Natural weaning

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 Alpaca babies are often born in the spring and early summer, which means if you follow old school ideas, they should be weaned right about now, or at 6 months old. I will admit in my first year or 2, I did follow this regime, well maybe I tried.  Babies crying in one pen, mamas crying in another – really it was more than my softie heart could handle.  I knew the babies needed to give up the milk bar eventually, but why not let the mama decide when that should happen?  So that is what we tried and guess what – the mamas do wean their own babies!  I am starting to see see the moms refuse the 3 babies who were born here this summer. They sit down or shove them away, but they still stay close together and at night all 3 babies sleep right next to their mamas. It’s so very gradual and there is no discomfort for the mom or the baby!  The moms who are pregnant are the first to wean their babies – they are so smart!  The moms who are not pregnant might indulge their babies a bit longer.  And why not?  I had one mama still nurse her 1 year old daughter and it worked for both daughter and mom.  Eventually they both decided enough was enough. Our moms are in very good condition, and I do check their weights often. I never interfere with the daughters, but the dear little boys eventually must be moved in with other boys.  Because Benji was the only boy born this year we’ll take his situation one day at a time. And it will all work out. Happy Tuesday.

Photo of the Day: Don’t worry Benji, you have many more months to stay with your mama. (yes he does resemble a walking hay bale)