February 25th, 2008
by webmaster
We recently had to say good-bye to our good friends Kent & Chiu Powell. We’ll miss the many visits we’ve shared over the last year, especially the days we just sat in the pasture and talked alpaca. They’re just getting started but their enthusiasm will translate into years of success. Also, their move to Colorado will give us an excuse to visit that alpaca friendly state many times over the coming years.
They’ll be back for Alpacapalooza, so be sure to stop by their stall and say Hi.
February 9th, 2008
by webmaster
Last week we were awakened by the sound of coyotes nearby. Several nights later we heard them again. The neighbor that borders the back of our property had a small herd of exotic deer that has fallen prey the last two winters to coyotes. The last two left on his property were the reason for the packs return.
We have several acres in the far corner of our farm that is not fenced as well as we would like. For that reason we don’t use it for the alpacas. This morning, at around eight o’clock, Jerry looked out over the fields and in that far field we could see a group of 5 or 6 coyotes. The alpacas didn’t seem too concerned and the coyotes just moved on to the next farm.
The return during the daylight didn’t present a problem, but during the night visits the pack was in a very vocal, hunting mode. Both times Jerry brought out our Cyclops light. He would shine it out over the fields in the direction of the pack and they very quickly left the area. We’ve used this light many times after bringing alpacas to our farm and would recommend it as an invaluable tool to anyone who needs to evaluate a problem in their fields at night. We can shine it over 30+ acres in a matter of seconds. We’ve used it not only to scare off predators, but check on pregnant females and even spotted a new cria a time or two.
