Wednesday, December 19, 2018
The Shy Cria
Two years ago, we had our first baby alpaca (called a cria) born. Callie was a curious little girl who loved attention. She'd come over for kisses, hugs, and pets. Fast forward two years..... along comes her half brother, Nova.
Same mom, same farm....completely different personality! Nova likes to look at you from 10 feet away. By two months old, you could get close to him if he was behind his Mom. Month 3 begins and I am starting to get concerned about upcoming halter training. After some research, I formed a plan.
Every morning, Nova joined his mom in a special feed area for her to receive extra grain. I began by just cradling his head in one hand and putting my other behind his head and giving a little massage between his ears. The first week, he would rear, pull away and do his best to escape me. I'd release him when he stood calmly. By week two, he would stay calm as if to say "Are you done yet, lady?" Week three became "Hey lady, I'm done eating. Where's my massage? I have hay to go eat."
Now, I am able to handle his head even as he is with the herd eating. I am no longer concerned about the upcoming halter training.