Life on the Farm:
Two city folk turned alpaca breeders; the trials and tribulations of raising alpacas and living life on the farm.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005: Chicken World
Ever curious, the laying hens have expanded their territory to the whole of "chicken world".
This huge fenced field is where the hens spend their days digging in the dirt, taking a dust bath, and feeding on roots and bugs. And until just recently discovered, this is where the hens have made an intricate network of tunnels under the trailing blackberry vines. This terrain is the perfect place for the hens to hide away and lay their eggs; it's a space that's quiet, away from the coop, and undercover in the soft grass.
It didn't take long for the farmers to realize that the hens had other plans for their prized eggs. One rainy day there would be dozens of brown eggs in the coop nests, the next day but a few. Understandably, chickens may lay an egg a day with the occasional day off.. but the coincidence proved too much for the farmers to overlook. Perhaps the chickens were beginning to molt? Cooler temperatures or reduced daylight hours may make them decide to start shedding their feathers and take a break from egg laying. Not a chance. Just after dusk, the farmers close up the coop, and the hens are happily roosting overhead fluffed up and looking as feathered as can be.
The following day, the farmers make the "chicken world" discovery; dozens of eggs laid in dozens of outdoor nests.
Since then, the hens have been more sufficiently enticed to lay in the coop. Nest material is now overflowing and the light has been reduced so that all nest corners are dark and cozy. The hens are now back up to full production and show their gratitude by crowing their morning "egg announcements". This sound is music to the farmers (deafening) ears.
Friday, October 28, 2005: Brown Dog
The brown dog sniffs happily around the garden; one ear stiff and scanning the farm while picking up a distant alpaca hum. The other ear is slightly relaxed and flopping with every bounce of her head as she follows her nose along the ground.
She suddenly stops at a large log lining the driveway and begins to dig, poking one paw under the wood in an attempt to unearth a juicy morsel; perhaps it's a beetle, an earthworm, or a cricket... all live prey to keep her interest.
Eventually giving up on the log, she heads to the blueberry bush and scans each shoot, plucking off any remaining fruit that she finds. This delicate dance with the bush lasts several minutes until she's met with the enevitable sour berry. With a distasteful expression, she trots on.
Friday, October 21, 2005: Komondor LGD
Karma the Komondor is an LGD, a livestock guard dog, and guards a herd of alpacas at IslandLife Farms on Vancouver Island, BC Canada. Now 11 months old, she has fully bonded with the 16 alpacas and 1 llama under her watch. She's also taken a fond liking to the farmers and will often happily greet them when they enter the fields; still sometimes choosing to stay with her herd.
Komondors are believed to have been the dogs of the Cumans, a group of people originally living in China. The Cumans were displaced at the end of the 10th century and in 1246 were allowed to settle in the center of the Hungary on crown lands and lands that had been abandoned due to the Mongolian invasion.
The Komondor remained primarily in the rural areas as a livestock guard dog, for sheep. These areas were large enough that their human companions couldn't always see the distant herd. To be an effective guard, the Komondor had to rely mostly on its own senses to detect and defend against danger.
It's not surprising that the Komondor resembles a sheep. This powerful guard's defence tactic is to visually fit in with the herd, and when necessary, to surprise an intruder with unrelenting power and will.
Here on the farm, Karma certainly fits in with the herd; today she spent some time off with the alpacas to frolic in the fallen leaves.
Sunday, October 02, 2005: Weimaraner Puppy
Always a welcome sight at the farm are city folk friends, and today one of them brought their young weimaraner puppy Juniper...
Today Juniper will leave the city behind and embark on her first of many anticipated trips up to the farm. She will encounter new sniffs and unique-to-the-farm treats, new places to explore, and she'll meet Salix, a wiley 2 year old pup with a very big heart.
It's late morning in the city and Juniper knows there's something good going on today. She is dizzied by the activity, yet is immediately brought back as the smell of a cream cheese covered bagel floats past her nose. Juniper is then whisked up and finds herself in a familiar space; the car, a place that already brings so much wonder to the tiny weimaraner's eyes. As the engine starts to purr, so does Juniper as she closes her eyes and drifts off into puppy sleep.
The car comes to a stop outside the farm gates and she is suddenly awoken. She hears an unfamiliar jingle and the car makes it's way down the driveway to stop beside a white fence bordering vast green fields.
Juniper's peeks out of the passenger window to see the farm folk, dogs, cat, alpacas, llama and chickens. "Where are we?!" she says in a whimper.
It didn't take long for the puppy to adjust to the farm sights, sounds and smells, and to find a playmate in Salix. The two ran around like they were old friends rediscovering eachother, though Juniper was also discovering a bit about herself.
After a good puppy play session, the two were exhausted and Juniper was coaxed back into the car. While she slept all the way back to town, Salix found a good place to recharge on the couch; both were dreaming of the next time.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 : Alpaca Alarm
It's 3pm, and from out in the fields, an alpaca is heard sounding an alarm call. In quick response, the farmer throws on her shoes and dashes out from the house. She wonders why she doesn't hear Karma's signature guarding bark, the one used to ward off potential threats...
At any sign of danger, alpacas will make a shrill squeaking sound to alert the rest of the herd. Often one alpaca will take on this responsibility and a female, Comet, has stepped up to fill this role. In response to the call, the alpacas group together and scan in the direction of danger.
As it has been seen before, Karma usually heads up the herd and barks at the intruder.
Today is an exception, and yet a true example of the guarding instict of a mature Komondor livestock guard dog. What the farmer realizes is that all this commotion is caused by 2 young deer grazing in a back field. Instead of chasing the deer away, as many dogs would do, Karma keeps quite close to her alpacas, constantly looking around at each of them to ensure they are all accounted for and safe. She has identified the threat and determined that it's not worth leaving the herd to defend.
The farmer offers Karma praise for her actions, and it's taken with an endearing pride. As the alpacas head off to graze, Karma follows trotting, only to flop down in the glade and continue her snooze.
Saturday, August 27, 2005 : Country Fair
What fun!! The 96th Annual Cobble Hill Fall Fair took place this weekend, and many of the farmers' city folk friends were up to partake in the country folk fun. Seems they liked the fair food the most, devouring many hot donuts, smoothies, pizza and fudgesicles. The fair-going group of eight found parking well down the street and they toured into town like a flock of geese. It was noon, and the lineup to the fair was growing by the minute.
Just after receiving the official purple fair wristbands, one could see the wonder in the city folks' eyes. "Let's eat!" they exclaimed, and they were soon on their way to full fair enjoyment.
The day before, the farmer's had been preparing several exibits for the hall show. They baked cookies, assessed photographs, collected eggs, and out in the garden, one farm visitor picked this years' late harvest of blueberries.
As the last donut was downed, the group climbed the hall stairs with great anticipation. How would the farmers efforts stack up against others of Cobble Hill? The farmer with an appreciation for the fine art of photography, had exhibits boasting blue and red ribbons, winning 1st and 2nd places in the people and water photography classes.
They then spotted the cookies. First place and an outstanding exhibit ribbon! It was clear; they were off to a great start.
The chickens had produced a fine set of eggs that day, and both the large and extra large dozen brown eggs won first place. There was seriously stiff competition coming from 5 others in the classes. The general consensus.. these alpaca farmers could very well also turn out to be fantastic egg farmers too.
As for the blueberries; they received 3rd place behind a watermelon, and 5 kiwis. How can one compete?! Evidence of the exhibit quickly disappeared on the short drive home.
A great day for all, and so much to see. Animals were proudly displayed by their owners, young and old. There were show chickens, sheep, horses, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and miniature horses.
City and farm folk alike were impressed and inspired by the fair. With the efforts its many volunteers and exhibitors, Cobble Hill really shone just as it is, a small, yet vibrant and inviting farming community.
Friday, July 29, 2005 : Hunters Road
It was a morning like any other on the farm. The chickens had been fed, the alpacas had just been given fresh water and hay, and the sun’s morning glow started to creep over the dew covered fields. Food had been placed in the cats bowl, and the Grandmaster came bounding from the barn.
The farmers had plans to go into town to run some errands, and now inside, they pondered the details over coffee and breakfast. Few words really passed between them; now living and working together, the farmers have come to understand each other on a more subliminal level. As the coffee started to work it’s magic, out on the road, the farmers could see a car slow and stop, just before their driveway. Strange enough, it was a neighbour starting out on her morning commute; and she seemed to be looking for something in the nearby ditch. The farmers unconsciously chose to ignore the unusual occurrence and continued on with their morning routine.
Suddenly, out of treetops came 3 massive great crows, and they were seemingly interested in what may have been placed there. The farmers were familiar with the dining habits of these birds, and a slight concern began to grow inside them. Living in a rural area, the farmers were used to seeing deer cross the road, and the occasional raccoon out for a tour. They figured whatever it was, they should investigate; the crows’ interest and numbers were now increasing.
The farmers packed up the truck and set for town. Once at the top of the driveway, the farmer with the low voice, got out and went to investigate.
Upon his return, his face was pale and his expression, limp. “It’s Otis” he said, and a feeling of despair flooded over them. Otis had been crossing the road and had been hit sometime overnight, or in the early morning hours. His injury was instant and effective. The farmers convinced themselves that he felt neither pain nor distress; it was simply lights out. They felt it was sad to see him lying there alone, yet were thankful for the act of kindness shown by their neighbour.
Otis was given a proper burial out back, beside 2 previously lost chickens. The farm family has certainly changed, and there’s still an obvious space that Otis used to physically fill. The life of an outdoor cat, full of adventure and constant challenge, is not without its risks. Otis will be missed.
Sunday, July 24, 2005 : Orange Cat
The lazy orange cat sat in the grass, back legs to the side to relieve the excess weight from his medium frame. Otis, a.k.a. "Porkchop", was another rescue from the SPCA that the farmers had picked up in hopes that he might terrify any mice or rats that could find themselves calling the farm home. This hope of the farmers soon diminished as laughter filled the air from the odd mouse that evaded sure demise from the waddling eating machine.
Pleasant on the eyes, but a little challenged in mind and locomotion, Otis spends his days following the Grandmaster around the land. He has come to terms about his weight and inability to hunt like his stealthy relatives on the African plains, so he has resorted to vulture-like tactics. As the Grandmaster plans and executes the hunt for food, Otis is always there to attempt to steal the caught prey. Like a sumo wrestler with eyes focused on the prize, "Porkchop" charges and occasionally knocks the target loose from the jaws of the Grandmaster and calls it his own.
Otis is troubled with dogs, he has a furious dislike for Salix and growls and spits when caught in the company of this small brown dog. His heavy set legs lift with claws outstretched and his puffy lips rise to show his well used teeth. He is quite timid of the alpacas and not bothered by the chickens, but always appreciates a pet from the farmers and their friends.
Sunday, July 03, 2005 : Hyline Hens
More free-roaming chickens arrive on the farm, and they're just old enough to start laying their first eggs. At 20 weeks these gregarious birds are given free-choice access to pasture and 18% protein veggie crumbles. When their eggs are a good large size, they'll be offered 16-18% protein crumbles or pellets, pasture and farm kitchen veggies. Rumor has it here on the farm.. potato skins produce double yolks!
Friday, June 24, 2005: Dusty Aspen
Today DeeDee was made a first time mom to Aspen. Despite landing in a dust bowl, he was up on his feet within 5 minutes and feeding well before he should know how. This boy was ready to be born and DeeDee has taken on her new role like a pro.
Thursday, June 23, 2005 : Roadside Stand
The land was lit with the morning sun and dew sparkled in the fields. A blue canvas graced the sky promising a fine spring day. Out by the road stood the IslandLife Farms roadside stand, ready for the days eggs. Alert and proud, the stand waited eagerly for the arrival of the farmers.
It was 6am when a farmer emerged from the house. She stumbled over to the chicken coop and opened the tiny chicken door, allowing them to start their day. The farmer then retreated to the house and the roadside stand leaned back against the perimeter fence, wondering where the eggs and cooler were. Despite it’s disappointment, the stand straightened up and stood tall. The morning cars puttered by and the occasional dog and owner strolled past...and still no eggs. The sun was now shining bright and the clock was well past 7; this change in routine played heavily on the stand, despair set in, and soon all hope was fading.
Then suddenly, the house door popped open and the farmers were talking and laughing, filling the air with joy. The farmer with the deep voice was carrying the cooler and they were heading down the driveway. Immediately the stand took position, poised for the days treasures. The farmers placed the cooler in the stand and put out the road sign that read "EGGS" in bold green letters. They then headed back down the drive.
What a wonderful day this was going to be for the stand; the farmers had placed a very special package in the cooler. The 100th dozen eggs were to be sold today and for this occasion an 18 egg package sat waiting for the first lucky customer.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 : The Grandmaster
The day was new, and the farmers were out in the pasture picking up the odd stick and removing the bracken ferns that popped up between the short blades of grass. Alpacas lazed by the barn, enjoying some morning hay before venturing out for a feast on the dark green fields.
The long grass by the pond swayed with a light breeze that blew across the fields, and in the garden the odd bee bumbled about in search of that perfect flower. Down low, in the bushes which surrounded the pond, was another creature in search of a morning meal.
Oscar the cat (aka “Grandmaster”) lay in wait. His lustrous black coat glimmered in the shafts of light that dappled the ground around him. Oscar had been enjoying a snooze, when a rustle in the bush grabbed his attention. His sharp eyes focused on any movement as he lowered himself flat to the sand. His ears slowly raised and twitched with every sound, and his tail lay perfectly stiff behind him.
A little vole came running along and in a flash the hunt turned into full pursuit. Oscar flew through the air like a dagger and landed with one paw on the vole’s tail. His eyes narrowed as he moved his head closer to inspect his first trophy of the day. The vole shook with terror as the Grandmaster threatened to devour him in the morning dew.
A few minutes passed and still no action. Oscar then finally lifted his paw to release the tiny creature. He had decided to show mercy to the vole, for this was just some morning training and the real meal would present itself at lunch. The slick muscular cat then retreated to the bushes like a passing shadow, and not a sound could be heard as he stealthed away.
Sunday, June 19, 2005 : Bagel's Buckthorn
It was the first warm summer morning in what felt like weeks to the farmers and their alpaca herd. Now three pregnant alpacas, and two new moms with their crias, populated the field. It was exactly Bagel’s due date, yet she showed no signs of concern; she continued to happily graze while enjoying the warmth of the sun on her bright shining fleece. Would today really be the day?
The farmers pondered their options for the days plans. Something they could accomplish, but something that would allow at least one of them to keep an eye open for the slightest sign of discomfort or change. Alpacas being naturally herding animals rely simply on their numbers to keep them safe. Any sign of weakness could put them in danger, so they tend to keep any discomfort to themselves. Having spent much time watching their daily actions, the farmers have a good idea of what’s normal behavior for each of the animals. Bagel typically spends her mornings out grazing and hums only rarely. She usually walks tall and with much determination. Today was no exception.
A guest had arrived early morning, with hopes of sharing in the anticipated event. A city folk, he was not used to farmers’ hours, and chose to while away the morning in a blissful state of sleep. At 10am, the farmers decided to wake him. With some confusion, the guest re-established where he was, and leapt to his feet. “A foot!” he exclaimed, much to the farmers’ shock and surprise.
Indeed, there it was, a tiny foot next to Bagel’s fluffy tail. Though strangely enough, she continued to graze, and in went the foot and out popped a cria’s head. This wasn’t good; it wasn’t at all what the farmers wanted to see. The only way Bagel would have her cria was if there was a head and two feet. The cria would have to be moved, so the farmers called the vet. They knew it would take some time to reach him, and they would need someone more experienced to take on this delicate task. The guest piped up again, “two feet!” All was well; Bagel was well on her way, and the farmer dropped the phone in awe.
Only 5 minutes later, Buckthorn hit the ground in a slippery tumble. With the bright sun shining in his eyes, he took some time to gain the strength to stand. Bagel’s encouragement was all that he needed; and the two spent their first day together happy and humming.
Friday, June 10, 2005 : Livestock Guard Dog
Karma the komondor is now 6 months old. She has gone through many stages, not unlike other puppy breeds; all things to help her develop and establish where she fits in. Karma is now a ray of sunshine. Okay, she still has her silly moments, most of which are spent rolling in the fresh cut grass with four paws in the air. Her range has expanded from one field to half of the fenced 5 acres, the other half is reserved for the farmers, chickens and "the opportunist" aka Salix the hiking/house dog. When Karma matures (in about 2 years), the farmers plan on giving Karma free range of the land, as she will likely make a good guard, even for the laying hens.
Right now, the farmers have no trouble entering the alpaca fields; they are often greeted with a panting friendly face. To keep her focused on her work, however, the farmers have to use the utmost restraint and stick to their intended task. Karma does get at least one full good rubdown a day, just to show the farmers' appreciation. This really is a rewarding time for both; they both get a great cuddle. It's also a good time for her to get used to having her ears, eyes, and coat checked. As a komondor, she's already starting to develop her unique corded coat, and it will require much together time to have her future dreadlocks looking neat... well relatively neat, she is an outdoor dog.
Karma has now started to perform her intended duty; she has developed the sense that she must guard her fields, and her alpacas. The farmers discovered her bark on day one, when she was only 8 weeks old, yet now she's knows when to appropriately use it. Some guidance has been necessary on this. Karma now barks at people walking down the road, perhaps those who walk a bit slower or stop to see the newest members of the alpaca herd. She barks to let them know she's home, to ward them off, and then lets out a few barks just to make sure they're gone. This is early guarding behaviour and it's likely that she'll settle down and only bark when required. Asleep by day, and alert at night, she keeps the farm family safe.
Monday, June 06, 2005 : Jericho’s Jaird
A young black female alpaca, Comet, enjoys her morning hay in a small familiar field. She has been separated from the herd and beside her stands Linden, her playful male cria at barely 2 weeks of age. The time has come and she’s ready to meet Jericho’s Jaird, up close this time without a fence between them. Despite his young age of 2 years and inexperience, he’s a tall, proud and respectful gentleman and remains focused on this, his new task. Fawn in colour, his sire was a true black alpaca; one of the finest and now resides in the United States. Comet is pleased to make the first introductions and her suitor makes his move. While not wanting to disturb the two, the farmers resume their few outside tasks, while the unusual sound of an alpaca orgle plays in the background. Male alpacas make a noise with their throat while breeding; one could say it’s similar to the sound of a turkey starting an old car engine. After 45 minutes Jaird’s first assignment has been completed and both are pleased with the result.
It is possible that Comet will have another cria next year in about 340 days, and to help determine her status, the farmers will conduct a “spit test” in a couple of days. Since she is now a seasoned mother, Comet will likely know if she is pregnant and will show disinterest or spit at a male if he makes any advances. It’s not always a pleasant job for the male, but one might agree, it certainly has its’ benefits.
Friday, May 13, 2005 : Sweetheart's Sequoia
The farmers stood leaning on the white fence overlooking the field that was home to two very pregnant females. After days of guessing which one was closer to term, they were convinced that Sweetheart, a black alpaca, was ready and that this would be the day. She was showing all the signs of first stage labor (according to all the textbooks that the farmers had read). Sweetheart was humming frequently with the odd grunt of discomfort. She was laying down and standing up every few minutes, but the final indication was her frequent trips to the dung pile which produced nothing.
Earlier in the day the farmers had prepared well. They had their cria supply kit on hand which included everything that you would need for a newborn; most importantly, phone numbers of the local vet and experienced breeders, and a bottle of navel treatment.
Sweetheart stood facing the farmers, the look of discomfort clouded her eyes. She they turned away from the farmers and to their surprise a tiny head and two legs had already entered the world. The farmers gasped with shock and took a step back. This was it, the moment that they had dreamed and planned for 328 days earlier. The farmer reached for his camera and fumbled about, within a few seconds he focused on the spectacle and pressed the button… three beeps followed and a message on his display scoffed “Memory card full!” Like a deer in the headlights of a screaming car, he froze, bottom lip drooped slightly and he stood stunned, confused, puzzled at this unexpended turn of events.
He had dealt with this message dozens of times before, but in this stressful moment he drew a blank. Staring at the screen of his camera (for what had seemed like forever ) he finally snapped out of it and managed to clear the card. By this time, Sweetheart had retreated to the comfort and safety of the shelter in the field. She was having contractions every 5-10 minutes but no progress had been made for 30 minutes. The farmers realized that she needed some help and started the decision making process. Call the vet? or jump on in?.. After further assessment, the farmers concluded that the cria was in proper position and the farmer set to work. He stood behind Sweetheart and put a towel around the cria’s tiny feet. Acting as a coach, the other stood to the side and directed the farmer to hold on during contractions and to guide the cria down rather then straight out. Within minutes the cria’s shoulders passed and the newborn was out.
For the first time seeing this, the cria looked like little alien; all black, wiggling around and taking it’s first breaths. The farmers exclaimed “It’s a girl!!” and within 40 minutes, she was up on her feet and looking for her first meal. By the end of a long day, the cria had dried off and fluffed up to a rich reddish brown… then she got her name… Sequoia.
Sunday, April 24, 2005 : Chicken Scoop
What came first the chicken or the egg? Well, to the farmers, the chicken came first. Thirty happy healthy young pullets arrived on the farm in March. It actually took over a month for the first chicken to lay just one egg. How exciting that arrival was! The chickens get up with the sun everyday, and so must one of the farmers to let them out of their coop. They now consume a generous amount of feed and produce as many as 22 eggs a day. Once fully in production, they should produce a great number of eggs; nearly one a day, or 300 a year for at least 2 years. After this point, production often slows, yet hens can live until they are 12 years old. The farmers currently feed an 18% protein crumble diet and offer clean fresh water at all times. As luck would have it, the chickens also have ¼ acre of their own land to graze, feeding on grass, weeds, and the odd insect and slug. As long as there’s food available, they have little inclination to …you know….fly the coop.
Monday, April 18, 2005 : The Opportunist
The kibble hit the tiled floor in the kitchen and with eyes focused, the rhythmic sniffs intensified as the dog narrowed in on its prey. With one aggressive swoop of her pink dry tongue she annihilated the bouncing morsel of food. The hunt was on for more. Salix the dog, scoured the entire kitchen floor for any edible substance. Her digging nose poked and prodded every nook and cranny in the room. She looked up and surveyed the room. Dust and debris speckled her moist black nose. She noted that the farmers were busy on their computers; constant blah, blah, Blog, blah blah, blah… filled the air.
Sunday, April 17, 2005 : Monster Slain
With a great big crash, the farmer wiped his brow. The massive Douglas fir came crashing down just where he wanted…maybe a little to the left, but close enough in his eyes. With the first tree felled under his belt, he admired his new chainsaw and blew the sawdust off. Like a victorious sheriff of an untamed land, he stood proud, silent with a tiny smirk on his face. He thought about next winter when he would heat his humble abode with this forged wood; visions of sitting by the wood stove passed through his mind, faithful dog at his side, and the heat from the fire warming his bones.
It was early afternoon on a sunny March day when the farmer cut up the tree into rounds. The 20” bar on the saw was hungry to eat through the girth of the slain monster. Perhaps tomorrow the farmer will clean up the carnage and truck it on out.
Thursday, March 31, 2005 : Karma the Komondor
It was a cold and rainy March day for the farmers. Thankfully, there wasn't much to do outside, as alpacas have few needs other than fresh hay, clean water, and a sturdy shelter.
Karma, their livestock guard dog in training, or rather livestock guard puppy, however, had big plans for the day. She spent most of her time getting dirty out in the rain. She made a complete "puppy" of herself by rearranging all moveable items that were previously, and carefully, placed by the farmers. She is a Hungarian Komondor, and in a couple of months, her usually fluffy white coat will start to grow into long cords, similar in appearance to dreadlocks. As the farmers had planned, Karma is being raised outside with the livestock. This is to ensure that she bonds with her herd. She has never been in the farmhouse, and by 2 years of age will mature into an independent thinking protector against the potential threat of cougars, bears and neighbourhood dogs.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005 : Introductions
This blog will hold stories and updates about our farm…
Let me start again…
Collette and Ian are farmers…alpaca farmers to be specific. They breed and sell quality breeding stock alpacas for the North American markets (currently just the Canadian markets due to all of the BSE stuff which I’m sure they'll talk about in the near future).
Living on Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia, Canada, the couple work their 5 acre farm daily. They both enjoy the quite country life in the farming village of Cobble Hill.