Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

You can enjoy being with alpacas whatever the weather. They seem to cope with it all but it does change their behaviour, which is true of us too. Here in the UK particularly, we seem to be obsessed with the weather.

The wind can put an extra spring in an alpacas step. If you can go spend some time with your alpacas in windy weather and notice what is going on with them.

Whatever the weather - enjoy the alternative perspective alpacas bring to our worlds.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, everyone maybe talking AI - but not everyone is talking Alpaca Intelligence

Join me as I consider the intelligence shown by these amazing creatures.

I also got caught out in the rain and had to shelter while giving breakfast to the girls. Preparation and spontaneity. Why not have a half-hour holiday with your alpacas? But take something to sit on, the ground is wet from that latest shower.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, the air was still and the valley was quiet. The alpacas were waiting for breakfast. What a great start to the day.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we find Hywel catches me out with a lump on the jaw and the gravity levels seem up in the valley

Read about Little Grebes here

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/little-grebe/

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I talk about feeding and what I noticed this week.

Olaf and Joseff are sort of getting along. Hermione has an inscrutable stare. Rhoslyn fools me with some food.

Spend some time with your alpacas and stay safe in the wild weather.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I am joined by my wife Sue, as we talk about how the characters of alpacas in our herd are so different. Sue met them on the green path, and they all revealed themselves in their typical behaviours. Hear about Millie the Matriarch and Amelia, who always brings upon the rear - and everyone in between.

It is fascinating the way behaviours seem to be passed down the generations

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I talk bout fear. Yours and the alpacas'.

Big fears - heights, fire etc are healthy and keep us safe. Lower-level fears of what people will think, what if we make a mistake, what if we don't do the right thing, can debilitate, lock us up and cause us to disengage. Alpacas can get locked up too, or opt-out of situations. We can do things to cause this or minimise it. Things that can help our alpacas engage and be present.

I share some experiences from halter training some young males.

Learn to reduce fear in yourself and in your alpacas.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, the story continues with part 2. What a thrill it is when dreams become reality. Listen in to Errin's story of her new arrivals on the farm in Indiana. Three male alpacas - five days before we spoke.

Two suris and a huacaya. Delightful animals from the rescue farm run by April and Bryan, Fabled Farm Rescue and Sanctuary https://fabledfarmrescue.org/

Errin did her research, including listening to the podcast and finding herself a mentor to support her early days as an alpaca owner - Three Point Fiber Mill https://www.threepointsfibermill.com/ Mike & Nancy Christin.

Errin Weisman DO can be found in various places on social media, including Twitter - @errinweisman; Instagram - @burnout_to_badass; LinkedIn; Pintrest @eRRRin and FaceBook @errinweisman. Go find her and more of her work, including the podcast https://www.doctormefirst.com/listen-podcast

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we hear about when dreams become reality. Listen in to Errin's story of her new arrivals on the farm in Indiana. Three male alpacas - five days before we spoke.

Two suris and a huacaya. Delightful animals from the rescue farm run by April and Bryan, Fabled Farm Rescue and Sanctuary https://fabledfarmrescue.org/

Errin did her research, including listening to the podcast and finding herself a mentor to support her early days as an alpaca owner.

The book she mentioned reading was the 4th Edition “Alpaca Veterinary Field Manual” by Dr Evans - https://www.lightlivestockequipment.com/product/dr-evans-alpaca-field-manual-4th-edition/ Don't let it overwhelm you, but just in case you wanted to know.

Errin Weisman DO can be found in various places on social media, including Twitter - @errinweisman; Instagram - @burnout_to_badass; LinkedIn; Pintrest @eRRRin and FaceBook @errinweisman. Go find her and more of her work, including the podcast https://www.doctormefirst.com/listen-podcast

Part 2 in next episode

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, two of my favourite things are seasons and noticing. When we notice something, we need to hold it long enough, until we are sure.

We seem to be changing seasons. Yellow leaves dropping from the trees - or is it just from the heat wave a few weeks ago? The brambles seem to be confused and are producing new flowers and fruit at the same time - at least near each other, even if not on the same plant. There are also other flowers returning to the summer stage for a quick reprise. What is going on?

What are you noticing? What are you noticing with your alpacas?

Don't get caught out as I did with Alys.

When we notice something, we need to hold it long enough until it makes sense and we know how to interpret it. Keep noticing. Keep holding.

If you can, grab a chair and go sit in the field with your alpacas. It is a wonderful way to end the summer.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I have a question for you about what keeping alpacas is all about for you. No right answers but yours.

We have been having some welcome rain of late - why don't you come for a walk with me, in the rain!

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I want to help those of you who are thinking more seriously about keeping alpacas. It is not for everyone and is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is one of the best things I have ever done and, at times one of the hardest.

There are many things to learn and most will be on-the-job experience. The alpacas will teach you. A friendly breeder is also important.

Three things to bear in mind:

1. Land - enough of the right kind and remember to think about how suitable it will be all year. Enough fences and gates and a good layout for moving animals between fields.
2. Commitment - it will cost you money and time. Sometimes, a lot of both. Don't be put off but do take the decision to keep alpacas seriously. They are long-lived animals with specific needs.
3. Choose - pick animals you like the look of and consider their characters. Buy from a breeder you can get on well with. You will need their support in the early years.

If you can, go spend some time with an alpaca breeder and their alpacas.

See you again soon

LINKS

Camelidynamics and Marty McGee Bennett - check out:

• 3 Day CAMELIDynamics Course, with Marty McGee Bennett Dundee MI, Sept. 10-12, 2022
• Handler helper (US)
• Handler helper (UK)

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I predictably complain about the weather. I am British, after all! Strangers on the farm and more welcome visitors - swallows, ducks and dragonflies. Keep the water topped up during the hot weather and try to spend some time with your alpacas - you may want to avoid direct sunlight!

Take care and hope to see you again soon.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I finish the update on this year's shearing and happenings in the valley. It is always nice to clean up and pack away the shearing equipment for another year. It went well, we had a good crop of fleece and almost all of the herd were in good shape. Satisfying.

Of course, another round of feeding and weather-watching follows straight after, but at least the heavy work is done for now.

Time to take a breath and smile - while spending some time with the alpacas.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, it is a great day for a walk and a talk with the alpacas. The lake is starting to fill again (slowly, though it might not last)

The girls were nicely arranged around the buildings waiting for my arrival. Pic omn the website for you.

If you can, go spend some time with an alpaca.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I explore how I think about normal and variations from it. A laid-back summer episode.

Also do go check out this podcast from The Carbon Almanac

https://carbon-sessions.captivate.fm/episodes/1#showEpisodes

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I am thinking about how funny alpacas can be and how they are a delight to be around. Remember to always laugh with them, not at them - that goes for those significant humans in your life too!

Millie the matriarch and Megan and Alys all get a mention.

What do you do with your alpacas for fun?

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we hear some sounds and reflect on what you think of when someone says "the sound of summer".

We also have a valley update and yet more sounds we are hearing.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I am thinking about the march of time and how it is marked by seasons and regular activities. I also share how I am particularly grateful for the benefits of alpaca pace to my life. What about you?

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I am considering how to make sense of the things that happen. Sometimes they are random, sometimes they are the result of our actions and sometimes they mean something. But not always. For example, there is no connection between me planning to shear and it starting to rain - at least I don't think so!

Make your plans, stay flexible and include some contingencies and then make peace with not knowing. The circumstances may not change but we can feel completely different about them. You can make the difference.

Stay present in the moment - plan to have a half-hour holiday by going and spending time with your alpacas - today, or tomorrow at the latest. And do it regularly - it's good for you.

I am involved in a project and wanted to let you know - The Carbon Almanac - a book of vital resources will be published in the Summer of 2022. Check out the website for more details.

There are four associated podcasts - in this episode I wanted to highlight The Carbon Connection, where podcast episodes by other people are re-shared because they are so useful for us as we engage with climate change. I hope you enjoy.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we will be thinking about what success means to us.

It could be the first time you do something, the repeats that increase your skill, or it could be consistency over time. Success means different things to different people and also over time.

The Carbon Almanac is going to be an amazing printed resource for people who care about the planet and all life on it, including alpacas. To be published soon - paper supplies permitting. Meanwhile, there are downloadable resources and four different podcasts to listen to. I have included the trailer to the kids' podcast, Generation Carbon. I hope you enjoy them and decide to go check them out for yourself and also share them with others.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we are thinking about the future and change and how we can prepare, or at least ask the right kind of questions.

When change happens slowly we may not notice it as much but we will still experience the impact at some point.

Climate change, sourcing feed, delivery challenges, sustainability and regeneration. We have to take account of so much.

But don't panic, or slide into eco-anxiety. There are things we can do.

LINKS

https://thecarbonalmanac.org/

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we talk about finishing the shearing for the whole herd. So welcome!

Learning as always - about the alpacas, individually and collectively. Learning about ourselves. Confidence and clarity. Preparation and mindset. It all works in together.

What does success look like to you? Moving target, so take the small wins and let them build together to make progress.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we talk shearing and give a valley update.

I had forgotten how physical shearing is and am now suitably tired and we are only partway through!

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we revisit episode one when it all began. Unexpected commitments have kept me from my microphone this week but should be back to normal next. This is where we began. Hope you enjoy. Steve

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I explore some things I have found that surprise alpacas. Their curiosity normally intervenes but sometimes they do make a little jump first. It includes:

• sudden movements
• loud sounds
• unexpected objects
• things underfoot
• things being blown around

Check out your local environment to reduce potential impact.

What things have surprised your alpacas? Drop me a line and let me know.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I want to explore how we can talk with our alpacas. I am sure we talk to them but do you know when they talk back?

Our aim is to better understand what our alpacas need.

If we listen (including watching) they will talk to us.

Three questions:

1. What do you notice?
2. What does it mean?
3. What should I do about it (and when)?

Not a magic wand, just a step along the way to being better alpaca owners.

Let me know what you hear.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I explore change, considering how we approach it and the difference between things we have no control over and things we can affect.

World scale changes will affect us, maybe not today or even tomorrow, but soon.

As always, I encourage you to go spend some time with your alpacas and enjoy the moment.

Let me know your thoughts.

The podcasting timeline and where the term podcast came from

https://internationalpodcastday.com/podcasting-history/

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I encourage us to be kind to ourselves and allow mistakes to be learning opportunities - but it is not easy.

Listen in to a valley update and Amelia's latest strangeness.

Planning for a mini-series on growing older - both our alpacas and us!

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

I have learnt many things while keeping alpacas - obviously about them but also about me. In this episode, I share three of those life lessons that transfer to 'normal living' not just alpacas.

1. Patience
2. Attention
3. Loss and love

What have you learnt from alpacas?

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I give a valley update, talk about what spooked the girls and what we can do about it and consider how we move forward in our experience of keeping alpacas by increasing traction and reducing friction.

• A CAMELIDynamics Virtual Conference - 2-day virtual conference with amazing guest speakers and camelid focussed knowledge.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I notice some things and invite you to become more aware of what you notice.

Alpacas are great to be around when your head is spinning with problems and questions that don't have answers. It kind of puts things into perspective.

So do yourself a favour and spend some time with an alpaca - or the next best thing, an episode of alpaca tribe!

• A CAMELIDynamics Virtual Conference - Amazing speaker line up - you need to check it out!
• Paka Apparel - "The products we build, the experiences we create, all support a simple mission: Consumers and creators made equal."

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, I am in conversation with Lanette Frietag of FeltLOOM.

Lanette has long-term experience of alpacas and other fibre animals, and even owned some of the early imports of alpacas to the US. Before that she had llamas.

How do you scale up your use of fleece to make living, or at least cover the costs of feeding your alpacas? We all face that challenge. Lanette discovered first wet-felting and then needle-felting, by hand. Recognising a machine was needed to scale up, they searched but could not find one, so they developed their own! The FeltLOOM.

I hope you enjoy this episode of how things began for Lanette and why. Also, watch out for a bonus episode coming soon, that will give even more of the backstory.

• FeltLOOM website - description of the machine with pictures and videos
• Punched card - Wikipedia - Some background to punched cards for computing for those who are too young to remember them.

Developer of the FeltLOOM. Involved with early importing of alpacas to the US

Lanette's Facebook page

Lanette's Website

Lanette on YouTube

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we will be revisiting the first episode of the podcast - over three years ago - hardly seems possible.

It was a good reminder to me of where we started and why - I would love to know what you think and what you would like more of - drop me an email to steve@alpacatribe.com. Can't wait to hear from you.

Spring is my favourite time of year - well today is my favourite time of year really but currently, that means Spring. On the website, we have some pictures from the valley of what is going on. Check it out here https://alpacatribe.com

If you can, go spend some time with an alpaca.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, we are thinking about Spring.

As we pass the spring equinox the sun gets stronger and warmer. Ideal alpaca sunbathing weather. Thoughts also turn towards... spring things.

What is the word that comes after Spring?

In the US it may well be... Break as in Spring Break. Here in the UK my thoughts turn to Spring Cleaning

Listen in to find out more.

• Foxgloves - Easy to see the leaf rosettes in the Spring. Uproot them while you can see them before other vegetation grows up to hide them. Your next chance will be when the flower spikes emerge but don't let them seed.

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode,

The weather shifted in the right direction, allowing us to start the shearing. A good crop of fleece - better than last year and the girls all seem to be in good shape, which is nice to see.

Keeping records is a good idea - keep it simple and make it easy. I use this app on my phone to dictate notes or capture photos and website links etc. If I could only have one app on my phone it would be this one. https://bear.app/

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

We look at the alpaca dam and sire but may still not have a clue about the cria that will result. Join me as I muse on breeding decisions.

The first consideration is the bloodlines and avoiding potential inbreeding. Next, we should be considering the desirable traits and how to increase the likelihood of adding to them in the next and following generations.

At one level it seems simple but there are issues of genotype and phenotype and which traits are clustered together.

One of the important factors is data over time which means keeping records - and referring to them. We do not just need more alpacas but better ones and our breeding choices will affect this.

This is more challenging for owners of a few animals since the data requires quantity over time to be more accurate.

Here is a link to the British Alpaca Society discussion of Estimated Beeding Values https://bas-uk.com/alpacapedia/estimated-breeding-values-for-alpacas/

Contact me with your thoughts on breeding decisions steve@alpacatribe.com

Change is the one constant. Join me on the alpaca feeding round on a wet late-winter afternoon.

For basic equipment like troughs and buckets, investing in some long-lasting ones will serve you well.

Take care of yourself.

We are all creatures of habit but alpacas especially so. From feeding preferences and positions to grazing routes and times of the day. Millie and her daughters have particular behaviours that are noticeable but so do the others, even if they tend to hang back.

Noticing the tendency to form habits, how do we make good use of it? Calling them, feeding them at the same time in the same place and knowing where they are likely to be at different times of the day can all be used to our advantage in simplifying how we manage our charges. It also means we get to spend more time watching them and interacting with them. Which has got to be a good thing.

Here in the UK, we survived the three named storms in five days, with some trees down in the valley but not any serious damage thankfully. The alpacas kept themselves indoors when the winds were strong and were producing driving rain.

Millie was a little unwell with some diarrhoea but we were able to get her balanced up again pretty quickly. To give a little extra protection we added a waterproof coat. We got a couple to help the older girls and they are really appreciating them. Bright red so I can see where the vulnerable ones are at a distance. It seems to have been a real boost to them and they are back in the midst of the group during feeding times rather than hanging back.

This made me realise we can overlook the ones who are in the middle - those who are not outstanding due to their behaviour or looks or problems (or red coats). Worth intentionally checking they are doing OK now and again. A job for the next feeding - look out for the alpacas in the middle.

Alpacas recognise each other - and us. From a distance and close up, they pick up on cues from all of their senses to know where they are and who they are with. What can we learn from them?

The herd group dynamics of alpacas always amaze me with their complexity and detail. From who they will share a feeding trough with, to who they will sit down next to. From who they know to be part of their family to who they count as friends.

It is easy to anthropomorphize but from my experience, I would say there are definite relationships and interactions between alpacas that suggest a high level of awareness and decision making. Even as they stare at you inscrutably they know so much more than they let on.

They know me by sight sound and smell - I sometimes confuse them unintentionally by wearing a hat. But once they see and hear me up close - and catch a whiff! - they are happy again.

Why not spend some time watching and noting what is going on with a group of alpacas. Give them time to settle, then start taking notes. And have fun!

Listen in to find out about the fox drama followed by the lifebuoy drama.

The things these alpacas get up to!

I always loved the concept of managing by wandering around since I first came across it in a previous life (ie before alpacas). Who knew you could apply it to managing your alpacas?

"What are you doing Steve?"

"Oh, I am just managing the alpacas!" - no really!

when having your risk assessment wander

• Tangles
• Gaps
• Risk of physical injury - thorns, nails, collapses, mud, water, fighting
• Holes - eg molehills or tunnels, or rabbit holes, or gopher holes, with stumble points
• Poisoning

• Remove
• Exclude
• Repair
• Prepare

How do you make decisions? It's a process and the final decision starts with the first consideration of maybe. We build a series of choices and data gathering into our final decision of commitment. But it all begins with the first small decision to stop and take a look.

If you are thinking of keeping alpacas, we owe it to ourselves to consider chasing and fulfilling our ambitions. At the same time, we owe it to everyone else to make sure we weigh up the pros and cons seriously. We don't have to know everything but we need to know enough and listen to others.

Listen in to some thoughts o what to consider and how to approach making alpaca decisions.

So, alpaca feet are a little different. They have two toes and they have long nails associated with those toes. And then the toes kind of merge into a little bit of web, but it merges into a flat, but fleshy pad, quite like a dog's paw,

It's quite distinct. There's nothing quite like it. It's not like a sheep's foot where you have the hard hoof, so these are soft.

They spread the weight. Now, occasionally you'll get stood on - no fairly regularly you'll get stood on. So you'll feel the weight of the alpaca. And you'll be glad that they've got a soft foot. It's still quite heavy and still quite a definite feeling through your Wellington boots or whatever you're wearing.

The other thing is that you will occasionally get caught with a kick. If you're standing in the wrong place at the wrong time, then the leg flies back and you get caught. The advantage, therefore of it being a pad is that you don't get as much damage. It's still gonna end up bruised.

It will bruise, but it's not as much physical damage as you could get from a hoof, from a horse or a cow or even a sheep.

So yeah, the question then is. How to look after them. I guess sometimes you notice there's a slight limp or something. Sometimes it's a physical injury of the leg rather than the foot, but sometimes there's a problem because they are soft fleshy, quite tough though, but they can get a thorn or something, or a cut, which gives an infection in the foot. So that's something to watch out for.

The other thing big thing really to watch out for is between the toes. It can become a bit of a trap point for mud, for grass seeds, for bits and pieces, but also it's quite closed in and therefore it can be kind of moist.

So you kind of get a bit fungal growth there. You can get a bit of other stuff going on and it's just a bit smelly, horrible, So occasionally you might need to give a bit of a clean, but it'll wash out. I tend to use an antiseptic cleaning solution. Called Hibiscrub, which is both strong enough and gently enough and can be diluted as necessary. It's also worth checking for any signs of mites here.

Of course, the default position is going to be that they don't really want you picking up their feet and examining them. So you may need to do some desensitizing work here, which is kind of taking hold gradually, getting them familiar with being touched and with you lifting a foot.

So be careful and work slowly. I think that's probably my best advice on that one.

Going back to when we started and that first seeing of a footprint, do you know, it still gives me a lovely sense of satisfaction to see alpaca footprints around. I just love it.

So do give them a check-out don't overdo it and don't force them but do give them a checkout.

When you start into a new year, there seem to be two things going on at the same time, more of the same, and different. Now, these are both happening at the same time, in the same space, in the same place. It's just another day in alpaca land.

The alpacas don't seem to know anything about Christmas, new year or public holidays. And why should they? I have been delighting in the extra light that is continuing to appear making the day a little lighter for longer each day. The critical light window we've had to work with is growing. The boys tend to get their supper in the gloom, if not the dark at times. This is now becoming easier.

The cold and wet, well, that continues much the same. Some frost, some mud.

The other day I noticed it was like creme brulee, as I stepped on crisp, thin layers of mud and water.

One day, the alpacas stayed sat down while I mucked out around them and got the food ready.

And they were waiting until the last minute to bring their cold toes out from under their warm bodies. I've got a few of the alpacas in coats, which seems to be helping. Just giving a bit of extra protection for them.

The birds seem to be getting busy. Have you noticed there are more leaves and Moss and some poop pile areas that have been turned over and flicked around?

I think this is mainly the blackbirds.

The Canada geese we've had them around quite a bit. They come in and they spend most of the day here. And then just as it's going really dusk and they can only just see the silhouettes of the trees and the sky is darkening, they seem to decide to head off back to wherever they normally hang out.

The goosanders are back and we hope to see more of them.

That sense of a full hay store and full feed bins makes for a happy heart. At least mine. The squirrels have been busy, but we've come up with some, techniques, some tactics, which seemed to be keeping them at bay.

The solution for us was a plastic bin with a metal bin over the top of it.

So things are ticking along, but we continue to watch out for any problems and particularly body condition scores can be so quick for it to start sliding and for them to lose body condition in this cold weather.

And it's hidden by the increasing fleece cover. So do get your hands on them.

It's also a good time to revisit your list of things you've been meaning to do, but not quite got around to yet.

Repairing things, replacing things, cleaning, tidying, preparing. Plenty to give our attention to for sure.

If you'd like to drop me a note, I'd love to hear from you. There's a link on the website. You can leave me a message or you can send an email to steve@alpacadrive.com.

I look forward to seeing you again next time. And if you can go spend some time with an alpaca.

Here is the second part of my interview with our vet Tamara van Doorn of St James Vet Group. We talked last time about how we can work as a team and get the best from our vets,. In this episode we talk herd health plans and where to point your vet if they need some more technical support.

NADIS - National Animal Disease Information Service

British Veterinary Camelid Society

Claire Whitehead and her ukalpacavet website

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!

In this episode, walking with alpacas is a delight. Watch them move. Note the footfalls and the fluid motion. Watch them from many angles. It is a great reason to go spend time with your alpacas.

We had some visitors to come talk alpaca fibre and fashion and regeneration. Lovely.

Check out their wider work here

https://www.fashionactnow.org/projects

https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en

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

Learning to work as part of a team with your vet will make your life with alpacas easier and better for all concerned. Listen as I talk alpacas with my vet Tamara van Doorn of St James Veterinary Group. So much good stuff we had to split it into two episodes.

Tamara's training focussed on healthy animals first - knowing normal and healthy makes it easier to notice sick and unhealthy animals. As part of that training, there was the opportunity to look after animals, including alpacas. I think she developed a soft spot for these amazing animals.

Next time we will look at herd health plans and how to get access to better information.

Reflecting on the year we have had I came up with some things that stood out with the alpacas here in our little valley in South Wales.

• The geese and having breakfast with the girls was memorable and a delight
• our first cria arrival - Lena, daughter of Betsi
• cria watch
• the missing baby
• Millie the matriarch being a stick-in-the-mud

I hope that the new year brings new opportunities for you - may you know peace, joy and good health in the coming year. And if you can, go spend some time with an alpaca!

Your friend Steve

Just wanted to give you a quick update and wish you all happy holidays and much joy!

Next episode we have a short review of the year and in January we have a 2-part interview with our vet Tamara van Doorn, Can't wait to share it with you!

Steve