely story about hats and her alpacas from a listener in France. Thanks for sharing with me and then letting me share it with everyone else. Spring continues to arrive - delightful. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Po...
Apr 03, 2024•18 min•Ep. 274
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! I have many hats and I wear most of them. The alpacas sometimes seem to take exception. Of course, the metaphorical hats we wear connect to roles and responsibilities. Listen in as I talk hats and alpacas. LINKS Tilley Hats Claire Whitehead – UKAlpacaVet Marty McGee-Bennett – Camelidynamics The Podcasting Workshop Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leav...
Mar 27, 2024•17 min•Ep. 273
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Alpaca shows can be a great place to learn what to notice, how to describe and what to give priority to. Lots to be seen and heard. Animals to be seen and lovely alpaca people to be met. Often they are available online if you are not able to travel. This is the link for the British Alpaca National show here in the UK. Website: http://basnationalshow.co.uk/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bas5946/featured If you can't get to a show maybe have on...
Mar 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 272
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I offer you three things you can do to help you thrive. The good news is they will also help your alpacas. Find somewhere to sit. Be clear about what you want. Stay connected. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works , w...
Mar 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 271
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Geese joined the alpacas in their field just before feeding time, which got a little complicated. A cold but dry frosty morning made for a lovely time standing with my female alpacas while they had breakfast. Unfortunately, the sun had not arrived at the spot I was standing, so I got a little chilled – especially the hand holding the phone as I recorded this episode. I would like to take the protective coats off our two old girls but it is still too cold...
Mar 06, 2024•15 min•Ep. 270
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! You may have heard it said that alpacas are basically the same as sheep but with long legs and necks. I know why people say that but I think they are wrong. Listen in as I share some of the unique characteristics of these amazing animals. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by St...
Feb 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 269
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! There can be a strong driver towards growing your alpaca herd. But there is a comfortable limit which is determined by considering the amount of land you have, the amount of time you have and the amount of money you have. Slow deliberate growth to a maximum limit that you have decided on in advance is a good way to set the foundations of your herd. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by emai...
Feb 21, 2024•17 min•Ep. 268
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Sadly, this week, we lost our herd matriarch, Millie. She has been mentioned on the podcast many times and has been with us for 15 years. Seeing her twice a day for that length of time is a lot of alpaca interaction. She had an amazing attitude and taught me a lot, including how to avoid being spat at. A clear leader of the herd, she will be missed, and the other girls are now going through the adjustment of grieving and accommodating to the new reality ...
Feb 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 267
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I want to consider people's assumptions about alpacas. There may be some truth, but it is not the full story. It is also not a definitive list. Let me know if you think there are other assumptions people make about alpacas. Alpacas spit - true but you usually have to work hard at it and ignore the warning signs. Alpacas are slow - they may have perfected the alpaca-saunter, but don't be fooled; they are saving themselves for a sprint. Al...
Feb 07, 2024•15 min•Ep. 266
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve continues his conversation with Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. They talk about their experience as small breeders in Australia and the UK with its contrasts and similarities. They discuss the state of the alpaca industry in Australia. They talk about the growth and stability of the industry, the challenges faced by breeders, the impact of COVID-19 on alpaca shows, the shift in exporting alpacas to Asia, and the di...
Jan 31, 2024•24 min•Ep. 265
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I had the pleasure and delight of catching up with my friend Rita Soares from Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. We compared seasons and considered the magic of cria watch and new birth. Join us. Rita's Instagram feed @campoverdealpacas/ Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and...
Jan 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 264
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Good decisions are made when we balance head and heart. Not in equal measure but by taking both into account. Most of us favour one or the other, so reflect on how you tend to do this, before making big decisions like "should I keep alpacas?" If you want to consider that question in more detail, check out Episode 189 "Things to think about before keeping alpacas" Stay warm. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch,...
Jan 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 263
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Join me in the valley for a sit in the cold and some breakfast with the girls. It might not be the best time of year in the UK for sitting outside. If you get some surprise winter sun do take advantage of it. New Year encourages some philosophical reflection but sometimes unreality. What small things can we do today that will have longer-term benefits for you, your alpacas and the planet? Decide which trend you want to lean towards. It takes time but it ...
Jan 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 262
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we start the year with intention. With a plan of when we will do the alpaca things that need to be done this coming year. What needs to be done and when? What will you do on March 17th? OK, so that is too detailed. What will you do in January is a better question. Plan by the month but recognise there is a need for flexibility. We will not let things slide, but we will pivot and Pirouette when we need to. As well as practical things like...
Jan 03, 2024•18 min•Ep. 261
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Seasons have different sounds - here are some from the valley and house on Christmas day. Happy Holidays. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works , which is part of The Waterside (Swansea) Ltd This podcast uses the following third-party...
Dec 27, 2023•10 min•Ep. 260
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I reflect on fears and hopes and share my best wishes for the season. The alpacas like to be around when I am up to something but I ended up surprising them with some overflowing water. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting...
Dec 20, 2023•13 min•Ep. 259
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode of The Alpaca Tribe, host Steve Heatherington reflects on the past year and discusses the growth and confidence he has gained over time in caring for alpacas. He shares anecdotes about his alpacas' behaviors and talks about interpreting their signs to ensure they are healthy and comfortable. Steve also delves into the challenges of managing unpredictable natural elements - like having a swan in the valley and dealing with the changing sea...
Dec 13, 2023•18 min•Ep. 258
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve provides a weather forecast, talks about visitors, including a swan and an unidentified goose, and shares observations and reflections about how being around alpacas can help reduce stress and how we, in turn, can reduce stress for them. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hos...
Dec 06, 2023•26 min•Ep. 257
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Observations from the Alpaca Farm: Morning Rituals and Seasonal Changes In this episode of the Alpaca Tribe podcast, host Steve Hetherington talks through his routines and experiences on an early, frosty morning. Steve shares his breakfast feeding routine with the alpacas, contemplates the weight of the feed bag and reflects on the peculiarities of the day, warning listeners about life's unexpected abnormalities. Steve revels in the seasonal changes, nam...
Nov 29, 2023•15 min•Ep. 256
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! There are many things we can be thankful for. For me, alpacas are definitely high on the list. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it. May we know more love, peace, and joy in the coming days and into 2024. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of ...
Nov 22, 2023•16 min•Ep. 255
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I give some pointers on knowing if you are an alpaca fanatic and some gift ideas for yourself and your loved ones as we approach the holiday season. There is also an update on the valley visitors. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good...
Nov 15, 2023•18 min•Ep. 254
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we have an update from the valley and see how the questions from last time apply beyond alpacas. What do I see? What does it mean? What do I do about it? Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works , which is part of The Wa...
Nov 08, 2023•18 min•Ep. 253
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I will be discussing some of my favourite questions to consider when spending time with these amazing creatures. The first question to ask yourself is "What is it that I am seeing?" This is an important step in observation that can help you better understand the behaviour and actions of your alpacas. The next question to ask is "What does it mean?" This question is crucial in interpreting your observations, and it can change depending on...
Nov 01, 2023•19 min•Ep. 252
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I notice that time runs differently depending on your perspective. Here we have valley time, farm time and of course, alpaca time! You won't be surprised to learn that alpaca time is my favourite. What about you? As the clocks are about to go back, it made me think about the different times we run to. The valley gives a particular perspective and has its own rhythm. How the sun arrives and reveals itself is different to living on the fla...
Oct 25, 2023•19 min•Ep. 251
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we celebrate reaching 250 episodes - the alpacas were not there for my special breakfast and were not so impressed by what is, after all, just a number. They like me talking to them, really! Sometimes they prefer their own breakfast - but still come looking for me for second-breakfast. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voice...
Oct 18, 2023•16 min•Ep. 250
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We can choose what we pay attention to. I enjoy being around my alpacas, and sometimes that is just for me. But I can also pay attention to things to help prepare for winter as it approaches here in the UK. Things I will be giving attention to in the coming weeks are: fringes - alpaca fleece grows unevenly and for some the front fringe is starting to encroach over the eyes check the jaw line for possible lumps indicative of an infection. Once established...
Oct 11, 2023•18 min•Ep. 249
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We all have favourite spots - places we relax and feel safe. Alpacas have favourite spots, too. Do you know where they are? Do you know how to make the most of them to help your alpacas feel safe? Check out where they go and what they do and then protect their favourite places. Foster that sense of safety including you being a safe person to be around. Have a quick break - ideally with your alpacas but at least go to one of your favourite places. Perfect...
Oct 04, 2023•18 min•Ep. 248
