We've already had some pretty warm days in the early to mid-30's - even thought the heat only really hits us in mid-January to mid-April.
But, it has been hot enough to make us concerned that the alpaca's may be getting too warm, because they still have their winter coats - and that can't be pleasant. It's a bit of a mission to get them sheared - until we find a shearer who is prepared to travel to our smallholding, we have to borrow a horsebox from our electrician in town in order to transport them to the shearer at Helderstroom Alpaca's - roughly 170kms one way.
I've read that some alpaca's like to take a dip, but, as we have them booked for shearing on Wednesday, we didn't want to lead them to the (dam) water to cool off.
So, RMan made a plan.
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"Oh, yes - I like that. I like that a lot..." |
He pulled out the hosepipe...
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"...So much so, that I think I'll just cush right next to it." |
... attached our old impulse sprinkler, connected the hosepipe to the nearest rain water tank, flipped on the water pump, and gave them a shower.
Alpaca's are very curious, inquisitive animals. As soon as something out of the ordinary happens, they have to take a look - whether it's happening inside their paddock, or outside. So, their toddling up to the sprinkler was a given. And standing in front of it ensures that a soaking occurs :)
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Then we put the spray sprinkler on - but Miranda promptly sat right on top of it. That won't help! |
Bless her - Miranda so enjoyed the wetting that she promptly cushed right next to the spinkler. But, naturally, the sprinkler only got her upper body...
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Clever girl - once she had her under belly wet, she stood up and allowed the sides to get a soaking. |
As the old sprinkler wasn't turning - it was rusted up - poor Kris didn't get an eye in...
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"Might as well catch a meal whilst I'm getting a soaking" |
So, RMan removed the sprinkler, and did it by hand.
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Now that is what I call a proper wetting! |
We purchased a new sprinkler head, and today, Kris got there first, and had a private shower - all to himself.
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Kris - having his (mid) morning shower LOL |
In order not to completely waste the rain water, RMan is going to plant some fodder seeds - that way, as they get a cooling off, the seeds will get watered at the same time :)
And, hopefully, once they're sheared, they won't feel the heat quite so hectically.
Stay tuned for a before and after photo... :)