Stop and small the flowers ... Its time for a lifestyle change.

 

Newsletter

Hi folks... Enjoy!

Spring babies or Fall Babies…

I guess its an age old debate.  Spring babies do better than Fall babies.  Some would argue that there is no difference.  After seven years in the business, Denise and I decided to have only Spring babies, as they seem to be bigger, stronger and just plain healthier.    We have been observing our babies for a good many years and decided that this was the best way to go, as there is a remarkable difference.  When you think about it, it makes perfect sense… longer days, more sunlight, more vitamin D,  pasture grass rich in protein, mothers have  more and richer milk.  I believe it is worth it to skip a year, particularly if you have a large herd, as it doesn’t hurt as much not having a baby from some females.
Meadowview

Meadowview Alpaca Farm
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Denise and Robert Martel

Meadowview Alpaca Farm

Rr#1, 908 Carter Side Rd.

Bruce Mines, ON  P0R 1C0

 

Phone: 705-785-3389

Fax: 705-785-3389

E-mail: rd.martel@meadowviewalpacafarm.com

For all those alpaca breeders out there, keep an eye out, you will see a noticeable difference in the size of your animals.      

I was 30 minutes from the nearest town.  After half an hour, I started to drive,  this time headed for Deep River.  I knew I would have some services there.  Arrived safely, baby still in good shape. I lay down in the trailer with the girls, so as to observe little Flash nurse from mom.  Two and half hours later, he is still not drinking … I am getting desperate.  Fortunately I had Colostrum with me … but no bottle.  I find a pharmacy where I buy a baby bottle. I then drive to the local veterinary clinic, which is in the processes of closing for the day, as it is now 5 pm.  They were kind enough to give me excellent service.  You see, I need to measure the formula, mix it water and heat it.  Now I’m all set to feed this little guy.  I try to feed Flash McQueen but he gives me a very hard time.  I refuse to give up.  Scores are Bob 0 and Flash 1.  Getting ready for round 2 .  After ten minutes of struggling...baby is stressed … I’m stressed.  I release the baby who promptly runs to mom and drinks.  Ya!!!  ‘We have contact’!! Flash nurses for about ten minutes going from one udder to another.  Now I still have about nine hours of travelling to do.  Every two hours, I stop to let Flash nurse.  He seems to know, when the vehicle stops he wobbles to mom and drinks for about ten minutes every time.  Flash is a fine cria with a lot spunk and vigour.  He’s a real cutie with an attitude … of course.

The little guy you see in the picture was born in the middle of nowhere, a place called  Deux Rivières.  Well, I must admit, I was stressed by the whole thing.  Remember baby has to eat within three hours.  I waited for a little while so mom ( Mystina) and Flash (McQueen) could get acquainted and start the bonding process.  (Luc’s grand kids named this little guy ...  back to my story.)  When I say in the middle of nowhere that’s what I mean … no gas station, no restaurant, not even cell phone service.

This little girl weighed 12 lbs at birth.  She had an eye infection, and mom had little milk.  To top it all off,  we were at the Wasoon in Kapuskasing for the weekend.  Thanks to our friends, Ted and Jill Ward, they managed to keep the baby alive.  The eye problem was fixed with antibiotics.  It was a fairly easy fix, though somewhat stressful, as the baby was having difficulty seeing.  If you can’t see mom, you can’t find milk.  They fed the baby every 3 hours, keeping her hungry but well.  You see, you want baby to search out mom to eat.  The suckling  stimulates milk production.  Well, all this to say that, with a lot of help and encouragement, we were able to get baby and mom on the right track and baby is now progressing very well.  She was named Sunshine and is very special!

Here he is posing with mom and Auntie Lynn

Fibre Fest

Fibre Fest was a success again this year.  We have had many good comments from people who came to the Festival.  I guess it has taken a life of its own, where people come to the farm to make contact with their roots.  They relish the peace and quiet of country living.  Denise and I were actually very surprised at all the positive comments we have received.  We were actually thinking of changing the format of the event but after chatting with so many who like the way it is set-up, we may continue with the present venue.  Thanks to all for your support and positive comments.

The spinners worked with raw alpaca fibre which they got to take home with them for a special project of their own.

Denise is doing a little bit of weaving

Jedi is being set-up for shearing.

Jedi is looking forward to the shearing as that week we hit record high temperatures.

Every birth is different. Sometimes it is like clockwork and other times, it can be a challenge.  But, generally speaking, it is very simple.  You should always be ready for the unexpected.  Let me tell you about unexpected.

  The story of Flash McQueen

I was delivering  animals to Ste-Catherine in Québec to Luc Baillargeon.  Every four hours I would stop to let the alpacas stand and rest.