Last weekend, as planned and with the weather co-operating, we moved everyone over to the new field. It’s a bit smaller, but has a pond at the bottom, a great view and best of all it’s within walking distance – that’s going to be a huge time saver!
We needed two trips to collect all the animals: first TwoTone, Snowy and Peanut – the sensible ones got loaded up, taken across and left to explore. Snowy took full advantage in being first by putting eternal dibs on the best bits and choicest grazing.
While they were looking about, admittedly a bit bemused, we went back for Latte and the two alpaca lads, Frost & Frodo. Although halter trained it was the first time the lads had been walked out of the field and past the three ponies. Latte was very good: walked behind them, encouraging them with short hums and pushing them gently with his nose.
With the second trip done and everyone together in their new field it was time to explore. At times like this the herd instinct is really really strong. Any rivalries between llamas is put on hold, the alpaca lads are kept firmly in sight and everyone goes to have a good look about. We left them to it to get their bearings in the afternoon sunshine.
The following day we went up early to see how they’d got on and to put out the food & hay. Everyone was in the right place, though confused about the lack of a pen: we had to put all the pots on the floor but everyone got the hang of it soon enough. The state of emergency was still in full force. Everyone was eating nicely and sharing as well as being more ‘cuddly’ with us than usual and happy to eat carrots and pose for photos.
It might take them a few days to settle down but it looks like a success so far!
