Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Monday, September 17, 2007

Re: [AlpacaTalk] First alpacas

Hi Mandy,

Let me preface my remarks by stating that I am a Camelidynamics Apprentice Practitioner, so I strongly believe in Marty McGee Bennett's training methods. Since I've started applying the camelidynamics techniques, I feel more confident with my animals. As a direct result, my herd is far calmer overall and more pleasant to work with--even our old import girl--than when we took possession of our first alpacas 5 years ago. So, I wouldn't automatically write off any alpaca. I would, however, consider whether the initial difficulty of working with Clover is worth the possible frustration that it will present to you as a new breeder. Of course, only you can answer that.

In my opinion, reading Marty's book is a wonderful first step for any breeder, new or old. Remember when using the Camelidynamics techniques, you're primarily working to improve your handling methods, which will in turn make your alpaca feel more comfortable with you so that she is less nervous. Your experience as a dog trainer should be helpful in speeding up your learning curve, I'd think.

You should take a look at Marty's website, which now includes a guild forum where questions can be asked and answered. It's www.camelidynamics.com. You might also look for Camelidynamics seminars and practitioners in New Zealand. They're listed on her site.

Let us know what you decide to do and how it works out! Best of luck to you.

Regards,
Cheryl Ross
Mount Ampato Alpacas, LLC
9531 Millard Rd.
Trotwood, OH 45426
937-837-6748
cheryl@mtampato.com
www.alpacanation.com/mountampato.asp

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posted by Chaddo at 8:03 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] First alpacas

Mandy,
The first male I purchased was *very* fearful of humans. Looking over his
papers I saw that he had been from one auction to another his whole 2 yrs. His
halter had never been removed and was grown into the skin on his nose. He
spent his first 6 mos here out in the pasture with his ears flattened back. He
was impossible to get close to......except with a handful of feed! I too am a
fan of Marty McGhee (Camelid Companion) and so did nothing to corner him or
force him, tho I desparately wanted to get that halter off him. I just let him
hang out for those 6 or so months. My female was very interested in him, but
he wanted nothing to do with her and would spit her off if she approached!
Not very promising. But he was very handsome.
I went about my business of hanging out with her and offering handfuls of
treats and just generally being around a lot.

Long story short, My handsome Charlie Brown turned out to be the BEST, the
easiest to handle and manage of all I've had. I just gave him time and space
and resect. He turned out to be the easiest to give injections to or any sort
of procedure......and I did get that horrid ill fitting dirty halter off him
after about a month. Did not even try to halter him for probably at least a
year after that. By then I could rub his nose and ears and touch him all over.

Sadly my handsome man laid down and died this January. So sudden. Fine in
the morning, in distress by the afternoon and dead by the next morning. The
vet and I worked on him all evening and into the night, but the vet could not
determine exactly what the problem was. Autopsy revealed "intestinal
stragulation" and vet could give me no reason. Very shocking and heartbreaking. He was
my favorite. So much personality and so funny and sweet. I still miss him.
I still have his son who is also funny and extremely sweet and full of antics
and personality. Unfortunately I had him gelded at about 18mos when he and
dad started trying to "mix it up" :-(.

Good luck with Clover. My first female was and is always quite cranky when
she is in her later stages of pregnancy. Her first pregnancy especially she
was extremely cranky and is the only time I have known of her to spit at people.

Janice, in NW GA where I lost 2 alpacas to the horrid heat this summer and am
*very* thankful for fall to finally be here :-(.

**************************************
See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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posted by Chaddo at 7:51 AM 0 comments