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First Time Mother

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alpaca cria from snowshoe farm in vermontIt’s truly amazing to watch not only newborn babies that can stand and nurse within an hour – or less – of birth, but also the new mothers whose instincts kick in and tell them just what to do with their new babies! Yesterday’s birth is a good example. We knew Caledonia would be having her cria in the next day or so, but she wasn’t showing any sign that she was in labor before we went in the house for lunch. An hour later, we found a new cria in the barn.

This little girl is so active! She was pushing herself to stand on her spindly legs while her little tongue was darting around looking for milk. She was standing and nursing well in no time. And Caledonia did what the mother is supposed to do: stand still so the baby can find her udder and talk and nudge the baby into the right position.

It was good to have a routine birth and a healthy, active cria in this hot weather. Today mom and baby are out in the pasture with the rest of the moms and babies and the whole group will be moved back in with the rest of the females tomorrow. And we have a break from baby watch for a week or two!

2 Responses

  1. Tracey
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    Way to go Caledonia!

  2. Anne
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    And she looks just like her mom! Well done to both of them!!