Re: [AlpacaTalk] trimming feet etc
Wendy, Marty's often stated that there is no such thing as a toenail emergency. No alpaca is going to die or even become lame from waiting a bit to trim toenails any more than a person or dog would. So, I'd say wait for the book. If for no other reason than you'll feel more confident when you end up approaching the task.
We often trim toenails on the ground here. While you can't get as short of a trim as picking up the feet, it's far less stressful for the animals and for you. I'd rather do toenails a little at a time but more often if it isn't going to involve a wrestling match to get it all done at once! Depending on the animal, it takes only one or two people to trim toenails at our farm, whether on the ground or by picking up the feet. And, definitely try Heather's suggestion of getting the feet wet first. Even if you just take advantage of a dewy or raining day, or spray their feet with a hose, the water softens the nails and makes them easier to cut.
Move slowly at first if the animals are scared (which most will be). There's no rule that every toenail on every animal has to be done at one time. Sure, that's logistically easier, but in the long run, I'd rather move at the alpaca's pace and reduce the likelihood of an even more frightened alpaca that fights harder the next time. I'd second the suggestion that the guild forum is a great place to get questions answered.
I'd encourage anyone looking for safer, easier methods of herd health to consider attending a Camelidynamics clinic. Especially you, Heather, since you live so close to Marty. Take advantage of your location. Herd health should be so much easier than needing four humans to wrestle one alpaca! Herd health day isn't a ton of fun, but it shouldn't have to be something that we dread either.
Best of luck,
Cheryl Ross, Camelidynamics Apprentice Practitioner
Mount Ampato Alpacas, LLC
9531 Millard Rd.
Trotwood, OH 45426
937-837-6748
cheryl@mtampato.
www.alpacanation.
----- Original Message -----
From: Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@westwind
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogro
Sent: Saturday, October 6, 2007 8:53:22 PM GMT-0500 Auto-Detected
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] trimming feet etc
Hi all,
I have to say that I do think Marty McGee's ways to do things are
certainly good. I haven't taken her courses nor have I gotten around to
reading the books, but I do know a few things about the methods and I
know I need to learn more and practice them.
That being said, our usual way of doing herd health is to all gang up
(four of us) on the poor alpaca(s) and hold them as tightly as
possible, and then do whatever needs to be done. For feet, it often
comes down to the alpaca cushing and us rolling them on their sides and
holding tight... then trimming their toenails.
And after several years of shearing without restraints, this year we
did use the restraints on the ground but not a shearing table, I do not
feel that the table or the leg restraints are the least bit inhumane.
It immobilizes the alpaca making an unexpected escape attempt which can
injure the humans, and during shearing the alpaca can get a serious
cut... And to me making any procedure safer, from shearing to shots to
toenail trimming, that is much more humane than the other. The other
being manhandling and wrestling into submission..
them stand nicely would be the best!
I do hope you find someone closeby to help you with your herd health
chores. If we were closer we'd come help!
Heather
Heather Zeleny
West Wind Alpacas
Eugene, OR
Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece
Home of Avatar's West Wind Scirocco, El Bello's Padré, Pluro grandson
Sienna Illusion, and true black full Bolivian Cosby of Chelsea Farms!
http://www.westwind
http://www.alpacana
http://tech.
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posted by Chaddo at 8:14 AM
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