Category Archives: animals

posts about the animals

Cat rebellion part 2

Posted on May 10, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

I guess Jare’s misadventures didn’t end with him chasing them all into the barn after all. He called to tell me the story before the day was over, but Tiki had one more surprise for him that evening. When he went into … Continue reading →

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Shearing day preparations

Posted on May 9, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Shearing day is next Tuesday! It’s one of the most important days of the year for our ranch, and we prepare accordingly. Though this year may be a bit more hectic than usual since Mom and Dad won’t be getting back … Continue reading →

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The great cat rebellion of 2012

Posted on May 7, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Oh lo, how we shall remember these days. Days when those perfectly trained cats did strike out on their own, did shuck off the shackles of loving repression, and hiss in the face of tyranny. In short: they ran away from … Continue reading →

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A recommendation: Wild Fibers Magazine

Posted on May 3, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Do you know where the fiber in your yarn came from? Do you know what animal makes cashmere? Mohair? Where do those animals live and what are their lives like? What about the farmers and ranchers who care for them? … Continue reading →

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An alpaca vignette

Posted on May 2, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

On Saturday morning, I borrowed Mom’s barn clothes and went to turn out the boys and clean their area. As I shut their stall door behind me, Trip came running in at break neck speed, and skidded to a stop in … Continue reading →

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It was a team effort

Posted on April 19, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

For the most part, the kitties are content to limit their murderous tendencies to the mice that live in and around the barn. But Whisper has recently set his sights on larger prey. Derby’s eaten his share of these guys, … Continue reading →

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Waste management

Posted on April 17, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Ever wonder where all that…er…”poo”…goes? No? Well, clearly you’ve never spent much time in a barn. Moving poo from pile to pile is like 90% of what we do everyday. We compost all the ‘paca and horse droppings, along with … Continue reading →

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Retroactive post: Merlin vs. Derby the dachshund

Posted on April 13, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

A long time ago, in a ranch far, far away…actually, it was only last Christmas. But I’ve meaning to tell you about Derby the dachshund’s first interaction with the alpacas for a while now. Derby-licious, aka Derbles, aka Dahbe, aka … Continue reading →

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Emergency preparedness

Posted on April 10, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Last week, I mentioned one of the wildfires burning in our area. There have been three already this season, though none of them were near enough to threaten us. Over Easter dinner, I talked with the family about the Ranch’s … Continue reading →

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Alpaca bio: Trip the hummer

Posted on April 4, 2012 by cliffhousealpacas

Little Tripoli was the first cria (alpaca baby) born on our ranch. His momma is our sweet Tulip, a medium fawn (light brown), and Tuscany is his half-brother. As a young ‘un, Tripoli’s personality is still developing, but one thing is … Continue reading →

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