It was with great sadness that I attended the dispersal sale of Running Creek Alpacas yesterday.  Andy and Julie (Running Creek Alpacas stud masters) had sold Kingsview Alpacas some of our first foundation stock, some four years ago.

Attending the dispersal auction brought back memories of how Andy provided help to us when we were starting out with Alpacas.  Andy found the time to teach us how to vaccinate with 5 in 1, something that we do for 30+ alpacas at a time now, however back then it was for only 4 alpacas.  Andy provided stud services when we needed matings, he came to our farm on a number of occasions to get one of our girls pregnant, he spent the time to teach what he had learnt over the years with matings, spit offs and the key signs of pregnancy.

In or time of need Julie was there to provide guidance in an experience that is very rare with alpacas.  A maiden had given birth at 323 days (on average that is 20 days earlier) and is what I would deem the limit of being able to keep the cria alive.  At the same time the dam had a uterine prolapse.  What a steep learning curve we were on.  Julie was able to assist with a cool head a guidance on how to successfully care for the cria, that was premature and the most valuable information was to keep the dam lactating while the cria was bottle feed to gain strength.  It is a long story on what happened, needless to say that advice insured that after 10 days of bottle feeding (at the start every 2 hours) we were able to get the cria feeding off the dam.  What a good news story the dam went on to give further births and the cria grew up strong with her own cria on the way.

Good luck to Andy and Julie on their future, no doubt our paths will cross at a future Alpaca Show!

FIRE WARRIOR has arrived at KINGSVIEW ALPACAS today.  He is an excellent looking animal and is currently relaxing in the lane way next to females as he soaks up his new environment and what should be a rewarding future.

He has some competition as he begins his stud learnings from the current master at KINGSVIEW ALPACAS, TRINITY.  The first test of his learnings is scheduled for Melbourne Cup Day.