The young swallows are leaving the nest. First flight under the watchful eye of mom and dad
A little pronking and chasing fun at the big barn after supper.
Bee activity is strong over here!
I am brought to tears of joy!
Look closely as two 'shadows' cross the barn ceiling. One low and one mid-high.
Not shadows at all...
The first of the swallows is back! Life truly does go on.
Porsche happily chewing her cud on the black mat that absorbs that wonderful heat from the sun. Several of these are in our pastures and they are favorite spots in winter for alpacas and dogs.
Today we warm up and the cold stress is behind us for a bit. Everyone seems to be doing great but the shepherd's job is to make sure. Sometimes an animal gives it all they have during a stressful event. You may not realize until after everything goes back to normal that they are struggling. For the next few days, our observation of the herd will be strategic to look for any behavioral changes and support any animal that depleted their reserves during this cold, cold week.
Queen of the farm. This is Lisa. Chewing her cud. Waiting for her breakfast.
Lisa is in her 21st year but you would not guess she was a day over 18. Her teeth are not great. She gets 4 meals a day. When it gets cold and I come out with her coat, we save face for her by chasing her for just minute until she puts her head between the rails on the stall panel. That is her signal to me that she will stand while I put on the coat.
She insists on sitting outside at least part of the night. These icicles are her badge of alpaca honor. I am not ready to take all of her choices away from her. After all, she gained weight for me in the fall so she would be at her fighting weight for winter. I figure she would be more stressed and therefore more compromised if I locked her in. We weigh the options day by day.
Most critters need a little mineral/salt supplementation at certain times of the year and under stressful confitions. While blocks and "licks" work for most, camelid tongues do not extend very far beyond those bottom teeth so they need a loose or granulated mineral.
The alpacas and llamas all got refreshed mineral dishes today. One by one, they come by to indulge.
The NY Boys say "Hey, this reminds us of our other home!"
That screech you hear is alpaca for "Get out of my space!"
Rose snoozing and dreaming in front of the fan today. A very good alpaca day, indeed.
Barn swallow parents gathering the evening meal. You should hear the roar of approval from the nests as they bring home the bounty.
I love this place...
Watch for the big reveal!
Shearing week (our annual fiber harvest) will be April 10 this year.
If you want come see these guys in all their fuzzy glory, make your tour appointments now!
Call (828.837.1678)
Text (404.379.6697)
...or Message us here.
The lightening bugs at Two Crows Farm...
We hope you have had a lovely first day of summer. The magic here this long evening has been over the top. Who needs a reservation at Cade's Cove?
9 seconds of happiness...
This is what happy looks like!
First meeting for LGD and young alpaca
Moved Carmen, Rickie Lee and their moms into the pasture with our mature dams today. Booker (Great Pyrenees) is their protector. This is Carmen's first exposure to him. He did exactly as he should. Such a remarkable partnership we have with these awesome guardians.
Welcome Porsche and Black Magic Woman!
Someone new at the farm is waiting to meet you...
