Ducks have arrived!

The first matriarch ducks of Tapestry Farm have arrived. And they are so cute! But, let's be honest, have you ever really seen any "ugly ducklings"?

These two little ladies are Buff Orpington ducks. And if that sounds familiar, it is. When most people hear Buff Orpington they think of chickens. Well these ducks stem from the same Orpington, Kent that the chickens came from. They were introduced to the US in 1908. They are average layers of 150 - 220 eggs per year. Duck eggs are larger in size and have larger yolks than chicken eggs. This difference is what makes duck eggs better for baking, giving the baked item a richer texture, rise better and stay moist. I have read that the eggs blend well in gluten-free mixes because they are great at holding the ingredients together.

The main reason the ducks have been added to the farm is for slug patrol. I think the chickens are doing ok with keeping the slugs down, getting them while they're still young. But if any of the slugs survive to full adult size, I'm not sure if the chickens would go after them. With the ducks, there won't be any question of the slugs demise. So it's pretty much a win-win for the farm. Great eggs, no slugs.

And I'm planning to add a drake next year so we'll also see some ducklings from these gals.

Up and running in Oregon

It's been a slow process moving from Colorado to Oregon. After selling the farm in Colorado and packing up the alpacas and llamas, I searched for a new farm for nine months and finally decided to purchase the alpaca farm where I was boarding my alpacas and renting living space. It was certainly easier on the alpacas and llamas that didn't have to make another move.

But the summer of 2012 brought many challenges – the birth of a 30 day early premature cria who is still with us, the loss of my best cria of the season who was the offspring of a young male I lost the previous winter. And then the phone call that put my life into somewhat of a tail spin – “you’ve been laid off”. And while I landed on my feet getting a job with another division within the same company, I have to admit, it changed my life. Unfortunately, not for the better. I’m a single person with a new mortgage and an alpaca/llama farm I run on my own. Should I stay on the same path? Should I restructure my plans? Was I was having a mid-life crisis in addition to determining my future or was it created by that fateful call. I still struggle with the aftermath but the dust and cobwebs are breaking away to the warm sunshine days of spring. Maybe all of this and my first Oregon winter in my new home wasn’t a great combination!

So what will 2013 usher in? The alpacas and llamas had a great winter and they're loving the new spring pasture. The website is being updated and our Facebook page will be rolling out in the next few days. The alpaca and llama farm is moving into a full sustainable agriculture environment. And the farm will be adding chickens and ducks to the program. I'm hoping to build enough product to join the Oregon City Farmers Market this fall.

Lots to do on the farm in the next few weeks. I'll be moving last year's cria to the weaning pasture for about 3 weeks. And the first cria of the season is due the first part of May. And the ducklings arrive this week!

Stay tuned...

 

Cria Season

Very exciting! The first cria has hit the ground and she's my first female suri cria. It was a text book delivery and a maiden mom who bonded immediately with her girl. And, knock on wood, its reminded me how lucky I've been here with my crias. But even after 8 years in the business, I still get anxious when the next female is getting ready to deliver. The key to help with that anxiety? Being prepared - it's not just for boy scouts!


Have this ready:

Vet's number

Mentor's number

Alpaca Birthing Book
OB Lube
Gloves

If you feel uncomfortable that something "might" be wrong - call the vet. Just chat and see what they're schedule is for the day in case you need to call them back for more urgent response.

A local alpaca friend is always a good thing to have to talk things through.

A good alpaca birthing book is great to have on hand and gives you something to do while going through Stage 1 labor.

OB Lube and Gloves is only for that time where a dystocia is present or you are concerned about a torsion or breech. But only go in if you've had some training.

Good luck during cria season!

March Herd Cleaning

Ok, it's kind of like Spring Cleaning, its just with your herd. No one likes to be out in the barn when the temperatures are below freezing (or below zero)! And we all tend to semi-hibernate, just getting the basics done in the barn. But when March rolls around, the days are warmer and the sun says "come out and play", we all find that its more exciting to spend our days in the barn hanging out with the alpacas. This is the time to get up close and personal with what I call T & T day. Yes, that's right - Teeth and Toenails. It's all quite easy - herd everyone into a catch pen and then one by one take a look at their teeth and their toenails. Do any of them need trimming? Now you can do this two different ways - either grab the toe nail trimmers and take care of it now or put the alpacas name on a list to come back and do them in the next week or two. If you don't trim the teeth yourself, get the alpaca on a list for the next vet visit. Keeping the teeth and toes trimmed are essential to their good health.
I know toenails can be difficult, its probably one of the worst herd management details that I do; however, there are many ways to get it done. Some alpacas are pretty laid back and you just need to halter and tie them to a panel and, starting with the front left leg, start trimming as you move around the alpaca. Remember to keep a hand on their body as you ask for the foot so they feel you there. And don't hesitate to let the foot down if the alpaca starts getting uncomfortable. Give them a minute and pick the foot back up. For the more difficult cases, put them in the chute. I find I sometimes have to use the belly strap to keep them standing. If they cush, just be careful when you pull the foot out to not twist their knee. And for the very worst case scenarios, wait for the vet to assist. There's no shame in asking the vet for help - I have a few of those myself. And if you have a pregnant female who needs her toes done and she's difficult, consult with your vet. It may be better to wait for shearing or after the cria is born.
I like to have a T and T day at minimum - twice a year. But if you know you have some alpacas whose teeth or toes grow faster than others - be sure to check them more frequently, like every couple months.
And most importantly - between checking each animal, take a minute to stop, look around, check out the sky, feel the warmth of the sun on your face and remember - there's no better place to be then out with your herd.
Till next Time...

Welcome to Tapestry Farm Alpacas

Welcome to Tapestry Farm. I meant to start the new year with new postings but I suppose only being a month behind isn't too bad. I've finally sat back down to the spinning wheel after a few months of walking by it or moving it out of my way. It felt great to be back at the wheel. I'm working with bay black alpaca and hope to make either a really great scarf or maybe a vest.
All my projects had been in abeyance getting through the holidays and the National Western Stock Show. Now that things have semi quieted down, I can get back to some projects. It's a great way to finish out the day after a full day of work and putting the house in order in preparation to put it on the market.
I was hoping to update you on herd management projects but it looks like winter has finally arrived in the Denver area since the first of the year so some things have been put on hold for fairer weather. However, it will be A&D day tomorrow. With the amount of cloudy days we've had it shouldn't be held off any longer. All of last year crias and those with fiber to their toes will get their shots tomorrow. Won't they be thrilled to see me in the morning!