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This page is intended to offer some general info about alpacas, some humour about farm life and to debunk
some of the myths surrounding these fascinating animals. Articles will be added as they are conceived with a
timeline that may or may not exceed the gestation period of your average alpaca - so far we've had pregnancies
that went from 335 to 370 days - in other words, I'll write them when the urge strikes.
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On Being Green
published June 2010 CQ Magazine
Being perceived as being “green” is a big deal today. Hundred mile diets, organic anything, buying locally, energy
credits and environmental footprints are hot topics and even the big box stores are getting on the bandwagon, trying to
find ways to greenify their images. I think we’re all more conscious of how what we do impacts on our environment, but
I also think it’s debatable just how “green” farming can be.
Read more ....
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On Anthropomorphism
published March 2010 CQ Magazine
As alpaca owners and breeders we are frequently accused of attributing human traits to our animals. I’m guilty of it,
maybe you are too. I’ll go you one better, mine talk. Well, I speak the words but the sentiment is all theirs and sometimes
some of mine say bad words, especially the girls.
Read more ....
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Notes On Beans, Part II
published December 2009 CQ Magazine
If you own alpacas a collection of manure is inevitable. Everyone says alpacas are easy to pick up after because they poop
in one spot and it’s true, sort of. Their poop is right there, and there, and oh, over there, just waiting for you. You clean
up after your alpacas, haul your harvest off to the sacred poop storage area and wait and wait and wait until finally someone
decides it’s time to sell it or spread it on the hay fields or dig it into the gardens.
Read more ....
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Notes On Beans, Part I
published September 2009 CQ Magazine
Do you ever stop and think about just how much time we spend looking at poop? I thought when my kids got past a certain age
I’d lose the obsessive poop observation practices I’d developed as a parental unit but I bought alpacas and lo and behold I have
a new use for that skill!
Read more ....
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On Starting Rookies
published June 2009 CQ Magazine
One of the most dangerous phrases I have ever been known to use is, “How hard can it be?” In our
household this statement is a proven precursor to disaster or, at the very least, hilarious chaos.
Read more ....
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Alpaca Fashion
published March 2009 CQ Magazine
No heels, no panty hose, no 'spiritwear.' Pure bliss!
I bet that caught your attention didn’t it? I also bet you’re thinking I’m going to tell you about the
beautiful clothes that are being made from the glorious fibre that our critters produce – well I’m not.
Read more ....
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On Spit Checks
published December 2008 CQ Magazine
Personally I love spit checks. I think they’re reasonably accurate, especially when used with proven
animals. They also definitely have the potential to become a highly amusing event.
Read more ....
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