Today is Day #3 of Llama Watch, Round One. We have two fabulously woolly llamas which we purchased from Shady Ridge Farm in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Sheila and Britt Fugina have been breeding Argentine Llamas for a number of years with a focus on conformation and fine fiber. April 7th was 345 days of pregnancy for Nessarose. Any time now, say within the next 21 days or so... she will hopefully deliver a healthy cria!
On our farm, we have had one lambing season. I now feel like I know more what to expect this year with our lamb crop, due to begin in two weeks. I am not overly confident, just a little experienced. We have no experience with the birth of a cria (llama baby.) Unfortunately, llamas don't "show" like sheep. They typically don't give the obvious signs like wide bellies and huge udders. We could have had her checked by the Vet with ultrasound but we did not want the expense. So we wait. She looks, perhaps, a bit larger in girth than last summer. But couldn't that be wool? Her prize-winning coat has lengthened over the winter. Hmm.
DH doesn't think she is pregnant. She may not be. She could have lost the pregnancy early on due to stress of the move to our farm. If she is not pregnant, she will be re-bred this fall. So we wait. Why Llama Watch, Round One? This Round belongs to Nessarose. Round Two will be when it's Karma's turn to deliver, which is at the end of April. Below is a picture of the Roundabout Acre llama herd. Nessa and Karma are on the right; in the center is gelding Rudy, with Mina and Pogo to his left.
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4 comments:
What beautiful woolies you have, Terri. Five llamas?
And where did you get that little metal hut for them-- or is that one made from tarp and fence panels? My plastic calf huts have been okay, except when there's a high wind!
Gail
You'll notice her "drop" a little bit as she gets closer. I know our llama Maya is getting closer and closer...I believe she's due the end of April, but we didn't breed her, so I don't know for certain. Good luck w/ your crias! They're so darn cute :)
Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Nessarose. She is so impressive.
Our huts are fence panels and tarps. We have 4 of them scattered around. I joke that our flock lives in a "tent city." They don't seem to care though. They are quite content in their huts. And thanks, Rayna, for the tip. I am a bit nervous about the crias!
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