Kaneek Alpacas

Wahgungurry Mr Hale, “ I took at trip to the vet today and passed my Certification with flying colours, scoring plenty of snuggles from the staff.
On another note, Mum had to ditch me to catch Brooklyn who suddenly fainted half way through. She’s ok now, I kept an eye on her, and Mum’s driving, all the way home.” 😍🦙

Mr Hale is ready to work!

Glen Innes show was wonderful as usual with a good turn out of quality alpacas. Thanks heaps to the judge and organizers for a wonderful event. Judge gave some helpful and positive comments and a few decisions regarding our future studs have been made as a consequence. Two of our boys will be wethered and another will go on to see how he develops over the next couple of years. Mr Hale is our recent purchase from Wahgungurry Stud and will be soon certified and preparing to go to work. His fleece (entered by Wahgungurry) took out Supreme
suri fleece again and is a big commendation to his breeders, Pauline and Colin. We hope to do him justice in future breedings.
Pictures are our halter results on the bottom and fleece results at the top and adding our fleece results from Grafton Show as well as we weren’t able to attend in person so just fleeces went. (Supreme ribbon was for Rene in the Grey category not roan as pictured. 🙊)

Our Suri Alpaca fleece team has finished judging at Glen Innes with the following results:

Sia: Best Light Fawn
Mayat: Best Brown
Renenutet: Best Grey
Mr Hale: Best White & Supreme Champion (entered by former owner and breeder Wahgungurry Alpacas)
Isis: First in Class
Khnemu: 3rd in Class

We attended the Toowoomba Royal Show with 5 Alpacas in tow.
All did very well m, received positive and encouraging comments, and behaved like little champs. Big claps to Brooklyn who took total control of the animals today in and outside of the ring.
Halter Results:
Kaneek Renenutet: 1st and Best Grey Suri in Show
Kaneek Khnemu: 1st
Kaneek Mayet: 1st
Kaneek Moonstone: 2nd
Kaneek Sia: 3rd

Fleece Results:
Kaneek Sia: 1st
Kaneek Mayet: 2nd
Kaneek Renenutet: 2nd

Congratulations to all winners and thanks kindly to the judge and organizers for a great event.

Another beautiful birth today, must have been a late one. Silvershadow Detroit is dad and Lowanna Olynka is mumma, who is extremely protective of her bubs.
All up and feeding a nice tall, strong little girl.
Welcome to the world Kaneek Hematite - Hemi for short and keeping with our gemstone theme.

Also named yesterday’s little girl, Kaneek Sunstone (Sunny for short).

Both girls are tucked in with mums for the night. 💕💕

Welcome to the world little one! 💕💕
There is no better sight than finding a beautiful new baby in the paddock in the morning, and more so, up and drinking.
Eden has delivered a beautiful baby girl however eyebrows are RAISED! She was intentionally bred to Jettzen, our white boy, however Suspiciously looking like a suri to me. I’m think a fence jumper is to blame, might need a DNA. 🤣
Either way, she is gorgeous.
Name to follow. Video in comments.

This little one arrived late this arvo, in the pouring rain and mud, right on the edge of the dam. 370 days gestation!!! I think mumma was waiting for a nice break in the weather but it’s been a bit crappy everyday, I just think she couldn’t hold it in anymore.
She was cold, wet and muddy so I quickly wrapped her in my jumper and we coaxed mumma up to the shed in a nice warm pen for the night. It took a bit to get her warm and going, but after a towel dry, snuggling in some blankets and nice warm drink of colostrum, she is up and trying out those legs.
Dam - Serenity Grooving Abigail
Sire - Silvershadow Detroit

Asher has named her “Topaz”. Welcome little one. 💖

CRIA SPAM! Updates on the bubs, all doing well.

Welcome to the world Kaneek Jasper. (Keeping with the gemstone theme after African Zebra Jasper).
This little boy plopped into the world this am right as I walked in the gate with breaky.
Dad is Canchones LeStat and Mum, Tambo Downs Violet Crumble. Violet is a very special and gentle girl and at 17 years of age this will be her last cria. Unfortunately we lost LeStat recently to a suspected snake bite which was devastating. So I have been watching Violet like a hawk but in her true form, she handles motherhood like champ, 347 day gestation.
💙💙💙

Today has been a bit hectic but after watching this girl be uncomfortable all day, I had decided today wasn’t going to be the day. So I went to grab the boys off the bus and back just in time to see Canchones Gold Ultim deliver this gorgeous boy to Silvershadow Detroit. This is Detroit’s first bub and seems he is passing his colour along.
Mum had a long labour so she is penned up in the shed near us with bub so I can keep an eye. We have a couple others on cria watch also.

So we have a little boy. 💙 Cal and Ash named him Obsidian. I think I’ll nickname him Sid for short.
So welcome to the world “Kaneek Obsidian”.

Shearing completed yesterday, a little hiccup with the rain but a time adjustment sorted it out. All animals are now either at the new property and the rest are on their way right now. One load of Ostriches left and we will be fully relocated to the new place and onto the next chapter.

Those first rays of sunshine are just heaven!
Welcome to the world little Pearl.
Mum is Daenerys and Dad, Alpha Centauri Jettzen. All his babies have their daddy’s look. 🥰

10 days early but of course she would be as today we left home at 4am for a weekend away. 🤨
Brooklyn has it all under control though, feeding well apparently and tucked up in the shed with mum (Shae) tonight.
A sweet little girl named Kaneek Opal from sire Alpha Centauri Jettzen. Welcome to the farm little one. Can’t wait to snuggle you.

Moonstone is doing very well, gaining weight rapidly and is full of cheek and attitude. For those who know her parents, her mum is Octavia = cheek and dad is Frontier = attitude. Seems she’s got both sets of genes well and truly.

A necessary book for all alpaca owners. Very informative and well written.

Are you interested in alpaca care?​​​​​​​​
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Have a look at my book- just bursting with information!! https://www.alpacadentist.com.au

Our beautiful farm is on the market. Although we thought we’d be here forever, future plans have us moving elsewhere. It’s a beautiful community in a such a tranquil and hidden gem of a location.
Contact Terry for any questions.

684 Lower Kangaroo Creek Road, Coutts Crossing, NSW 2460 Set on a ridgeline overlooking 30 acres gently undulating to Kangaroo Creek, this beautiful lifestyle property has a long list of must haves for the rural enthusiast.The love that the home has received since the current owners purchased is on display from the front gate to the back fence. The r...

Welcome to the farm Kaneek “Moonstone”.
Kicking off our newly introduced gemstone/crystal naming theme, we went with Moonstone. Not long after moving this little girl and her mum up into the shed for a few checks after birth yesterday, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the shed. So it seemed fitting to give her a rainbow coloured gem name, and yes, moonstones can be black!
Sire: Canchones New Frontier
Dam: Silvershadow Octavia

Follow our new Farm Page to see when Octavia drops that lil long neck!

Our new ‘long necks’ have arrived home safe and sound. 😍

Exciting things to come. Follow our adventures on the long Neck Farm Page, home of KCA.

On route to the 2022 Reconnect Conference in Murwullimbah this weeekend! Looking forward to an in depth alpaca focused weekend!! 🦙🦙🦙

Glen Innes Show was on this weekend, we didn’t attend due to heavy commitments lately, but we sent 5 fleeces.
Kaneek Sia - Champion Light Fawn Suri
Kaneek Khnemu - Champion Brown Suri
Kaneek Newt - 1st place
Serenity Groovin’ Albus - 1st place
Kaneek Rah - 2nd Place

We heard it was cool up there on the highlands but a wonderful show. Congratulations to all the winners.

*Shared story in photos below, with authors permission for awareness purposes. 🙂

We have been seeing and hearing of so many similar situations like this story below recently. The importance of selling more than one or ensuring new owners have other alpacas is vital. As is ensuring all the correct and relevant information and ongoing support to successfully begin an alpaca ownership journey is available.
I’m not sure this little guy will find a home that can rehabilitate him, unfortunately that’s the reality, and often these “pets” live a short life due to them becoming dangerous. Yes, alpacas can be dangerous! Thankfully this lady is ok and she had removed it from the previous home where there were children.
Alpacas are not dogs to live in a backyard or as a companion for children. They are livestock, and need to be maintained as such. They are gorgeous, they’ll tolerate a cuddle or two (sometimes 😏) and with the correct information and husbandry are a incredibly fulfilling lifestyle. Our mission is to facilitate and share this so that others can also enjoy and have a successful alpaca journey.
We are active members of the AAA and within our region, all the necessary information, support and ongoing knowledge development is a true benefit to owners of all calibers (from small scale pet owners to the biggest studs), and to the progression of the industry.
Alpacas are awesome! 🦙🦙

Is the wind fierce at your place?

Consider providing extra feed for your alpacas in these conditions as they are less likely to graze, and will use energy to keep warm.

We have been crazy busy here on the farm but squeezed in our local Grafton Show last weekend.
Regardless of the rain and mud, it was a lovely, well organized show and our bubs did us proud.
Special shout out to:
Kaneek Renenutet- Supreme and Champion Grey Suri
Kaneek Rah - Supreme Light Fawn Huacaya Fleece
Kaneek Khnemu - Supreme Brown Suri Fleece
Kaneek Mayat - First Junior Brown Suri
And the two boys Kaneek Khonsu and Kaneek Osiris who took firsts in their classes and also won the Huacaya Sires Progeny from our stud dad Alpha Centauri Jettzen.

Big Thankyou to our daughter Brooklyn who always digs in with show preparations, halter training and showing. Couldn’t do it without her.

Are you interested in learning more about owning alpacas?
Register for a free information kit on our website - qldnsw.alpaca.asn.au
“Introduction To Alpacas” workshop dates in Queensland and northern NSW coming soon.

INFO FOR NEW ALPACA OWNERS (and WANT-TO-BE-OWNERS)

Keeping alpacas on small acreage requires responsible ownership, correct management and regular maintenance.

While alpacas can make great pets, they are still livestock, they need room to move and other alpacas for companionship. That is why they are called herd animals. 🦙🦙🦙

A pet alpaca cost will vary dependent on various aspects. Ask questions, know what the price includes. Be wary of buying cheap, you may be buying a problem animal. Usually the cost is gauged on what you are getting. Make phone calls, check facts, be informed and know what you want.
-Males?
-Females?
-Wethers?
-Huacaya or Suri?
-Colour and Age?
-Halter trained and friendly?
-Show, breed or fleece quality?
-Do they have odd quirks, like escaping?

Do your research, look for reputable breeders 😇

Larger breeders tend to be good sources for purchase, simply because the genetics are sound and health is monitored as part of their breeding program. However they may not be handled as well depending on age and history.

A cute bottle fed cria may be so sweet and irresistible but MIGHT pose more serious problems later in life when they do not know how to be an alpaca and can become dangerous towards people.

ASK lots of questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb question.🧐

In their native environment, the high plains of Peru, alpacas graze great open spaces in herds of huge numbers.

•They learn herd etiquette from their maternal and social groups.

•Alpacas are flight animals. Their instinct tells them to run fast from danger.

•Trees and shelter provide protection from sun, rain and cold winds.

•Water is usually cool and fresh.

•Their toenails are worn down with constantly being on the move.

•They seek out different nutrients in differing grasses, herbs and roughage. Thus keeping their health in check and their teeth in relatively good condition, through correct foraging.

•They remain fit by running (really fast when they have space), pronking (their happy dance😂) and play fighting with each other.

•Within the herd they rely on each other to have a lookout while others rest. The reason why two alpacas are an absolute minimum.

•Great open spaces also allow females to escape the amorous antics of the males.

•Also with space, they are not forced to eat the grass where they p**p.

So….🤔🤔🤔🤔

Management requirements from owners means you MUST provide the following for their needs at all times:

•Be wary of keeping mature wethers with females. Generally only keep same s*x groups together.

•Small paddocks pose the difficulty of lack of growing grass. Either in summer when it turns to dust or in winter when the mud takes over. And if the manure is not collected the grass eating area will be further reduced, and worm burdens increased.

•Insufficient grazing grass means hard feed must be provided. Correct proportions of both high protein feeds and particularly roughage should be accessible at all times. Alpacas are ruminants, their stomachs should be constantly working. So basically, when not eating, they are either walking/playing, chewing their cud or sleeping. Oh, and watching for danger at all times.

•Dogs are the predator of alpacas. Most small farms have dogs. It is up to you to provide protection from them.

•Rotating paddocks for parasite control may not be an option so careful monitoring through regular faecal samples is advised, together with cleaning up of poo piles.

•Water has to be monitored for freshness. If you wouldn’t drink it, it’s likely they won’t either.

•Fencing should be safe and secure, preferably with no barbed wire. Consider areas that will wear and where gates should be. For instance not at the bottom of a hill where the mud may be dreadful in winter 🥾 🥾Use sensible latches on gates that work.

•A small catch pen is necessary for husbandry tasks. A few gates work well. Feed them in there so you can catch them when you need to.😉

•Shelter from the elements is essential. Sheds are a luxury and not entirely necessary. You can provide shade and protection from cold winds in the form of trees and shelter belt style shrubs.

•Manners are learnt initially from their herd. Human taming of alpacas is important when kept as pets in order to maintain regular health checks. Match the interaction with your alpaca to your expectations from them. For instance halter walks should be regular to keep your alpaca extra friendly. If we only patted our pet dog once a week I suspect he would not be the great pet we want and expect, same goes for alpacas.

•Gear (buckets, alpaca halters, etc) can be purchased online or from your local feed store.

•Yearly shearing of both Huacayas and Suris should be booked well in advance (like a year in advance, yes really😬). Shearing is usually done in spring or early summer. Depending on service required and travel costs your shearing will cost in the vicinity of $20-$50 per alpaca plus shearer's travel costs. Generally smaller herds will have increased costs per head to cover shearer’s time.

•Regular health checks (usually every month) include looking them over for injury. Health checks include: knowing their weight through body scoring method, checking their eyes, ears, teeth etc, trimming their toenails with a pair of secateurs. Keep good records, you will refer back to them, I promise.

•Provide yearly vaccinations. Your shearer may provide this service or you could arrange with your breeder for a regular visit most probably at a cost.

•Worm drenches and vitamin/mineral supplements should be administered when required.

•Vitamin D injections are required through the darker months of the year.

•Watch their everyday behaviour - it will alert you to something out of the ordinary and help you to care for alpacas as a responsible owner.

•Get to know a local vet - ask if they are familiar with camelids.

•Join some alpaca related groups. Your local alpaca association region is a good place to start. The Australian Alpaca Association has links to all regional groups in Australia.
There are also great events on from time to time. Come and see 👋

•Find a mentor. This is most usually whoever you purchased your alpacas from. Good aftercare and support should definitely come with the sale.

Alpacas absolutely make the best pets.
Quietly humming as as they graze they instill a real peace around them.
And better than that, they each have a remarkable personality all their own.
You will love your interactions with these inquisitive, beautiful animals.

More info: Australian Alpaca Association https://alpaca.asn.au/farming-alpacas/

Original content provided by AAA member Chakana Blue Suri Alpaca, Victoria.
Photo by AAA member Lemarli Alpacas, Victoria.

Toowoomba Royal Alpaca Show - Results
Yesterday was a little overwhelming for me, we had a wonderful day participating at Toowoomba and were very proud of our young show team who did exceptionally well.

We began with Fleece results from Friday.
Reserve Champion Suri Fleece and first in her class - Kaneek Sia, junior female light fawn suri
First In his class - Kaneek Khnemu
First In his class - Serenity Groovin Albus
Second in her class -Kaneek Newt

Onto Saturday Halter Show.
- Champion Junior Female Suri and 1st in class - Kaneek Mayat
- Champion Junior Male Huacaya and 1st in class - Kaneek Khonsu
- Reserve Champion junior female suri and 1st in class - Kaneek Renenutet
- Reserve Champion Intermediate Female Suri and second in class - Kaneek Sia
- Reserve Champion Junior Male Huacaya and 1st in class - Kaneek Osiris
- Reserve Champion Intermediate Male Suri and 1st in class- Kaneek Khnemu
- Second in class - Kaneek Anubis
- Third in class - Kaneek Isis
- Best Brown Suri - Kaneek Mayat
- Best Grey Suri - Kaneek Renenutet
- 1st Place - Sires Progeny Mayat, Khnemu and Sia sired by Baarrooka Ultimate Freedom (Serenity Alpacas) Thank-you to Serenity for helping us on our suri adventure. 😍

A huge Thankyou to judge Peter Kennedy-Gane, who’s comments were incredibly helpful and encouraging.
Thanks to Margaret Hassell show conveyor for a wonderful show. Also congratulations to all participants, helpers, both regions and a big congratulations to the Supreme winners at Green Gully and Wahgungurry. 👏🏻
Also a special thanks to my little show helper Brooklyn who does an amazing job in the ring and with halter training and show prep, and of course to hubby Corie who does the hard work behind the scenes.
Heading home today and will get some individual pics of our team on unloading.

Wormy weather. Checks and f***l time.