Hi everybody,
well we were supposed to wake up to sunshine today, but it is dreary and very much on the cold side, have to put my coat on to start with, still cannot grumble it is not raining. We do need the sun to shine though as with all the rain we have had, we need the warmth now to help the grass to grow. Providing it does we should have a much better crop of hay this year.
I am just listing my jobs for today, seems to many to fit all in,so I am going to do the normal ones first , short feed the Alpacas, do some paddock cleaning, and finish off, re-arranging my boys to another paddock.We have some nice Stud boys for sale, out of Ice Cool Lad, that we have kept and they are now ready to be put to work.
My wife Ann had a good look at some of our pregnant females yesterday, and she wants me to bring another one into the Birthing paddock so better get my skates on, and get the jobs done, or it will be bed time before we know it, so cheerio for now, speak soon.
Chase-End-Joe.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Monday, 21 May 2012
What a great week
Good morning to you all,
I must admit it is good to start the blog again after quite a long time from doing so.Ann and myself, have had a very busy week, first off we had the Shearers last weekend, Saturday in fact. It was a very nice day sun was shining, and all went according to plan. They were up and running by 8-15 and the last Alpaca was sheared just after 1pm, including a bacon and egg 15 minute break,the boys did not hang around as they were off to another job in Norfolk, that they wanted to get done. After they had gone it was good to have a sit down, and rest the muscles, you did not know we have.
Having a nice cup of tea and standing watching all the Alpacas, I said to Ann, they look undressed, I certainly like them better with there coats on,and we both laughed. As the week passed by we knew we had to keep watch, to a couple of our girls, as there time was nearly due.I had let the girls all into one of the chases, where there was some lush grass, and I carried on with my hoover cleaning there paddock, like you do when you are using the hoover I was thinking about other things when all of a sudden our Jude nudged me in the back, sure enough she was giving birth, but she had come to me as she must have sensed all was not well. The crias head was showing , but lying sideways, having experienced this before I knew the legs were not in the right position, I went and washed straight up, Ann called my daughter, Sharon and we started to help Jude. It was a little difficult as one leg was straight back and the other was bent. I knew this was going to be tough as the crias legs were long, but we persevered and after twenty minutes we had a lovely female cria, solid white, Jude looked at us all as much to say thanks, its funny how animals trust us and know we will help them.
Sunday arrived and we had a visit from Jeff and Sheila, from Easterwood Alpacas, they had come to take Ice Cool Lad back as they have some matings to do with him. It was great to see them, they stayed a few hours, and we all had a good old natter, time does fly when your enjoying yourselves does it not, They were back on the road about five as it takes them a couple hours to get home, by the way Jeff like your new Alpaca Wagon.
Well folks that all for now as must go and do my jobs, so speak to you all soon,
Bye for now
ChasE-End-Joe.
I must admit it is good to start the blog again after quite a long time from doing so.Ann and myself, have had a very busy week, first off we had the Shearers last weekend, Saturday in fact. It was a very nice day sun was shining, and all went according to plan. They were up and running by 8-15 and the last Alpaca was sheared just after 1pm, including a bacon and egg 15 minute break,the boys did not hang around as they were off to another job in Norfolk, that they wanted to get done. After they had gone it was good to have a sit down, and rest the muscles, you did not know we have.
Having a nice cup of tea and standing watching all the Alpacas, I said to Ann, they look undressed, I certainly like them better with there coats on,and we both laughed. As the week passed by we knew we had to keep watch, to a couple of our girls, as there time was nearly due.I had let the girls all into one of the chases, where there was some lush grass, and I carried on with my hoover cleaning there paddock, like you do when you are using the hoover I was thinking about other things when all of a sudden our Jude nudged me in the back, sure enough she was giving birth, but she had come to me as she must have sensed all was not well. The crias head was showing , but lying sideways, having experienced this before I knew the legs were not in the right position, I went and washed straight up, Ann called my daughter, Sharon and we started to help Jude. It was a little difficult as one leg was straight back and the other was bent. I knew this was going to be tough as the crias legs were long, but we persevered and after twenty minutes we had a lovely female cria, solid white, Jude looked at us all as much to say thanks, its funny how animals trust us and know we will help them.
Sunday arrived and we had a visit from Jeff and Sheila, from Easterwood Alpacas, they had come to take Ice Cool Lad back as they have some matings to do with him. It was great to see them, they stayed a few hours, and we all had a good old natter, time does fly when your enjoying yourselves does it not, They were back on the road about five as it takes them a couple hours to get home, by the way Jeff like your new Alpaca Wagon.
Well folks that all for now as must go and do my jobs, so speak to you all soon,
Bye for now
ChasE-End-Joe.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Well done Easterwood
Good afternoon everyone,
this is just a quick blog, to congratulate two of the nicest people we have met, since we started breeding Alpacas. Jeff and Sheila, what can we say, only we are so happy for you both, you have worked so hard, establishing your Farm, and let me say you have made a Brilliant job of it.Having been involved with your goodselves, since being partners with ICE-COOL-LAD for quite a while now, we have seen what you have acheived, Good Luck to you both and may it continue.
All the very best,
Joe Ann.
this is just a quick blog, to congratulate two of the nicest people we have met, since we started breeding Alpacas. Jeff and Sheila, what can we say, only we are so happy for you both, you have worked so hard, establishing your Farm, and let me say you have made a Brilliant job of it.Having been involved with your goodselves, since being partners with ICE-COOL-LAD for quite a while now, we have seen what you have acheived, Good Luck to you both and may it continue.
All the very best,
Joe Ann.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Finally one more name
Well as I said on the blog the other day, my wife Ann always picks the names for our newborn cria.She has taken her time with the last two newborn, but has finally decided on a name for the female, Chase-End-Blossom, still waiting for the boys name but I am sure that will come in the next day or two will let you all know when she comes up with it, must go now as I have had my teabreak, speak soon.
Chase-End-Joe.
Chase-End-Joe.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Reading the Blogs
Good Evening Everyone,
I am so pleased I keep reading as many blogs as I can, it keeps me in touch with what is happening at all the Alpaca Farms everywhere in the country from Lands End to John of Groats.Having bread cattle for almost twenty years, and then actually getting into breeding Alpacas has totally changed my life.
When Ann and I first started breeding Alpacas, about six years ago I did not envisage where the journey would take us. well let me tell you, to wake up in the morning, like I do very early, normally about five, and walk my paddocks, feeding my girls and boys,makes me feel ecstatic, especially seeing the new cria snugglig up to their Mums, and actually coming over to me to say Hello.
I really feel upset and know many other Alpaca breeders must feel the same
about how TB has changed our lives in taking our lovely girls and boys to Alpaca Shows. I do know that Fleece Shows are being supported, but the thrill of taking your Alpaca into the ring, to be Judged, is amazing, especially if you win a rosette.
I do not have all the answers, because there are far more breeders out there, more experienced than myself, but looking at a fleece, which really is what Alpaca breeding is all about, or seeing the Alpaca in the show ring, I know which I prefer, seeing the Alpaca standing proud to be judged on Fleece, and Stature is the only way for me.We here at Chase-End -Alpacas are fully into Bio Secirity and will always put our herd first. That is why we have not shown any of our Alpacas at any shows for the last two years, even though we are in an TB free area.
I only hope in the very near future, that things will change, like they did with Foot and Mouth, and we can all get back to showing our Alpacas like we used to.I realise that may be some time away, but I can only hope it will be sooner than later, because I really think, without us Breeders showing our Alpacas, how will we get the interest we need from the outside world. I only hope I have explained how I feel properly to you all, and would love to hear any of your comments, about my feelings,
Good night to you all,
Chase-End-Joe.
I am so pleased I keep reading as many blogs as I can, it keeps me in touch with what is happening at all the Alpaca Farms everywhere in the country from Lands End to John of Groats.Having bread cattle for almost twenty years, and then actually getting into breeding Alpacas has totally changed my life.
When Ann and I first started breeding Alpacas, about six years ago I did not envisage where the journey would take us. well let me tell you, to wake up in the morning, like I do very early, normally about five, and walk my paddocks, feeding my girls and boys,makes me feel ecstatic, especially seeing the new cria snugglig up to their Mums, and actually coming over to me to say Hello.
I really feel upset and know many other Alpaca breeders must feel the same
about how TB has changed our lives in taking our lovely girls and boys to Alpaca Shows. I do know that Fleece Shows are being supported, but the thrill of taking your Alpaca into the ring, to be Judged, is amazing, especially if you win a rosette.
I do not have all the answers, because there are far more breeders out there, more experienced than myself, but looking at a fleece, which really is what Alpaca breeding is all about, or seeing the Alpaca in the show ring, I know which I prefer, seeing the Alpaca standing proud to be judged on Fleece, and Stature is the only way for me.We here at Chase-End -Alpacas are fully into Bio Secirity and will always put our herd first. That is why we have not shown any of our Alpacas at any shows for the last two years, even though we are in an TB free area.
I only hope in the very near future, that things will change, like they did with Foot and Mouth, and we can all get back to showing our Alpacas like we used to.I realise that may be some time away, but I can only hope it will be sooner than later, because I really think, without us Breeders showing our Alpacas, how will we get the interest we need from the outside world. I only hope I have explained how I feel properly to you all, and would love to hear any of your comments, about my feelings,
Good night to you all,
Chase-End-Joe.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Shearing over plus another cria born
We had the Shearers arrive Monday, Sam from Shearco was here and set up ready to go by eight. He has been here the last three years, but had changed his system completely from last year. He had two helpers with him, Jason and Chris, both were sheep shearers, Jason from Wyoming, was telling us how he was brought up on a cattle and sheep ranch, only 36000 acres,where they go off for days on horseback checking there stock, really cannot imagine having all that acreage to look after. Chris the other guy, was from New Zealand, and they both had the same idea, come to England, not only to shear Alpacas, but to see some of England, good on you boys I admire that.
Getting back to the shearing, Sam had set two sets of rope down so they had two Alpacas ready to Shear, finishing one and straight on to the next one, first time we had seen it done that way, but it worked a treat, congratulations on a very good job done,they were so attentive to our herd, nice to meet the boys.We stopped and had breakfast, only for 15 minutes and straight back on with the job.By twelve thirty they were packing there gear away, and ready to travel to the next Farm.During the shearing, Jason had said he was looking forward to shearing an Alpaca as he had only ever done sheep,I said to Sam give him a go, which they were both very pleased about , so Sam slowly talked him through it and showed him and the boy did good, well in my book, you all have to start somewhere.I am afraid there were some aching limbs on Tuesday, but the good thing about the Shearers coming you can time all your injections to suit, works a treat, believe you me.
Tuesday came and went so quickly, we were finishing off tidying around and trying to decide, did they look better with their Fleece on or off,always on for me without a doubt.Ann my wife had noticed our Bazul, walking the fence line, and said to me I think she is just about ready, but as we Alpaca breeders all know, girls will be girls and have them when they are ready, needless to say nothing happened on Wednesday. Now we new Thursday morning with Basul patrolling the fence line again, that she would not be long, and sure enough about 10-45 she give birth to a little boy,his sire being Chase-End-Ice Warrior, he has now given us one of each a female and male cria, these are his first two cria, so well done to him.
Well that is my good bit of news this week,I have not done a lot today, but I somehow think I better make a start, or Anns list of jobs, will only get longer, only joking love, by the way names have not been chosen as yet, that is my wifes department, so come on love get cracking,Bye for now, speak to you all soon,
Chase-End-Joe
Getting back to the shearing, Sam had set two sets of rope down so they had two Alpacas ready to Shear, finishing one and straight on to the next one, first time we had seen it done that way, but it worked a treat, congratulations on a very good job done,they were so attentive to our herd, nice to meet the boys.We stopped and had breakfast, only for 15 minutes and straight back on with the job.By twelve thirty they were packing there gear away, and ready to travel to the next Farm.During the shearing, Jason had said he was looking forward to shearing an Alpaca as he had only ever done sheep,I said to Sam give him a go, which they were both very pleased about , so Sam slowly talked him through it and showed him and the boy did good, well in my book, you all have to start somewhere.I am afraid there were some aching limbs on Tuesday, but the good thing about the Shearers coming you can time all your injections to suit, works a treat, believe you me.
Tuesday came and went so quickly, we were finishing off tidying around and trying to decide, did they look better with their Fleece on or off,always on for me without a doubt.Ann my wife had noticed our Bazul, walking the fence line, and said to me I think she is just about ready, but as we Alpaca breeders all know, girls will be girls and have them when they are ready, needless to say nothing happened on Wednesday. Now we new Thursday morning with Basul patrolling the fence line again, that she would not be long, and sure enough about 10-45 she give birth to a little boy,his sire being Chase-End-Ice Warrior, he has now given us one of each a female and male cria, these are his first two cria, so well done to him.
Well that is my good bit of news this week,I have not done a lot today, but I somehow think I better make a start, or Anns list of jobs, will only get longer, only joking love, by the way names have not been chosen as yet, that is my wifes department, so come on love get cracking,Bye for now, speak to you all soon,
Chase-End-Joe
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
What a week
Good morning all,
Well what a week it has been, first of all we had arranged to go to Easterwood Alpacas last weekend and stay over, to collect Ice Cool Lad, well owning Alpacas does not allways allow you to do want you want to do.Betsy was overdue her cria so my wife Ann decided to stay home just in case.Off I went to Berkshire to meet our good old friends Jeff and Sheila, and spend some time with them, all Alpaca talk,looking at their lovely herd, and totally relaxing. I stayed overnight at a lovely hotel. which they had arranged, through there daughter who works there a lot of thanks to them for that.I must say they have worked so hard, since moving on to their property, it really looks so nice loved the flower beds Jeff.
Monday soon came and it was time to load ICL up and head home to Essex, still Betsy was hanging on, typical female.Arriving home we settled ICL into his paddock, and got straight to work with the normal everyday jobs on the farm. It has been quite an eventfull week, getting ready for the shearers, having visitors to the farm, so I was pretty happy when the weekend arrived. Sunday came,I was about at five as I am an early person, checking the birthing paddock, still no change, all quiet on the western front, as the saying goes. I had just settled down for a cuppa, when Ann came through, looked out of the window, and said we have a cria just born, she had not taken ten minutes to give birth. We dashed out to see a lovely sparkling white female cria, the waiting had been worth it. She is the first cria born to our stud,Chase-End-Ice-Warrior and a cracker she is too,we will wait and see, as we breeders all do.
Better get out and do some chores or the day will pass by,speak soon,
Chase-End-Joe.
Well what a week it has been, first of all we had arranged to go to Easterwood Alpacas last weekend and stay over, to collect Ice Cool Lad, well owning Alpacas does not allways allow you to do want you want to do.Betsy was overdue her cria so my wife Ann decided to stay home just in case.Off I went to Berkshire to meet our good old friends Jeff and Sheila, and spend some time with them, all Alpaca talk,looking at their lovely herd, and totally relaxing. I stayed overnight at a lovely hotel. which they had arranged, through there daughter who works there a lot of thanks to them for that.I must say they have worked so hard, since moving on to their property, it really looks so nice loved the flower beds Jeff.
Monday soon came and it was time to load ICL up and head home to Essex, still Betsy was hanging on, typical female.Arriving home we settled ICL into his paddock, and got straight to work with the normal everyday jobs on the farm. It has been quite an eventfull week, getting ready for the shearers, having visitors to the farm, so I was pretty happy when the weekend arrived. Sunday came,I was about at five as I am an early person, checking the birthing paddock, still no change, all quiet on the western front, as the saying goes. I had just settled down for a cuppa, when Ann came through, looked out of the window, and said we have a cria just born, she had not taken ten minutes to give birth. We dashed out to see a lovely sparkling white female cria, the waiting had been worth it. She is the first cria born to our stud,Chase-End-Ice-Warrior and a cracker she is too,we will wait and see, as we breeders all do.
Better get out and do some chores or the day will pass by,speak soon,
Chase-End-Joe.
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