What The Kerfuffle

09/03/2026

08/31/2026

First it was dogs and cats…and deer. Can we get along? Yes, we can. Then it was dogs, cats, chickens…and deer. Then it was dogs, cats, chickens, and alpaca.
Tonight I thought I heard a weird bird call. Like a magpie or raven was mimicking something. I came out, and no! It was Addison doing an alarm call! I start looking for the stranger illiciting the danger response.
So, dogs, cats, chickens, alpaca…and deer!
(With bonus bear and fox 🦊 🐻)

08/28/2026

Doctor, Doctor! We established with the mobile camelid vet today, from Rocky Top vet. Both girls came through with flying colors. However, Queen Spicy McSpitface made her feelings known again (she does NOT like that halter). Shannon and I were able to get some questions answered by Dr. Maria, and she reviewed our inventory for soon to be baby (cria) needs. Glad to know she’s hop, skip and jump away!

08/27/2026

Well, crap. Really. Let’s talk about it. There is another whole side hustle that can happen with alpacas. Manure/fertilizer! Collected some for our neighbor, who has a beautiful garden! AND! They all “go” in the same spot. Handy for collecting.

(Side note, for the entire year prior to my retirement, I said this Dolly Parton song was going to be my alpaca call to dinner! Link for the whole song in comments-thought it appropriate to play it today.)

Notes on alpaca p**p:
Alpaca p**p is an exceptional organic fertilizer. Often called "alpaca gold," it is nutrient-rich, nearly odorless, and uniquely classified as a "cold manure", meaning it won't burn delicate plant roots or tender seedlings even when used fresh.

Benefits of Alpaca Manure
* No burning: Low nitrogen and organic matter levels mean you can apply it directly to plants without aging or composting it first.

* Slow release: It steadily feeds plants vital nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) over time.

* Improves soil: It enhances soil texture and increases water-holding capacity.

* Low odor: Unlike chicken or cow manure, individual alpaca pellets have very little smell.

How to Use It
* Direct top-dressing: Scatter the bean-shaped pellets directly around the base of flowers, vegetables, or houseplants as a slow-release mulch.

* Soil mixing: Mix the pellets straight into garden beds or potting soil when planting or repotting.

* Alpaca tea: Steep a cup of alpaca beans in a gallon of water overnight to create a nutrient rich liquid fertilizer or foliage spray.

08/26/2026

Alpacas Day #4 was peacefully uneventful!

Alpacas Day #5 was equally, peacefully uneventful.

However, Ms. Spunky McSpitty did not spit (but her initial prolific spitting will take a hot minute to live down), but she is getting her groove on and jumping in the pen. We gotta get them in the pasture so we can watch her run. She and Addison are very sweet! We’re so happy to have them here. And I think these are happy hums?

08/24/2026

Alpaca Day #3
We moved the portable fencing down to the front “yard” and opened the chicken run where Wyllow and Addison had been staying. They have access to the fresh brome grass, hay and their alpaca pellets. Happy happy girlies! They’ve gotten use to the smartest of farm dogs, Jessie, and her them. The boys were let out for a brief introduction, and they did ok also. The chix ladies continue a wide berth. But “Catbeast”, Maddie made her way off the front porch area to investigate.
We also had human visitors today. Uncle Doug and Cousin Troy came out to help, and meet the girlies.
And, I’m just gonna say it, and probably jinx us-it was another no spit day! 😝

08/23/2026

Alpacas Day #2 The girlies (because the chickens are the “ladies” said in the Jerry Lewis voice (reference in the comments) spent the night, and then the day today, in the chicken run. We customized it for them, so it was all good. And probably the safest alternative from bear, other than the house (but don’t put that past me).
This morning, the chix were still in the coop, bitchin up a storm! They were not happy there were big THINGS in their run. I let them out to the yard to free range, and I thought it was forgotten.
Addison and Wyllow were fine, and sweet, and humming happily today. Just curious and looking at all of the new things. The gingers came to take a gander, and the girlies gandered right back. My friend Yvonne, neighbor Tracy, and nephew from DC Jake, all came for introductions. Jake hadn’t ever had a chicken encounter either, so that was fun.
As I was sitting by the coop and run, the chicken ladies marched right passed me on the way toward the run. When they got to the point where they could see in, they stretched out their necks, eyeing the enclosure VERY suspiciously, and started talking amongst themselves about the furry alien invasion. Cracked me up! I could almost understand the conversation.
Addison and Wyllow enjoyed way too many alpaca treats from the visitors, and the got a water hose leg spray down; alpacas love that. I mean, who doesn’t?!
For the record, no screeches of “Stranger Danger” and no spitting today. I call that a win.

08/22/2026

Alpacas Day #1:

You are NOT complete and whole as a couple if you have not been spit upon, multiple times, by an agitated alpaca.
This has been a public service announcement. You’re welcome.

08/21/2026

And here we go! From dreaming, 2 years ago, to today. We welcomed Addison and Wyllow to our farm today! Addison is pregnant and due in September. Wyllow is Addison daughter and her cria is due next June. Thanks to Monique MH at Dutch Dillon Ranch and her husband, Matt (who did the 4 hour transport) for helping and willingness to guide us. The pipe dream turned into reality!