Alpaca Tribe

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I want to consider people's assumptions about alpacas. There may be some truth, but it is not the full story. It is also not a definitive list. Let me know if you think there are other assumptions people make about alpacas. Alpacas spit - true but you usually have to work hard at it and ignore the warning signs. Alpacas are slow - they may...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve continues his conversation with Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. They talk about their experience as small breeders in Australia and the UK with its contrasts and similarities. They discuss the state of the alpaca industry in Australia. They talk about the growth and stability of the industry, the challenges faced by...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I had the pleasure and delight of catching up with my friend Rita Soares from Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. We compared seasons and considered the magic of cria watch and new birth. Join us. Rita's Instagram feed @campoverdealpacas/ Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - o...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Good decisions are made when we balance head and heart. Not in equal measure but by taking both into account. Most of us favour one or the other, so reflect on how you tend to do this, before making big decisions like "should I keep alpacas?" If you want to consider that question in more detail, check out Episode 189 "Things to think about before keeping a...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Join me in the valley for a sit in the cold and some breakfast with the girls. It might not be the best time of year in the UK for sitting outside. If you get some surprise winter sun do take advantage of it. New Year encourages some philosophical reflection but sometimes unreality. What small things can we do today that will have longer-term benefits for...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we start the year with intention. With a plan of when we will do the alpaca things that need to be done this coming year. What needs to be done and when? What will you do on March 17th? OK, so that is too detailed. What will you do in January is a better question. Plan by the month but recognise there is a need for flexibility. We will not...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Seasons have different sounds - here are some from the valley and house on Christmas day. Happy Holidays. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices . This podcast uses the fol...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I reflect on fears and hopes and share my best wishes for the season. The alpacas like to be around when I am up to something but I ended up surprising them with some overflowing water. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tr...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode of The Alpaca Tribe, host Steve Heatherington reflects on the past year and discusses the growth and confidence he has gained over time in caring for alpacas. He shares anecdotes about his alpacas' behaviors and talks about interpreting their signs to ensure they are healthy and comfortable. Steve also delves into the challenges of managing...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve provides a weather forecast, talks about visitors, including a swan and an unidentified goose, and shares observations and reflections about how being around alpacas can help reduce stress and how we, in turn, can reduce stress for them. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe....

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Observations from the Alpaca Farm: Morning Rituals and Seasonal Changes In this episode of the Alpaca Tribe podcast, host Steve Hetherington talks through his routines and experiences on an early, frosty morning. Steve shares his breakfast feeding routine with the alpacas, contemplates the weight of the feed bag and reflects on the peculiarities of the day...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! There are many things we can be thankful for. For me, alpacas are definitely high on the list. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate it. May we know more love, peace, and joy in the coming days and into 2024. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your bro...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I give some pointers on knowing if you are an alpaca fanatic and some gift ideas for yourself and your loved ones as we approach the holiday season. There is also an update on the valley visitors. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we have an update from the valley and see how the questions from last time apply beyond alpacas. What do I see? What does it mean? What do I do about it? Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by St...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I will be discussing some of my favourite questions to consider when spending time with these amazing creatures. The first question to ask yourself is "What is it that I am seeing?" This is an important step in observation that can help you better understand the behaviour and actions of your alpacas. The next question to ask is "What does...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I notice that time runs differently depending on your perspective. Here we have valley time, farm time and of course, alpaca time! You won't be surprised to learn that alpaca time is my favourite. What about you? As the clocks are about to go back, it made me think about the different times we run to. The valley gives a particular perspect...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we celebrate reaching 250 episodes - the alpacas were not there for my special breakfast and were not so impressed by what is, after all, just a number. They like me talking to them, really! Sometimes they prefer their own breakfast - but still come looking for me for second-breakfast. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You c...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We can choose what we pay attention to. I enjoy being around my alpacas, and sometimes that is just for me. But I can also pay attention to things to help prepare for winter as it approaches here in the UK. Things I will be giving attention to in the coming weeks are: fringes - alpaca fleece grows unevenly and for some the front fringe is starting to encro...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We all have favourite spots - places we relax and feel safe. Alpacas have favourite spots, too. Do you know where they are? Do you know how to make the most of them to help your alpacas feel safe? Check out where they go and what they do and then protect their favourite places. Foster that sense of safety including you being a safe person to be around. Hav...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Feeding the boys on a glorious autumn (fall) day. Between storms, but the alpacas don't seem to mind. The sunlight shows off some of the long hairs around the eyes and ears. Glad I didn't take them all off at shearing time. Are you ready for the next storm? It seems to be that time of year. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact m...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Do you know what it feels like when you look and you are not seeing what you expect? This morning the stable was bare - in the rain! Where were they? The stress of keeping alpacas! I offer some suggestions on how to count alpacas and hold your nerve long enough to be sure there is a problem before you panic. They turned up - they had their breakfast, and e...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I muse on three things that will make living with alpacas easier - there is no easy. Do the right hard work. Keep going. Think like an Alpaca I also considered click-bait and how to avoid it - not sure I succeeded. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I wonder out loud about ordinary days and being in the Doldrums. But each day can be a special day when you have alpacas - you never know what is coming next. Be seen and heard and see and hear. And tomorrow we get to do it all over again. What a privilege. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - stev...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, a bonus episode, I tell the goldilocks and the three bears story for you Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Waterside Voices . This podcast uses the following third-par...

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We tell ourselves stories - of who we are and what we can do, or can't. Some are true but not all. Alpacas tell themselves stories about us too. Whether we are safe to be around. Whether we can be trusted. Whether we are unpredictable. Alpacas don't like to be rushed and they don't like surprises. We can help write their 'story-book' with simple small step...