Haltering Professor

Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! Tim and I were able to get Professor into the small catch pen, we were able to halter him and put the lead rope on him. I was able to walk him out of the catch pen, then about 5 or 6 steps away from the catch pen. That's where it all went downhill. He snapped his head back, pulling the rope through my hand, when he felt the rope go slack he started running around the field like a crazy alpaca and my hand felt like it was on fire. After a few minutes of running about, Tim was able to catch him and we un-haltered him and let him go. I am thinking that I will wait a bit before I try that again. That was no fun for me and none for him either. I think the halter slipped a little on his nose, which on an alpaca can cut off circulation and make them freak out, which he was definitely freaking out. When I got in the house I put aloe vera gel on and my had felt much better. The skin didn't break, but I am going to have a couple of blisters for a bit. Oh well...

Alpacas

Near the beginning of August 2009 I bought 4 alpaca's for my birthday. They were delivered on August 14th, the day after my birthday, which from here on out will be known as Alpaca Day for me. When they first got here they were all very skittish, not really want to get near me because I was someone that they didn't know. Shortly after they arrived, Kodiak and I came to an understanding, he does not want to be petted and I do not want to be kicked. As the weeks have gone on, they have started to accept me and they occasionally come up and nip at my arms while I am getting their food ready for them. Shiloh lets me pet him, as long as his head is in a food dish and Professor X lets me pat his butt when he is eating the hay. Zachary is still very shy, Kodiak still does not want to petted and I still don't want to be kicked. All in all we are doing great together and I am looking forward to the day that I can halter them up and take them to the craft fairs with me.