Hello everyone — and welcome to our first regular blog post!
January is when the ranch settles into a quieter rhythm. The holiday rush is behind us, and we’re catching our breath before winter really decides to show up. Around here, the big snow usually doesn’t arrive until mid-to-late January… but this year has been a little different. It’s been warmer than we’re used to — although we’re not exactly betting on that lasting forever. 😊
With the grass no longer growing, the alpacas naturally stick closer to the hay piles and the water trough near their shelter. Winter is all about conserving energy, staying comfortable, and keeping things simple.
You’ll also notice they do a few things more in winter: more resting, more slow “cud-chewing” (ruminating), and a whole lot less wandering. They’ll often choose the best spots near food, water, and shelter and stay put, saving their energy for staying warm. And when the wind picks up or temperatures drop, they tend to stand closer together — not exactly a cuddle puddle, but definitely a practical “we’re in this together” herd move.
Even in the slower season, the daily care never stops. We check through the herd every day to make sure everyone looks healthy and bright-eyed — no sniffles, no limps, no one acting “off.” You’ll also notice that the babies are wearing coats. Those little jackets help them stay warm when temperatures drop overnight and in the early morning hours.
Coming Up This Week on the Blog
In this post series, we’ll be sharing a peek into what winter care looks like out here, including:
- The type of hay alpacas prefer (and why it matters in winter)
- What they need in a good shelter when the weather turns
- How we keep them hydrated when it’s cold
- What happens to their fiber this time of year
Grab something warm to drink and come hang out with us — winter ranch life has its own kind of cozy.