Alpaca Tribe

Steve Heatherington

The Alpaca Podcast for all things alpaca. Alpaca Tribe is for anyone who feels a connection with alpacas. It is for existing owners, everyone interested in keeping alpacas, people working with alpaca fleece or providing alpaca services, or those who are just alpaca mad. With our guests, we will look at getting into keeping alpacas; making the most of the ones you have got (and enjoying it); ways to use the fleece, not just store it; opportunities to develop business activities relating to alpacas; and growing in your experience, wherever you are starting. Each week we will be talking to people like you and to breeders, vets, producers and professionals. The Alpaca Tribe Podcast is your place for wisdom, guidance and great stories about all things alpaca, from people who know because they have already done it. Join the tribe at alpacatribe.com read less
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Episodes

Chirps, Honks, and Alpacas: A Winter Day on the Farm
06-03-2024
Chirps, Honks, and Alpacas: A Winter Day on the Farm
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!Geese joined the alpacas in their field just before feeding time, which got a little complicated. A cold but dry frosty morning made for a lovely time standing with my female alpacas while they had breakfast. Unfortunately, the sun had not arrived at the spot I was standing, so I got a little chilled – especially the hand holding the phone as I recorded this episode.I would like to take the protective coats off our two old girls but it is still too cold at night. Spring may be coming but it’s not quite here yet.My new Wellington boots are helping me better navigate the muddy slopes. Warm and dry feet are essential for any alpaca owner. The shift in dynamics after losing Millie has meant Hermione stepping up as the matriarch and enforcing who she is prepared to share feeding space with. As spring teases, the growth of nettles marks the slight warming, yet the frost poses a reminder of lingering cold, necessitating extra care for our older alpacas. Managing the alpacas’ diet during these transitional weather periods is crucial – balancing hay consumption with the slowly emerging grass. It’s a delicate equilibrium. I encourage everyone to spend time with their alpacas, embracing the quiet yet profound joy it brings. Connect with us at steve@alpacatribe.com with your stories and insights. Until next time, keep embracing the alpaca lifestyle, and remember, the most significant moments often come from the simplest of daily interactions. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it.If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works, which is part of The Waterside (Swansea) Ltd
Your alpaca questions will change over time
13-12-2023
Your alpaca questions will change over time
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!In this episode of The Alpaca Tribe, host Steve Heatherington reflects on the past year and discusses the growth and confidence he has gained over time in caring for alpacas. He shares anecdotes about his alpacas' behaviors and talks about interpreting their signs to ensure they are healthy and comfortable. Steve also delves into the challenges of managing unpredictable natural elements - like having a swan in the valley and dealing with the changing seasons. By the end, he offers advice for newcomers on growing confidence, managing questions related to alpaca care, and the importance of knowing the limits of one's expertise. Steve concludes the episode with hopes for the coming year to bring more confidence and experience to alpaca keepers.00:01 Introduction to the Alpaca Podcast00:31 Reflecting on the Year01:23 Observing and Understanding Alpaca Behavior01:49 Dealing with Alpaca Health Issues04:34 Building Confidence in Alpaca Care07:19 Understanding the Contextual Confidence07:51 Learning from Experience and Recognizing Boundaries09:25 The Changing Nature of Questions and Confidence11:24 The Departure of the Swan14:41 Seasonal Changes and Alpaca Feeding Adjustments16:52 Planning for Christmas Treats for Alpacas17:17 Conclusion and FarewellThanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it.If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works, which is part of The Waterside (Swansea) Ltd
Reflections down on the farm
29-11-2023
Reflections down on the farm
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people!Observations from the Alpaca Farm: Morning Rituals and Seasonal ChangesIn this episode of the Alpaca Tribe podcast, host Steve Hetherington talks through his routines and experiences on an early, frosty morning. Steve shares his breakfast feeding routine with the alpacas, contemplates the weight of the feed bag and reflects on the peculiarities of the day, warning listeners about life's unexpected abnormalities. Steve revels in the seasonal changes, namely, the cold weather and frost, which he appreciates for their role in curbing parasites. He comments on the ascetic details of being out on a quiet, cold, frosty farm, and the peculiar behaviours of the alpacas, the birds, and a resident swan. Steve also emphasizes the importance of being observant, and asks listeners to reflect on what they notice in their surroundings, and how that affects their actions. The podcast wraps up with some pointers about seasonal preparation and maintenance to face the winter, including looking after running repairs, feeds, and fences. Steve prompts listeners to make their own shortlists of things to accomplish in the coming week.00:01 Introduction to the Alpaca Podcast00:36 Breakfast Time with Alpacas01:35 Observations and Reflections01:56 Alpaca Feeding and Weather Conditions02:49 Noticing the Surroundings06:47 Seasonal Changes and Preparations09:01 Maintenance Tasks for Alpaca Owners11:48 Observing Wildlife Around Alpacas13:42 Concluding Thoughts and FarewellThanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it.If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatribe.com - or leave me a voicemail from your browser.Alpaca Tribe is hosted and produced by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works, which is part of The Waterside (Swansea) Ltd