It's been nearly four weeks since I thought Freda was probably, maybe, getting ready for her cria - bearing in mind it was also the same time that I was finally convinced that she was actually pregnant.
When we got our girls last August we knew there was a chance that they were pregnant. A good chance...just not confirmed. Most Alpaca breeders wouldn't dream of having a cria in February. It's really not the best time of year. Most will put the male to their girls during early / mid Summer - meaning that babies would arrive late Spring at the earliest. Eleven to twelve months gestation. Anyway - Freda clearly wasn't able to cross her legs any longer when she started to look very unhappy and unsettled this morning. I was mentally ticking off the signs of labour:
Plus one that Google searches hadn't come up with:
And to cut a long story short, a little nose poked out of Freda's business end at 1.13pm this afternoon. At 1.15pm two, very long stick legs made an appearance. Then Freda decided she was hungry. And gave up pushing. I watched with anxiety building for half an hour. Shouting encouragement from the decking steps (far enough away to avoid additional stress for Freda). After half an hour of no further pushing I decided I needed to see if she needed a little help. The cria was breathing, moving and making tiny noises. Exciting but equally distressing. She was happy for me to get close. So I tentatively pulled the legs...very gently...downwards. Then stepped back. Finally, Freda remembered she was supposed to be 'unpacking' and finished the job off. Then decided she needed to eat again. Regardless of her need for food, Freda is turning out to be a great mum. Very protective of her beautiful baby. I spent the rest of the day in awe - watching the tiny, thin, spindly cria get its strength. Watching it struggle to stand - to following mum round the paddock. And finally, thankfully - finding her milk. What a day. One I'll never forget. P.S. For those wondering....we think it's a girl. But I haven't managed to confirm just yet as I don't want to interfere any more than I need. Mum and baby just need the time to bond. So tonight.... Baby is wearing one of my jumpers and her cria coat. Mum and baby are settled in the shelter (Minky has been shut out for the night - I can't risk her getting rough with baby). I won't be getting much shut-eye. Guaranteed. And here are the inevitable photos...from just born to the end of the day.
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DebbieMe, my life, my family and my travels Archives
November 2022
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