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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesaOYukI891FivLodpWgbT64Ij1F0-hw2WEy-xXJZLkdIutGEg21fUSOtWS4-DhJ54MLQo9ISnvqBIWyyGe8nQb1GKXwTAKvjQmOFysQBnmSGwSC_yqd-bcxdxvZqtlDIl0MdmKah-8rU/s320/2+December+2013+012b+%25281%2529.jpg) |
"Oh, yes - I like that. I like that a lot..." |
He pulled out the hosepipe...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNqmre59cbKfK3E7sTDQy5cZ0W1E8QSaW7b4ggvBAXI8idWDYQXpYETBDXHtzoJcVd5bYS7d8ptr6TIPMkx7hATo7YmaD7EepqnPjyL70SvHwbgPnZBODl7Xx3Jeho28_brmZ3z9efukQ/s320/2+December+2013+013b+%25281%2529.jpg) |
"...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 :)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrSUOMNBVPK_eS95SsE2jE_fffpQ2KifWxYLuUZAwQAQb_rL1Y5649bsDeh3NyNgVaE5OopFUg2EmStSKT8sDHhnvCMjH5zDYY6acKxxUeh76GWC-y3j6OY5ni5yZuSwn0qItEFjTLFBR/s320/2+December+2013+012b+%25282%2529.jpg) |
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...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t8sR3n5tUgRYnVOfbGpyPFG7OUtvrkevqA2-uBne5dQ2FdNYnU8KDFG7koo86wdGaLIjXU5tzDb79vb4di0BhyphenhyphengQ7fKzVL2RfXshKPBQp_J-hGsi2Ke3K8U1QXmaZ1tPIFdtjSFZh_hL/s320/2+December+2013+014b+%25281%2529.jpg) |
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...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMSEFNWQvqZkNtjdX8_M8BiPOHQicReAE8Emrbl2IoA8bSBXPsXkt4y2NzmfjFvUTn54_PUDxCv1E-uYk-HXnt0ibDWqzzPkVw_Ly33l2nPNF747f5FChK3_bQcQJ-dk3EUu7K2N6HT_s/s320/2++December+2013+010b.jpg) |
"Might as well catch a meal whilst I'm getting a soaking" |
So, RMan removed the sprinkler, and did it by hand.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpCMRFq-OP8RYo4wzh75nmjov8EciEC-WxX7edce8UjL9Jcb8RO7Nsfoa1RL0mwiguAGzLd5kZkikElu3C1GjFc_PIatrO_J8C4hnN9X-9IN21em5oqk4ySXCIjNTx208bS2sxamAgGlx/s320/2+December+2013+013b+%25282%2529.jpg) |
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.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1QMax3CvOyWoHNN2KZGKKv7mkYdzeZkso53HqzFu3X9oX7RcMLlbonbB4FXhCcNk317C2YHBhBZpC4xyb4XX7Ofyl48SZMlTgp823qx3x6w1jpmXlg-ddJXPZVvHNJ4-1o_GtXjRsefx/s320/2+December+2013+040b.jpg) |
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... :)