Moonstruck Ranch

Moonstruck Ranch

Fall Fun

It's fall at the farm, and we have to enjoy the last few warm, sunny days. All is well..... Life is good..... We had four new babies this summer - the three expected plus a nice surprise from Akeela, who ended up being pregnant from a late breeding last fall. We had two boys and two girls born from June 7th to September 7th - three months of wondering, happiness, relief, worry, surprise, dismay.... every emotion. Our first was a little premature at twelve pounds and spent her first day without my protection, which I am still upset about. I had known Comfie was close to delivering, but had no idea of her breed date from the herdsire's farm. It's also hard to guess when a maiden will deliver anyway, as she has no idea what is happening to her and how to deal with it. This is why I added the wondering and worry to the list of emotions. Little Sophie was in the midst of the female herd, including the teenage girls, when I arrived home from work that evening, and I was relieved to see that Akeela had taken a protective stance to help Comfie, due to her obvious inexperience at mothering. Sophie had sand in and around her eyes from being birthed head first into the clean sand, and it took awhile to get that problem totally straightened out. With patience and care, she came through it alright and I learned about how to handle that problem with artificial tears. Of course, next time it will be something new, to keep me humble.

The next three babies came much easier, with no complications, and the four moms are all happy with their charges. It was a long, hot, muggy, often miserable summer. But although the heat was hard on the alpacas, I didn't mind myself. I know what's coming soon - - - more winter! So we'll enjoy the fall and hope that it lasts ... and lasts ... and lasts ... and that winter will be over before we know it! I have to look forward to spring about this time of year.