Winter is coming
It’s November, a time on our farm for us to put some extra care and time into maintenance to ensure everything is well for the winter.
When we say “the farm”, this is an umbrella for everything that comes under it. Our animals, our accommodation, our home, our land and us too.
We recognised world mental health day last month and the realisation this year for us was how much of an impact our alpacas have been able to have this year for people during their wellbeing sessions. One returning visitor told us how on her first visit, her dog had passed away days before, and being around the calmness of the alpacas really helped her heal. It’s important for us to pass on this care back to the animals daily and ensure the highest animal welfare standards we can.
For alpaca care in November, we have just given their annual vaccination for the best preventative care we can give them. They’ll receive their second vitamin D dose of the winter, needed because of the shorter days, they have less time to naturally absorb this from the sunlight. For some alpacas they’ll get a toenail trim too (always Blossom, the white one, whose grow at a rapid pace). Whilst we give these proactive treatments, there are other treatments that we believe are best delivered reactively.
In November we will undertake faecal testing for the alpacas, to give us an accurate snapshot of their gut health. Being grazing animals, it’s important to check this regularly to ensure they are not being inundated by worms or other parasites. We look at the results of the testing before we decide whether or not they need a treatment; reactive care. We chose this so as not to blanket treat them, which can allow for other parasites not being treated for, to dominate the animals and can overwhelm their immune system.
Similarly, our domestic pets have a health boost too with their annual injections all administered this time of year, worm and flea treatments given; it’s like we planned it for ease rather than it all just falling into place nicely!
Alpaca winter wonder walks
Would you like to walk the alpacas through the magnificent areas in Argentonnay?
Walk the alpacas around the chateau
It’s a wonderful experience with the calming affects of spending time with the animals and the beautiful Chateau de Sanzay
For the land, before this month we’ve harrowed, weeded and overseeded where we needed to after the dry, hot summer. Pruning and cutting back is being finalised for those parts missed before, and now is the time we pile the alpaca poo high on plant beds, waiting for black gold in the spring.
Our accommodation has had a lot of care; the bell tent was given a shampoo, treatment and waterproofing before being completely dried and put away for the winter. And, our gite where renovations were finished in June has had radiators installed and the small portable heater removed. This will not only keep our guests warm, but also the house dry and well kept throughout the season.
Now the house. For us this year, it was repainting the wooden windows, doors and shutters, which should keep them strong for a few years (we hope!) as well as some minor repairs to our roof.
And finally, us. It’s time for a break after an incredible year, we need to recharge our batteries, visit some loved ones and also do some exploring of other places in Europe too. It’s possibly been a little too long since we last did this, but as too many people know; people tend to put every ounce of energy into their work and passions. For us, it has been well worth it and very rewarding, but we do recognise that a little break will re-energise us for even bigger and better things when we return. Please make sure you take a step back, check that your home, family and animals are ready for winter too, but above everything, that you are well and ready too.
Keep warm this winter in our cosy farm made alpaca wool knits
