Blog forgot

Have had a friend staying for a few days so have not kept up to date with the blog.

We have been very lucky with the weather and it is great to think that every sunny day now shortens the winter to come a little.

All this year's cria have now been fully vaccinated, which is a relief. Although it is not guaranteed at least we feel that they are safer from some common diseases. The booster jabs consist of one injection but the first vaccination has to be given twice four weeks apart before immunity kicks in.

Tanya, our lovely little black and white cria who had the hernia operation now has knock knees, which signals a Vitamin D deficiency. We routinely give Vitamin D to all alpacas under two years old to prevent rickets, but sometimes the darker coloured alpacas need a bit more as they do not absorb the sun's rays as well as the lighter ones (we think). We have given her her booster vaccination and a slightly larger dose of Vitamin D than normal in an effort to treat her condition. She is, however, very robust and lively, so there is not too much to worry about.

I am getting quite brave these days about moths, although still a little less comfortable with spiders. Even I was daunted by the Hawk Moth we have living in the laudry room in the barn at the moment. It is absolutely huge - according to google the wingspan is 80 - 120 mm!! I am facinated by him but at the same time would like to ask him to leave.

Another lesson learned - remember when the hens are in the back garden don't leave the kitchen door open. See photo.

I have not been able to get a good photo of the moth as I am not that technical with the camera. The Zoom only makes it a blurr.

The good weather has brought out lots of customers for the shop and grannies and grandads with their grandchildren coming to see the alpacas.