Alpaca Tribe

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Grow in experience and confidence and get things done. Plan intentionally and add small steps together to make good progress. The geese continue to delight with their parenting skills. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Spring continues to arrive including some new goslings that were not expected. It reminds me of some unexpected alpaca births we have had over the years. While you are sitting with your alpacas, maybe you can learn to identify the different grasses and add them to your personal encyclopaedia. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Alpacas are such a delight to have in your life. I look at them and smile - and sometimes laugh. And then notice their eyes that look back. Hidden depths. I don't think I expected to be caught as much as I have been. Spring advances and the alpacas are happy to have the larger birds - Canada Geese and Pheasants around in their midst, literally. More grass is welcome and sun for sun-bathing and encourages dust-bathing too! Make room for a half-hour holiday with your alpacas. 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

Sheltering from a Spring shower reminds me of alpaca births here on the farm. Feeding at both ends of the day, mending fences and watching the swallows. A good day. Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! I have talked about being more alpaca before (episode 97 back in November 2020) I wanted to revisit it and found four areas that struck me as important as the moment. I hope they might inspire you to be more alpaca in your 'normal life' too. Sue Heatherington (my lovely wife) has just released two new podcasts. One is the reading of her book Quiet Disruptors and the other is called Be More Poet - about a posture rather than how to write poetry. Find them wherever you get your podcasts. And also Quiet Disruptors Podcast Be More Poet Podcast 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I share a lovely story about hats and her alpacas from a listener in France. Thanks for sharing with me and then letting me share it with everyone else. Spring continues to arrive - delightful. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! I have many hats and I wear most of them. The alpacas sometimes seem to take exception. Of course, the metaphorical hats we wear connect to roles and responsibilities. Listen in as I talk hats and alpacas. LINKS Tilley Hats Claire Whitehead – UKAlpacaVet Marty McGee-Bennett – Camelidynamics The Podcasting Workshop 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Alpaca shows can be a great place to learn what to notice, how to describe and what to give priority to. Lots to be seen and heard. Animals to be seen and lovely alpaca people to be met. Often they are available online if you are not able to travel. This is the link for the British Alpaca National show here in the UK. Website: http://basnationalshow.co.uk/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bas5946/featured If you can't get to a show maybe have one of your own and spend some time looking closely at the animals you have on your farm. Sounds like it could be fun - and potentially useful for you. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I offer you three things you can do to help you thrive. The good news is they will also help your alpacas. 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

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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! You may have heard it said that alpacas are basically the same as sheep but with long legs and necks. I know why people say that but I think they are wrong. Listen in as I share some of the unique characteristics of these amazing animals. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! There can be a strong driver towards growing your alpaca herd. But there is a comfortable limit which is determined by considering the amount of land you have, the amount of time you have and the amount of money you have. Slow deliberate growth to a maximum limit that you have decided on in advance is a good way to set the foundations of your herd. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Sadly, this week, we lost our herd matriarch, Millie. She has been mentioned on the podcast many times and has been with us for 15 years. Seeing her twice a day for that length of time is a lot of alpaca interaction. She had an amazing attitude and taught me a lot, including how to avoid being spat at. A clear leader of the herd, she will be missed, and the other girls are now going through the adjustment of grieving and accommodating to the new reality with the gap at the feeding buckets and in leading to the grazing. So glad to have known Millie. There was a memorable incident when she got stuck in the mud and had to be rescued by the fire brigade. The pictures are on the website (https://alpacatribe.com) and this is the stuck in the mud episode if you want to enjoy it again. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I want to consider people's assumptions about alpacas. There may be some truth, but it is not the full story. It is also not a definitive list. Let me know if you think there are other assumptions people make about alpacas. Stay well, and I hope to catch you again soon. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve continues his conversation with Rita Soares of Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. They talk about their experience as small breeders in Australia and the UK with its contrasts and similarities. They discuss the state of the alpaca industry in Australia. They talk about the growth and stability of the industry, the challenges faced by breeders, the impact of COVID-19 on alpaca shows, the shift in exporting alpacas to Asia, and the difficulties in making a profit from alpaca fibre. They also highlight the importance of focusing on animal welfare and handling skills, the differences between small hobby owners and large-scale breeders, and the dreams and realistic expectations of alpaca ownership. What we give our attention to changes over time, which is to be expected and anticipated. Give yourself to the things that you need to for the season you are in. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I had the pleasure and delight of catching up with my friend Rita Soares from Campo Verde Alpacas in Australia. We compared seasons and considered the magic of cria watch and new birth. Join us. Rita's Instagram feed @campoverdealpacas/ 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Good decisions are made when we balance head and heart. Not in equal measure but by taking both into account. Most of us favour one or the other, so reflect on how you tend to do this, before making big decisions like "should I keep alpacas?" If you want to consider that question in more detail, check out Episode 189 "Things to think about before keeping alpacas" Stay warm. 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Join me in the valley for a sit in the cold and some breakfast with the girls. It might not be the best time of year in the UK for sitting outside. If you get some surprise winter sun do take advantage of it. New Year encourages some philosophical reflection but sometimes unreality. What small things can we do today that will have longer-term benefits for you, your alpacas and the planet? Decide which trend you want to lean towards. It takes time but it is worth it. Check out the Carbon Almanac website and Carbon Sessions Podcast 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we start the year with intention. With a plan of when we will do the alpaca things that need to be done this coming year. What needs to be done and when? What will you do on March 17th? OK, so that is too detailed. What will you do in January is a better question. Plan by the month but recognise there is a need for flexibility. We will not let things slide, but we will pivot and Pirouette when we need to. As well as practical things like toenails, worming and shearing, remember to include things that will move you forward as a herd. What handling do I need to do with my alpacas and what experience or training do I need to include for me to be a more confident and fulfilled owner of happy and healthy alpacas? 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

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Seasons have different sounds - here are some from the valley and house on Christmas day. Happy Holidays. 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