Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Alpacas Getting Haircuts

Yesterday was a big day for Jay Mountain Alpacas because they were all due for a haircut and I was invited to join in on all the fun.  

When I went back to see the alpacas at the barn, they seemed a little curious about what was going on.  
After a few alpacas returned from their shearing, they started getting a clue about what would be happening to them after seeing their shaved friends and family members. 
 
The men roped the front and hind legs so the alpaca would be on their side or belly and they would start shaving.  Some alpacas behaved better than others and I really couldn't blame the pregnant ones for yelling at us.  
It was amazing to see the thickness of the blanket that came off of them.  Since I am a newbie to all of this, I was put on clean up duty and swept the fur that could not be felted or spun into yarn.  

Once the men were done with the bulk of the shearing job, I helped Pat by straddling the alpaca and holding the ears while she trimmed and perfected the top of their head.  I was reluctant to do this at first because I thought I would be hurting the alpaca by grabbing their ears.  I certainly wouldn't like it if someone did this to me and was surprised that none of the alpacas turned their head around 180 degrees and spit at me. Maybe it was just beginner's luck!
I took a break on this alpaca so I could get a picture for you.  

Here is Miss Keela before and after her haircut and I must say she is a beauty.  
Someone give this gal a ribbon!


4 comments:

TourPro said...

I'd be kinda mad if someone gave me that haircut!

Joann said...

Great photos and post - thanks!

One of the ladies said...

Awesome post. You should come to the farm. I'm there every Sat. and Sun. 5 am and 5 pm. Stop by!

Anonymous said...

This inspired me to take my grandkids to see our local alpacas. They had just gotten their hair cut as well.

They sure were a cute lot! - kids and alpacas.