What a busy time for us.
We attended the SWAG show to have a look at the elite animals on display and ended up buying an Alpaca easy pen and a set of electronic scales so that our maintenance chores with the Alpacas will be easier.
Had a thoroughly enjoyable time chatting Alpaca constantly. We stayed at Warren holiday village which was basic but very convenient to the Hand Centre.
We took a look at as many of the top animals as we could and made sure of a good inspection of the baby Lawbreaker and the new Daredevil stud.
We were pleased to see our friends at Popham doing so well with their Suris and with Joshua.
It was also good to see CME Prometheus doing so well as he's a bit of a favourite.
On the subject of Classical Mile End this is where I went yesterday to do a shearing day.
We started with a classroom style talk from Chas on the ins and outs of why we shear and how we shear including a display of all the equipment we need and then it was down to the farmhouse for our lunch which Rachael did a lovely job too.
Then it was time for the practical session and we each had to shear two Alpacas and be head man for the person we were working with. We started with their blood donor boys which they use to spin plasma from. Some of these were old favourites and some real characters.
The one I did is now even more of a character due to his new cut style. His head was slightly wonky and front legs not quite even but it was my first attempt.
The second one was a young, non breeding boy who I felt I did a much better job to and would not look out of place in a professionally sheared herd.
Now all I have to do is get the equipment I need and then give it a go on our own girls.
All in all I would recommend the day to anyone as it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Whilst there I was also given the tour of the paddocks and got the chance to get my hands on some of the stud males so my education continues.
Whilst we have had our first cria of the year which was a boy we await further births.
Di, you asked to see a picture of him so here he is.
This is Carpalla Adam our first born
this year. He is by West Webburn Calypso.
Today we were on a totally different track showing our Guinea pigs at Redruth. We were pleased to get best Teddy and third best non self in the show. Best of all it meant that we gained some rosettes with them at last.
