possesive mom

[Leda]

I have a maiden who gave birth today. She won't let me near the cria. She spits, bites and jumps up on me. I was able to treat the umbilical cord immediately after birth, but I would like to treat it again. I would appreciate any suggestions for dealing with this mom. Before she was pregnant, she was sweet and timid. While pregnant, she became much more concerned anytime I gave shots, etc.

Thank you for any suggestions,
Leda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

treating the navel once is fine in my opinion especially if the baby is in a field and not confined in a dirt lot. I think you respect her concerns and stay out of the way. Is the baby up and nursing is she standing still? Is she with a group? I hope so.

[Leda]

The cria was born on clean grass, was on his feet in 1/2 hour and nursing shortly thereafter. Mom and cria are in with their herd and are doing well. I spoke with Jan and she had some helpful suggestions.

My main concern now is when the vet comes to take blood. I am hoping the mother will tolerate us handling her baby for this.

Thank you for your input,
Leda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

I would suggest putting the mother in an adjoining pen with another female and letting her watch keep the baby with the mother for as long as possible and know that not everyone does an IgG on every baby. If the dam is from a good milking line and the baby is gaining it maybe optional and not a requirement.

[Leda]

I had considered skipping doing an IGG as he is nursing well and seems strong and healthy, but I still need blood for BVD and DNA (registration). Do you think I would be better off waiting a little longer to do these tests -- maybe dam will be calmer -- or just get it over with?

Thanks,
Leda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

it is too late now but there is a technique for getting blood from the placenta... since you must draw blood for a BVD and DNA if it is not urgent I think it might be a good idea to wait a few days and see if she settles down a bit. When you do draw the blood make sure that she can be present and perhaps in a day or two she can be in the pen while you do it. If she is halter trained you could put her on a halter while the vet draws the blood. Again I would have some other animals in the pen too.

[Leda]

I still have the placenta in the refrigerator (24 hours old). Is it too late?

Leda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

don't know call your vet. The article was in the last issue of Alpacas Magazine or you could search on line

[Leda]

Hi,

I just want to update folks. I was able to use blood from the placenta's umbilical cord for BVD and DNA testing. The procedure was easy and it saved everyone a lot of stress.

The possessive mother calmed down after about 10 days, I assume due to her hormones regulating. Jan was a wonderful help, first via the phone, then through a visit to my farm. She showed me how to do a neck wrap on this new mom and guided me while I worked with her and her young son. The mom has become much more trusting with me, though she does keep her eye on me when my hands are on any of the alpacas in her herd. But she is no longer aggressive towards me.

I am extremely grateful to Jan and to Marty for their help.

Leda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

thanks for the update and I am so glad you had such good help in the form of Jan Pressler to get things sorted out AND that they did get sorted out so quickly.