The Worst Part of Farming

One of the most questions asked of me and my farming lifestyle is "What is the down fall of the alpaca industry". When I look back over the 10 years we have been in this industry, it has all been good, for the most part. I think one of the worst things about farming...when you have livestock, you also have dead stock. It is devastating when an animal you have cared for has taken a turn for the worst, and dies in your care. I put my heart and soul into my herd, and like to think they are all healthy and happy.  But things happen out of my control and nature does take over.

One particular devastating case was with a girl by the name of Dezi.  I loved this alpaca, she was friendly, gentle and had the softest face as well as fibre.  She was a girl that I had purchased from a reputable breeder, and I just loved Dezi.  It was May 26th, 2010 when she went into labour.  Everything seemed textbook, until a few hours later she was still straining.  I decided to provide Dezi with a pelvic examination, and found the baby breech.  He was totally backwards, and though I have read all the manuals, taken courses, I still could not get the rear hind legs out to deliver the cria.  The vet was on the way, but I still tried to help Dezi. I also had a experienced sheep farmer staying with me at the farm, and as hard as we tried could not get the cria's hind legs to pass the birth canal.

Moments later, our vet appeared and showed us how to deliver a breech baby that was in this particular position.  Not hopeful that the baby was even alive, we hoped for the best.  As our veterinary pulled the beautiful chocolate brown boy, and what a relief when he started to breath, cough and sneeze.  Tears came to my eyes as life was saved for this guy.  After providing mom with some medical care, we cleaned up the nursery and let the new mom and baby alone. We called him Trooper, and watched as mom and baby began to bond.

Swollen Rear end

Sally and Garth Feeding Dezi

When I went back to the barn to check on baby and mom, I began to notice swelling in her rear end.  Only natural after the trauma she had been through.  This is when she went down, and would not stand.  We milked her for feedings for Trooper and making her as comfortable as possible with blankets, straw, fresh water and food.  She was enjoying the fresh grass that my husband would go pick for her. But she would not eat the hay or pellets....after talking to the breeder where I purchased Dezi from, she provided me with a recipe for Paca Porridge to help Dezi get back on track.  But at this point, Dezi would not stand for Trooper to milk.  We exercised and massaged Dezi's legs to help with the circulation. We rigged up an apparatus so Dezi could periodically stand with some assistance. We continued to milk her, so Trooper would be able to get milk from momma.  I had some blessed friends come to my assistance and help try to get through this ordeal.  My life is blessed with so many good people in my life. 

Auntie Elaine Nursing Trooper

Auntie Karen taking her turn with feeding Trooper

This mixture helps with stress, tummy upset as well as providing them with vitamins and minerals to help increase their appetite.  This recipe did work, infact Dezi started opening her lips for this mixture as we spoon fed her. This recipe is available on the blog site for those interested in the recipe.  It works well, and I have used this concoction on other animals who turn off eating.

  Hay and pellets were looking better and better for her each day.  Trooper took to his make shift milk bar (literally) and was eager to feed from his substitute moms. Things were looking up for both mom and baby and I was so hopeful that all would be getting better. 

 We were so hopeful that both mom and baby would be fine...and then 3 days later, we lost Trooper.  Even providing him with mouth to mouth resuscitation, I could not bring this little boy back to life.  I was devastated, deflate and so upset.  We all tried so  hard.  Why is this happening???  It just does not seem fair.  But life is not fair, and the lessons we learn along the way help deal with the next incidents.

As we laid little Trooper to rest, we paid our full attention on Dezi.  Her appetite was increasing, her eyes were bright, she was alert.  On May 31st we set out to feed Dezi and get her comfortable for the evening.  We exercised Dezi and massaged her legs to aid with circulation.  After propping her on some nice blankets and straw, she rapidly started declining.  Right before our eyes. She was fine the first minute, dead the next.  It was instant, it was quick, it was devastating...again.  There was a blood clot in her leg that took her life.

As a farmer, I find it difficult to say good bye to these beautiful creatures.  You can beat yourself up for "not trying"  harder, or take what you have learned to give to others.  I still hate this part of farming, and I will continue to hate this part of farming, but this lifestyle is one that I enjoy with all my heart.

I have learned from all my experiences while farming, and will continue to learn.  I am blessed with all the support that is around me, I am blessed to have such amazing animals in my life.  I am blessed to have loved some really amazing animals in my life.  I have some amazing friends in my life that are dedicated to my animals, I love them for this. Thank you Sally, Elaine, Karen and everyone else behind the scenes who have supported all our trials and tribulations.  I am grateful to you all.


"If there is a heaven, it's certain our animals are to be there. Their lives become so interwoven with our own, it would take more than an archangel to detangle them." (Pam Brown)