Alpaca Tribe

This is the podcast for alpaca people!The new year begins, but is hardly noticed by the alpacas. Just another day.Wet weather turned cold, then snow and ice. The alpacas loved the hay and found a little grazing by following the sun around the valley. It has all gone again, so we can relax for a bit.Starting a new year is a good time to notice the jobs that need doing and anything that seems 'off' with any of the alpacas. The winter weather stress sometimes reveals things we don't otherwise notice.Less time for sitting outside with the alpacas at the moment here in the UK, because of the wintry weather. A good time for catching up on record keeping, and if you are breeding alpacas, a time to consider potential matings - a bit like gardeners and their seed catalogues.Here is the link to the video from the last episode, where I show you around the valley to give some perspective on the stories I regularly share. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, join me as I walk around the valley. Enjoy breakfast with the girls, then head out and about up the valley.There is also a video of the walk, which you can watch here.Thanks for being with me through this episode and even through the year. Have a good break over the Christmas period, and I will catch you again in the new year.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!Welcome to all of you, wherever you are listening, but especially my listeners from Brazil. Thank you. I appreciate it.Alpacas are curious and usually offer us a welcome as we approach. Depending on what we do next, the welcome remains, or our attention becomes unwelcome. Even too much staring at them and paying too much attention can cause them to retreat or at least change their body language. It is good to observe them and get to know each one individually.At this time in the UK it is good to check body condition scores - see the video below for detailshttps://youtu.be/xZSlhQaqGEk?si=TOJhjuEEqexcGDm3You might also want to check feet and eyes too. If you can, spend some time with your alpacas, someone else's alpacas, or come spend time with my alpacas and me. You are welcome.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, Steve recounts a chaotic food delivery for the alpacas, reflecting on resilience and how to handle frustration in animal care. He introduces us to Hermione, Alys, and Nona, sharing anecdotes that highlight their personalities and daily routines. The episode culminates in the timely arrival of the food, serving as a metaphor for navigating life's unpredictability. Join Steve for quick lessons on patience, connection, and the joys of caring for animals!(NB summary prepared by AI via Auphonic - I'm not sure what to make of it. Let me know your thoughts)Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!The rain has been abundant. I guess that is what made the valley a good site for a Victorian reservoir.Now it is home to our herd of alpacas, ducks and visiting swans. And us of course. Where better to share our lives with all of the amazing animals and wildlife and the rain. Join me.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!The tide of vegetation is receding as fall continues to arrive. The alpacas are enjoying the season and so am I. Join me for a walk and talk in the valley.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, the welcome early fall sunshine makes it easy to spend time out in the valley with the alpacas.Velvet mites, foxes and badgers, bats, plus some friends from Australia. The valley has been having visitors.Listen in and join me on the farm.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!Join me for a typical day with the alpacas and the associated chores. It is a delight on a sunny autumn morning with so many Robins singing their hearts out.As well as a revisit by the Swan and some of our Canada Geese, there was a Kingfisher, which sat still long enough to grab a blurry snap. A delight. See the website for the photo.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, I want to talk about how alpacas sit and why. Alpacas love to sit, which is called cushing. They gather their legs underneath them and look very comfortable. Often they will be chewing the cud while cushed. It is a bit like having a sit-down for a cup of tea – just alpaca style.Sometimes they do it to opt out – we all feel like that sometimes, I know. So next time you feel the need, try to spend some time with some alpacas and chill.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, the season change has come quickly here in the valley with the alpacas. Listen to catch up on what has been happening with the herd.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, I'm considering what a good number of alpacas is. Probably the first answer is going to be... more! They are somewhat addictive and a delight, so why not have more?There are a number of factors to consider, but they mostly revolve around space - how much physical space for grazing and for shelter, and metaphorically about how much space, or capacity, you have in your life.Listen in to help think through what is crucial for you and your alpacas.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!We had a named storm pass through, but today is calm, still and sunny. A perfect day for breakfast with the girls. Why don't you join me?Nona was enjoying the pile of hay she claimed - she does like her hay. Later, after I put all the food out and spread it about for the girls, they settled down, but before that, Nona and Hermione got into a spit-spat. Huffing over the final crumbs, or even an empty food trough, which resulted in them both having a dropped bottom lip. Really, girls, it's so unnecessary and sets such a bad example for the youngsters.I had my chlorophyll-moment sitting in the sun and enjoying the warmth while I topped up my vitamin D. Breakfast with the alpacas is such a good way to start your day - do try it if you can.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, I offer a tip for dealing with overwhelm, suggest ways to learn more about alpaca behaviour, and explain looking out for which one starts the drift. There is also an update on the herd and life in the valley.For valley news, you can also check out my Substack "View From The Valley".Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, I continue reflecting on the cria birthing season and how we can be prepared.This includes talking to some people, including your vet, reading up and taking some courses - probably too late for this season, but there is always next year.Birthing kitsI talked about them in some previous episodes. Check out: Episode 13 – Topical Alpaca Tips with Steve HeatheringtonEpisode 22 – Expect the unexpected with Steve HeatheringtonEpisode 24 – Jenny MacHarg part 2Homestead Farm Supplies offers a kit to buy off the shelf. If you are not in the UK it is still worth a look to see what they include.Courses and booksClaire Whitehead of UK Alpaca Vets offers a birthing course earlier in the year.ABC - Antenatal, Birthing and Cria care is a good starter book, published in AustraliaThanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!Memories abound of the magic of alpaca births. Mostly straightforward, but I always liked to be around to be available to help when needed. Cria watch can be stressful but hourly checks for signs of births and labour means you are likely to be there when needed. Keep it light and keep your distance to avoid stressing the mums.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!The weather has warmed, bringing some flies. Including an early appearance by the large horseflies usually reserved for a week in July. I sorted one out that was feeding from Efa. I hope she will forgive me for chasing her around to catch the fly.When alpaca herds grow, it is either because more are added - a general challenge for all alpaca owners, to resist the temptation to buy more. The alternative is to grow your own through breeding. Listen in for some reflections.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I am delighted to report that the shearing is finished for another year. It was physically demanding but less so than in some previous years. The alpacas have just about forgiven me, but a few are still looking at me suspiciously and giving me a wider berth than usual during feeding time.Dry fleece is essential for both shearing and storing the fleece. The week of dry, sunny weather helped.Also listen in to find out what the geese and swans have been up to. Spring is well and truly here, and summer is around the corner.Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode, I consider the difficulty of doing some alpaca jobs alone.There is also a valley update about the new ready-made family of geese joining the number one family.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!Beautiful spring mornings with the alpacas are a delight. Recognising that we are all connected to the life around us is an important reason to slow down, take a breath, and be present.I have learned so much from living with alpacas, and slowing down is definitely one of the best.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!We don't really know what is going on inside the head of an alpaca. What are they thinking? What do they think of us? It doesn't stop us trying to speak alpaca, though. And if you can spend time around your alpacas, you stand a better chance of connecting. When you do, it is a bit magical.Spring continues to gather pace and there are more signs of its arrival - the swallows, the cuckoo, the woodpecker and butterflies. What are you noticing where you are?Reminder: From May, the podcast frequency will change, and new episodes will arrive fortnightly rather than weekly.Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it.You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy