Veterinary Storytime F8- Sheep/Goats/Alpacas & Cute
Newborn alpacas are one of the cutest things on the planet. They’re like tiny little confused giraffes with fuzz and they make the absolute best meepy-beepy noises as they go about their lives.
Alpacas are very civilized in that they like to give birth at 2 o'clock in the afternoon instead of 2 o'clock in the morning, which meant keeping rather pleasant hours when working with them.
Cria (baby alpacas) often just sit there when they are new and it is just possible to pick them up. They just let you tuck them under your arm with barely any protest, just a fairly consistent stream of ‘meep’ noises.
If the alpacas are reasonably used to humans, one way to isolate a hembra (female) is to pick up her cria and walk away. The cria will make little 'meep’ noises that sound politely confused, and its mother will swiftly follow making louder, more confused, but still polite 'meep’ noises. She will follow you with her cria through paddocks, yards and buildings, delicately poking her head around corners and around you to keep her little cria in sight.
They are some of the most devoted and politest livestock I have had to work with. I think they’re adorable.
And as a bonus: an alpaca giving birth is said to be unpacking.
This veterinary storytime topic was nominated by my Patreon supporters, who also had early access to it.