Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Van riding...Bathroom Breaks

I suspect that the not stopping was the issue.You have to stop whether you are hauling by trailer or van so the animals can eat,drink relieve themselves I am sure the animals were in a stressed state by the time they got to you.I have left my van run for A/C with pacas on board and went into a hotel for 4-5 hours to sleep and have had no stress issues at all.Stopping is the key. I always build extra time into my trips so that I can give break time.I have also napped in rest areas with animals on board-they drink munch on hay and move around a little---It comes down to using good judgment.Thinking threw the plan.If you get tired of driving and need a food stop,potty break,or just a stretch.so do the alpacas!!! Tina Travis   Elkhorn Alpacas 31655 Elkhorn Glen Warrenton,MO.63383 636-359-0250 / 636-459-8930 traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com www.elkhornalpacas.com  Alpacas are a rare treasure,  one that I like to share!!!! From: danimac2711 <edana_mckenzie@earthlink.net> To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sun, August 22, 2010 11:25:40 AM Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Van riding...Bathroom Breaks   I'm going to add a tale of caution. I would only use a van for trips that don't take more than a day. Our first year in the business, we bought a dam from NY. They transported, using a large dodge or ford van and never stopping (due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to do the trip over a long weekend). However, the dam rarely ate because of the movement (I wonder if she was having flashbacks, as she was an import). She arrived 10 lbs underweight (her normal weight's only ~107), not enough milk for the cria and she aborted the 4-5 month old fetus not long after she arrived. I wasn't in a position to return her to be rebred (nor did I want to subject her to that). So I ended up losing over a year's breeding and the cost of a local stud's fees. I've not had any issues with pregnant dams that have been transported via a trailer. Cheers, Dani Dani McKenzie & Hovey Moore Longbottom Meadows Roy, WA 360-400-0348 http://www.longbottommeadows.com/ http://www.alpacathewayitshouldbe.us/index.html --- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "DJ's" <jewl80fm47@...> wrote: > > LOL Judith, > that would just be my luck! :c) > > Donna > Cuddly DD Alpacas > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Judith Korff/Ladysong Farm > To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:11 AM > Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Van riding...Bathroom Breaks > > > > > Even though I generally give them a break or two on longer trips, they seldom potty there; they're too busy looking around and gathering crowds. Almost every one of my alps, however, will potty as I turn into my driveway on the way home! They can have ridden for 8 hours or 8 minutes; they still do their business just as I get home. > > Judith Korff > LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas > Music to Your Wallet > Randolph, New York 14772 > Cell: (716) 499-0383 > www.alpacanation.com/ladysong.asp >