I was much better placed today with a routine beginning to form. I walked Skye and went to collect Riley. I put the sling on there so Louis could adjust it for me and left it on all day. I brought Riley back, warmed his bottle and made my breakfast. We had breakfast together and then he dropped off to sleep. I left my father watching over him and packed the car ready to go to Garth Hall. We had a other look for my glasses case. What have I done with it? Then fed Rascal and let the Peckys out. One hen legged it to the wall garden with me and Riley in hot pursuit so I could find her nest. She went round the corner of the railway carriage and vanished! I’ve narrowed in on an area to search now so I’ll do that tomorrow when I don’t have Riley with me.
Rhianydd came then and collected the 4 eggs. We had another thorough search for my glasses. It’s ridiculous mun 🤦♀️ Then we walked to the alpacas. Rhi filled the buckets and put the food out. I saw Alexa sitting down and not moving when the others came to meet us. Ooh a sign? Upon closer inspection, it was actually Butterscotch so not a sign at all 🤦♀️ Cookie approached the paddling pool, leaned her neck over and peered in. She’s the one that chased the squirrel off the other day. I’ve learned if shes staring or fussing with something, that I should take note. I was expecting the paddling pool to be empty but there was a few inches of water in there. Cookie was looking directly at the bottom corner. When I went closer, there was a dead crow in there. It was the size of a duck! Normally I would deal with it but I had Riley. It’s not something I would like to do but needs must. Rhi offered because of Riley. She got a shovel and scooped it up into the old shopping bag that I’d used as a quadling seat cover until it went theough the poover. No one’s hands touched it. I intended to dispose of it properly later. I left then with Riley and Rhi stayed for a while to keep check on Alexa. There was nothing to report. Nothing other than Cookie chasing a squirrel off. When Cookie is on guard in that field, any unwanted visitors had better beware 😁
I took Riley back for food. In the meantime I had an email about a voucher and I’ve managed to pin down a booking for a week Friday. Then I heard from the Wowcher people. That is something Jordan and I can chase up next week. I had dinner quickly then walked Skye. I went off for the click and collect. I put the fridge and freezer things away while my father watched over a sleeping Riley in the car. Then I took him home for some time on his jumparoo before my next shift at the farm. By 3.30 my eyes were heavy and it was all I could do not to nap.
I kept myself awake and when Louis came I left for Garth Hall. I saw Rascal and the Peckys but my first port of call was with the alpacas. I tried peeking through the trees but it’s nigh on impossible in the summer (I use the term loosely as it’s not summer weather) when the trees have leaves. It’s easier in the winter. I noticed Vader and McQueen on the far end of their field, looking into the girls field. Ooh, did that mean something? I walked to the girls field and there was Alexa with the others. So Vader and McQueen were literally just looking in the direction of the girls field. Nothing more. I tried not to disturb them, but there’s only one way into that field – through the gate. The catch is unbelievably loud so they all looked up and the majority ran over, thinking it was food. To be fair, they soon noticed I didn’t have a bucket so they all sloped off. This allowed me to start the quadling and get it out unchallenged
I hitched up the red trailer and went to get as big a load of hay as I could. There is heavy rain forecast tomorrow so if (I’m expecting her to because of this rain) Alexa unpacks, her and her cria will need to go in the blue shelter out of the rain until its a little but older at least. After doing that I took a bag of alpaca mix over to the LST and walked up. I was satisfied I was prepared for a new cria and then I shouted “iodine!” And face palmed. I must remember to take iodine. If the little one has to stay in, on hay, it’s umbilical will need iodine on it. This dries the umbilical out more quickly and is to prevent infections getting into their bodies. It’s not necessary put on grass in their usual pasture.
I crept to the barn so I could feed Rascal without the Peckys overhearing. A bit of a result that but it was nearly 7 so they were edging near Barry to go to bed. I topped up their water, checked under the slightly broody hen (no eggs). I fed them and that was that. When I got home I replied to a message from Beth. Her exams are over so she can come to the farm too. I also heard that the scheduled Bat Survey will (hopefully) go ahead.
My apprentice isn’t with me tomorrow but I’m not sure he’s learned much yet, he’s mostly been sleeping on the job 😉
Helen x
