Marty McGee Bennett
08-02-2005, 09:01 PM
Marty
Hi . I attanded you talk at the NZ alpaca conference last year and read a borowed copy of your book. I have made lots of progress with my alpaca handling but I am stuck on this problem
*We have reently sold our first alpacas to a new owner near by. We sold her a pair of older pregnant females and she bought another female from another breader. She has rung to say that one of our females has never settled remaining hyperalert constantly kicking and spitting at the other two and the new cria ( not hers), resulting in three unsettled unhappy animals. This female was not the matriarch in our herd but has taken on that role now. Is the only option to swap her for another animal or are there any behavioural techniques you would recommend. I recall the body wrap-would that be appropriate here?
I am really looking forward to doing a clinic on your next kiwi tour but meanwhile do you have any advice on this one?
*
Kind regards
*
I am glad handling has been easier since the clinic. This is not an unusual problem when relocating animals. I would give it some more time. The addition of a llama would really help. The llama would be the natural leader of the group and make them all feel more secure. Barring that it would be useful for the new owner to work with all the animals lead them alone and together but this is the kind of thing that usually takes some time, the animals have to completely sort out the new peck order. I am planning to come back to NZ in February of 06 so I hope to see you then.
Hi . I attanded you talk at the NZ alpaca conference last year and read a borowed copy of your book. I have made lots of progress with my alpaca handling but I am stuck on this problem
*We have reently sold our first alpacas to a new owner near by. We sold her a pair of older pregnant females and she bought another female from another breader. She has rung to say that one of our females has never settled remaining hyperalert constantly kicking and spitting at the other two and the new cria ( not hers), resulting in three unsettled unhappy animals. This female was not the matriarch in our herd but has taken on that role now. Is the only option to swap her for another animal or are there any behavioural techniques you would recommend. I recall the body wrap-would that be appropriate here?
I am really looking forward to doing a clinic on your next kiwi tour but meanwhile do you have any advice on this one?
*
Kind regards
*
I am glad handling has been easier since the clinic. This is not an unusual problem when relocating animals. I would give it some more time. The addition of a llama would really help. The llama would be the natural leader of the group and make them all feel more secure. Barring that it would be useful for the new owner to work with all the animals lead them alone and together but this is the kind of thing that usually takes some time, the animals have to completely sort out the new peck order. I am planning to come back to NZ in February of 06 so I hope to see you then.