Busy Week

I was just thinking about how fortunate we are to have our own chickens producing fresh eggs particularly after the huge egg recall.  I am becoming more and more aware of the potential dangers of what we put into our mouths.  We have been ever so diligent in our efforts to grow our own food in the past year in an attempt to get back to basics and just knowing that what we are consuming is healthy. 

Baking bread has become a weekly ritual.  Oh, and the smell that fills the kitchen is delightful!  Yum!



I have been busy this week handcrafting new items as well as restocking at one of the Farmer's Markets that carry my products.  So busy that I have neglected our home and now it really needs a thorough cleaning (shoveling.)


Infant/Toddler beanie cap crocheted out of organic cotton and alpaca.  Cute!!















"Paca Spa"
A crocheted wash cloth from an alpaca/acrylic blend and paired with a bar of goats milk soap















Alpaca Fiber has flame resistant qualities so it seemed logical that creating hot pads, pot holders and oven mitts is just another way to utilize my fiber. 





Heat Stress in Alpacas and Sheep

I can't believe it!  I'm actually writing my first blog!  Who would have thunk. ;)
I found myself wishing for rain the last few days and finally tonight it poured a few buckets.  Enough to cool down all the critters that have barely tolerated the heat the last few days. 
Of course your best source of information for heat stress is your veterinarian.  To name a few things to be on the look out for in your alpaca herd is open-mouth breathing, nasal flaring, salivating, depression, not eating, weakness, and a temperature around 104 to 105 degrees. 
We live in Central Texas and sometimes the heat and humidity combined can be extremely challenging.  I find myself monitoring the temperature and humidity very closely in the summer months.  We usually shear the alpacas winter coats in April in anticipation of warmer weather.  Fortunately we have lots of shade trees on the property and occasionally a breeze helps keep the air flowing.  Of course water is the secret weapon for heat stress.  I check the water buckets several times a day to ensure that they have plenty of cool water.  The most proactive method I use is to hose down the belly and legs even though I know that the fiber on the legs may be damaged by the water.  Small price to pay for healthy alpacas right?  My two pregnant females will voluntarily move around in circles to get every area on their bellies and legs wet.  Another option I've used is a kiddie pool with a small amount of water in the bottom.  The water sure gets dirty quickly but boy do they love it!
Heat stress in sheep is a bit different.  You won't find me hosing down their legs and bellies. The sheep's fleece insulates their body, helping to maintain a constant body temperature by providing protection from the extremes of cold in winter and heat in summer.  Amazing!  This does not mean that they are not susceptible to heat stress.  My sheep seem to tolerate the heat a little bit better than the alpacas.  Not unlike the alpacas the sheep also need plenty of cool water and shade.  Of course providing the water is one thing but ensuring that they are drinking it is all together another story.  To help them feel a little more sheepish I've also placed a fan in the shelter to aid in cooling everyone down. 
I hope that my experiences with the summer heat will be of some help but always remember that your veterinarian is the go to person.
Chow for now!