Jolene was my first alpaca crush. Four years ago she just captured my heart with those big big eyes. So we started out with one alpaca and boarded her at a friend's farm while we increased our herd size and made our farm ready. Besides being an emotional purchase Jolene has been a wonderful mom. She has easy births...perfect for our first experiences.
All was fine until we brought her home last May. Then we discovered this one issue. When we'd get too close she'd stand her ground and spit at us instead of moving along in the direction we were guiding her. Hey! She isn't supposed to do that! Alpacas typically spit at each other, not so much at humans unless they are really annoyed. Hmph. I think she was saying "ROOKIES"!
After a year of improving our handling skills Jolene has been much easier to halter and lead. She has been much easier on shot day each month, too. I've forgiven her for pulling my hair with her mouth and squealing in my ear and the spitting after her most recent cria was born. But I really didn't know she'd forgiven me .... until today.
All was fine until we brought her home last May. Then we discovered this one issue. When we'd get too close she'd stand her ground and spit at us instead of moving along in the direction we were guiding her. Hey! She isn't supposed to do that! Alpacas typically spit at each other, not so much at humans unless they are really annoyed. Hmph. I think she was saying "ROOKIES"!
After a year of improving our handling skills Jolene has been much easier to halter and lead. She has been much easier on shot day each month, too. I've forgiven her for pulling my hair with her mouth and squealing in my ear and the spitting after her most recent cria was born. But I really didn't know she'd forgiven me .... until today.
