Alpacas on the move.

 

This is obviously the week for Fallowfield alpacas to be travelling – some to new homes and some to the British Alpaca Futurity at the NEC and more mundanely some to just another paddock here which has slightly more grass.  I did say “Slightly”!  Note how these alpacas are not even prepared to lift their heads up for the photo shoot - far more important things on their minds.

I'm always a bit sad to say “Good Bye” to those of our alpacas that are moving on to pastures new and it’s important to us that they go to good homes.  We took three of our girls up to Conundrum Farm in Berwickshire yesterday where they were warmly greeted by their new owners Nigel and Lynn Dudgeon.  I think these three must have thought they had arrived in paradise with a big field all to themselves and yes – you guessed it – loads of grass! 

I have to confess that we didn’t get round to taking any photos of  Nerini, Eve and Portia as they left here or even after arriving at their new home because, quite frankly, it was just too cold to hang about outside.  Not to mention that we are just a tad busy here.

 

Talking of sales, we have been busy with photographs in the sunshine this morning as we have added some more alpacas to our sales list.  You can check these out on our website www.fallowfieldalpacas.com.  The only way to keep a herd to a certain size is to keep selling and there are some lovely alpacas on the list.  Some are show winners, some more suited to starter herds and some great pets.  These photos are of Octavius and a close up of his fabulous fleece

 

It’s a hive of activity here both in and out the house today and though still cold, it’s bright and dry.  As we’re off to the NEC tomorrow morning, we’ve got masses to get done.  Mike is sorting out the animals, vehicles and writing instructions for my sister and brother in law who are house sitting whilst I am making sure we have got everything we need – bar the kitchen sink! – for this huge show. 

There is always a bit of a debate here about just how much hay we need to take with us when going to an alpaca show.   Mike would take less than half of what I insist we need.  This is probably because when we were really novice breeders, we took some of our alpacas to the Nationals and took the amount of hay Mike reckoned we would need and we ran out.  Fortunately we had good friends there who had loads and were happy to help us out but ever since then I take enough hay with me to feed the whole herd – well maybe not quite!!

Anyway – wishing everyone travelling to the British Alpaca Futurity a safe journey and do come and say hello to us.  We are very much looking forward to catching up with lots of alpaca chat and meeting both old and new friends.

Back to the packing now – mustn’t forget white shirts and black trousers, the dress code for exhibitors and stewards and since I fall into both categories I had better take plenty!

PS  Just sold two more alpacas today - it's all action here!