Weaning Your Cria

by Ann Haldane 

Copper Nutrition in Camelids
By Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PHD 

Llamas and alpacas require dietary copper (Cu) to help maintain normal body functions but in excess this trace mineral can be toxic.




Copper (Cu) nutrition is a double-edged sword being associated with both deficiency and toxicity disease concerns. Although all microminerals are of importance, Cu is receiving more attention as a result...

What is the definition of Superwash?

Some clothing lines of wool are now being promoted as “superwashed” for next-to-skin capabilities by removing the wool’s lanolin and barbs.  According to Textile Chemicals: Environmental Data and Facts, the superwashed wool is treated with synthetic resins (polyamide / epichlorohydrine or polyurethane), a method that can include such chemicals as chlorine and hypochlorous acid, sulphuric acid, sodium hypochlorite, alkali metal salts of dichloroisocyanuric acid (DCCA) and an acid-stable wetting agent. The chlorination process for wool has lead to enormous environmental problems.  

Top fashion companies across the industry all drew the same conclusion after a bevy of recent studies. Our fleeces, athletic wear and leggings release micro-plastic fibers when washed, and these micro-plastics, which are too small to filter out of the wash, end up in the ocean being consumed by marine life and ultimately, by us. We must, they realized, find alternatives.

Well,...

As we moved into July, my sister and I once again needed to make a decision on where to go for our annual hiking trip. We decided on Taylor Fork outside of

Made to move with you.

• Comfort Control: Moisture-wicking socks for dry, cool feet that need to move. Arch band and ankle tabs keep socks in place throughout the day.
• Movement Support: Extra cushioning without the bulk where you need it most.
• Built...

Alpacas have a 11.5 month gestation, so when they are born they are ready to go in about 30 minutes.  Give them 2 days and they are full on playful and fun.  Watch Marco hanging out with him mom Pogo and enjoying life in every way.

Each year, around the beginning of June, we need to shear our alpaca crew for the Summer. This helps them stay cool in the Summer and we can continue to make Socks, Hats and other products.


Here are a couple of quick videos from this year's alpaca fleece harvest:

Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, often called the "highest navigable lake" in the world. It sits at an elevation of 12,500 feet.  On the lake, various native Peruvians thrive on their own island - some made made naturally from the earth and other islands are made made reed islands.

Other cultures lived on Lake Titicaca prior to the arrival of the...