My Alpaca Herd.

We collected my new Alpaca herd yesterday morning, Sam, Leo, Crystal and baby Saphire, and they are just adorable. I love the way they seemed at home straight away, murmur to each other all the time and look out for each other. They all watch over Saphire, who lost her mum a few weeks ago, and keep sniffing her and checking that she's OK.

Leo was not quite so adorable when we were loading him as he decided, having gone straight into the trailer once and then out again, that he didn't want to go back in and covered us with green gunge when we insisted that he did. Unfortunately poor Sam also got into the firing line and his head was plastered in it, and it even went right down inside his ears!!! It was also incredibly smelly!!!!!!!!!!!

Leo was the only one who did spit at us though, inspite of us having to manhandle them all into the trailer as they are very tame and well handled so wouldn't be herded into it.

Crystal, the white one, is due to give birth in August. Sam and Leo are both 'gelded' wethers and Saphire is 7 months old. The three adults are all halter trained and all of them eat from your hand.

Saphire is incredibly confident, probably because she feels so secure from the constant care and attention that she gets from the others.

I am already in love with this little family and spend as much time with them as I can. They are so steady and confident but really gentle with it and I find their tremendous herd spirit very inspiring and comforting.