The first new cria of Fall is here!
"Hi, I'm new here."
The First Cria of Fall Arrives
Alpacas gestate for 11-12 months. The wait is long. On our farm we take a break from birthing July-October because of the weather. It has been awhile since we’ve had a cria (baby alpaca) born here.
Less than an hour old
So Bella picked this lovely Autumn day to give birth to a precious little male cria. My daughter commented, “What a great day to be born.” Bella’s due date was Monday, November 10, but no problems for this early bird. We looked out in the field around 9am, and there he was. No drama. Just an 18lb. healthy grey baby boy. Grey alpacas often have what we call a tuxedo pattern, which is white on the face and front of the neck, while the body is grey. This little guy is sired by our own Luminescence, and he’s wonderful.
Momma Luvs Me
Bella, her cria, and sis Blakeny
Alpacas are very social and herd oriented. Here, Blakeny (Bella’s cria from last year) joins her family to see about her new baby brother. She is hanging around showing some family bonds.
Eisenheim now a few hours old
I’m thinking of calling him “Eisenheim” after the character in my favorite movie that I saw this summer, The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
November 9th, 2008 at 1:20 am
What a cute little guy!
I think the name goes perfectly with his tuxedo!
November 9th, 2008 at 8:32 am
ew, I boo the name, too! How do u even say that???
bella cullens last blog post..The Dance!
November 9th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
He is beautiful! I love that coloring. Do alpacas stay the same color from birth or does the coloring change as they get older?
November 10th, 2008 at 4:54 am
My first cria of the season was born this week also. I like Eisenhei as a name. Go for it.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Thanks for the comments!
Sue, Alpacas generally do stay the same color from birth, but sometimes the color/pattern grey bends those rules. For example some born rose grey turn silver grey, or some blacks will “turn” grey over time (kinda like people’s hair does). So it’s kinda fun to watch. But most whites stay white and fawns usually stay fawn.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I publicly apologize for the rude comment.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Oh, Bella. No need. We’ll watch the movie. Then you’ll like it more!