This blog has the single purpose of exchanging information, comments, opinions and ideas related to any aspect of selecting, buying, breeding, raising, selling and showing Alpacas. There is no limit (other than descency and politeness) to the topics and discussions we hope to have through this blog. And, we hope that prospective buyers, new comers and veteran ranchers alike will fully participate. No question is too simple and no issue is too remote for this blog. Alpacas, ranching issues, products for sale or wanted and advice (solicited or not) all are topics of interest.
To start us off:
I am looking out the window at howling wind, pushing snow into drifts. The temperature is headed for the teens and I am interested if some of you will pass on your experience with Alpaca ranching in the cold weather. I built a stable barn, have it fenced off into sections --one for the trouble-maker big boys, one for Pedro and his two girlfriends (pregnant) and one for everyone else--and the 'pacas are all in there tonight with all of the doors wide open. I went in and spent a few minutes and even though the thermometer on the wall said it was cold, it actually seemed really cozy and peaceful.
Before we moved to North Idaho, I had a lot of concerns about these cold temperatures, especially with some crias to care for. I also was not prepared for the water barrels freezing solid in a short time. And, of course, it seems a couple of the girls decided it was easier to make a dung pile inside the barn rather than go out in the snow. I wish they had not done that because I don't know how to make them stop once it begins.
Any ideas or experiences, or things to watch out for in this climate would be interesting to me.
Please visit often and add your comments. Also, add a link to your ranch or business. To add a link, you can Email it to
pedrospride@direcway.com and we will put it up there.
Best of luck to you all.
Ken Larson, Pedro's Pride Alpaca Ranch
