The Bright Lights In the Night

  

The Blaring Lights In The Night on Little Utah Farm
 image thanks to David Vives

We moved from Whittier, California, a suburb of Los Angeles to Iron County Utah where some neighborhoods did not have street lights. We loved the dark skies at night. We could see so many stars and sometimes the Milky Way angled over our farm. 

And then a new home was built behind us which had 5 bright night lights along the front of their home that were on from dawn to dusk. The lights flooded our dark neighborhood like the Las Vegas strip. The way the home was situated the lights shined right through onto our bedroom walls and into our dresser mirror which magnified the light.  I could o longer see the Milky Way nor could we doze off looking at the bright stars in the night sky. 

Emotions of anger and resentment filled me till I was so uncomfortable I prayed to have this anger taken from me.  And thankfully I became relieved and had a calming acceptance, peace, about the situation.  Husband and I chose a towel to hang on the window to block the harsh light. The next morning I awoke with a clear mind and peaceful heart. That night, the lights were off. It was dark and for a week it was dark. Husband looked at me and said they must have heard you. I smiled. 

At Dawn. The Bright Lights In The Night were extinguished.
Image by Deborah Moen @ Little Utah Farm

At dawn I opened my eyes with my head still on the pillow and saw the light beginning to appear above the mountains. Where blaring lights once were, I see subtle red Christmas lights, celebrating the birth of Jesus, adorning the rim of the new house making the scene so beautiful. I had to take a picture to share with you. I felt such peace and  appreciation.   

Glorious subtle Christmas Lights at Dawn
Image by Deborah Moen @ Little Utah Farm


Update: Husband just came home. He said, " You loved the red lights so much I bought you some"

Deborah Moen
@ Little Utah Farm

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm,

Until then,

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau

Bandit's New Dog Booties

Bandit's new dog booties. 

First time Bandit, our dog, met the llamas he took off running around the whole corral and he wouldn't stop. He ran and ran around and round occasionally reprimanding the llamas for getting too near the edge. He ran around so many times and so fast that he wore a deep path with a berm. 

Many people might ask why is your dog running around the corral. Bandit is part Border Collie and part Australian Shepherd. I found the best explanation by Tracy J. Libby below. 

"Border Collies have been bred for hundreds of years with a single goal in mind: improved herding ability. Because of this, they are high-drive, high-energy dogs that move faster than the speed of gossip. Unmatched in brains, instinct, and endurance, they can do just about anything—and do it superbly." 

Get to know the Border Collie, a dog breed bordering on brilliant

By Tracy J. Libby https://moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/border-collie

The gravel around the corral was hurting his feet so we tried on a pair of red dog booties that used to belong to our dear Blizzard, a Great Pyrenees. They were a bit big on him but they would do until his new booties came through the mail. We also bought some Paw Guard, a soft wax-like ointment that has healing properties, to put on the pads of his feet. 

Bandit is trying out his new booties.

 

You can see Bandit trying out his new shoes in this short video. 

Bandit did so well we went ahead and put all four booties on him and he ran like the wind ! 

Bandit runs like the wind in his new booties.

Bandit loves his job of "herding" the llamas. He looks forward to it everyday. 

Thank you for visiting, Little Utah Farm

(20,309 page views)

Deborah Moen of
Little Utah Farm

Our Recent Posts: 

Meet Our New Dog Bandit

https://littleutahfarm.blogspot.com/2021/09/meet-our-new-dog-bandit.html

An Early Visit From Jack Frost. 

https://littleutahfarm.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-early-visit-from-jack-frost.html

100 Year summer Rains And Early Autumn Snow

https://littleutahfarm.blogspot.com/2021/11/100-year-summer-rains-and-early-autumn.html

You can purchase this card as is or personalize it with a picture of your own dog. 

Australian Shepherd Dog Blank Folded Holiday Card
by LittleUtahFarm

100 Year Summer Rains and Early Autumn Snow

 

100 year flood in Cedar City, Utah
August 18,2021

In summer we had a few 100 year rains that flooded the town and surrounding farm fields. The waters breached the irrigation ditches as culverts and drains blocked with boulders and debris diverted the water away from its normal destination. Tons of mud, clay and silts covered the home properties and farm fields with a foot of clay, mud and silt. All that rain soaked deep into the ground and the trees and plants drank it up. 

. 

Early Autumn Snow on Little Utah Farm

An early autumn snow hit in the first week of October and left us 10" of snow. The leaves hadn't even begun to turn color yet . The snow was heavy on the branches lush with green leaves and bowed down to the ground. We got some long poles and tapped the branches on all our trees to release the snow. 

Our Crabapple Tree
BEFORE we tapped the snow off the branches

Our Crabapple Tree
AFTER we tapped the snow off the branches.

We could hear branches snapping and cracking  all around the area.  It snowed all day but the temperatures rose so the snow began to soften and fall from the roof and high branches. 

Early Autumn Snow on Little Utah Farm

It took only 2 days for the snow to recede uncovering rich green grass and green canopy of leaves. 

The weather warmed in the weeks ahead and we have been enjoying the sunshine and spending time outdoors.  

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm

(20,301 page views)

Deborah Moen
of Little Utah Farm

An Early Visit From Jack Frost by Little Utah Farm 

Its Spring! Lambing Has Begun !

The Lambing begins in spring when they transport the pregnant ewes from the warmer winter areas to the sheep ranch. Photo by Deborah Moen of Little Utah Farm

The Lambing has begun!

I heard the rattling of the big diesel trucks and stock trailers barreling down the dusty lane towards the sheep ranch. It is just a few doors down. I knew the sheep had arrived and I rushed to grab my camera. I ran  as fast as my legs could go to the ranch to see the sheep unload. My was heart beating fast as I whispered an affirmation to myself, “The sheep are here".

The trucks stopped out in the back field and the drivers opened the back doors to let out the pregnant ewes. I ran to the mound of red clay dirt by the old fence to get a better look.

The ewes leaped off the truck to get some spring grass. The man who owned the ranch was there watching them unload and spoke in a John Wayne-like voice, with a hand on his hip and thumb in his right pocket, “Come on ladies” 


The sheep bells that hung from their collars clanged as they ran over to the tall haystack behind the barn.  They were hungry after their journey. Actually sheep are always hungry. I smiled knowing that within weeks the lambs would be born right here in my own backyard. And soon I would hear their young bleating cries. 

I was practically floating on the way home and took I a shortcut, running through the irrigation ditch that runs near our little farm. I 
 got pricked by the wild rose bushes and whacked in the face by long willow branches. No matter, I was so filled with breathless joy it didn't phase me.

 At home I sat with my husband and animals soaking up the warm bright sun. A beautiful hawk circled overhead and we saw a large V of seagulls, of all things, flying north.

What an amazing and memorable day ! 

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm 

Page Views 19,951

Until Next time here is a quote: 

 “To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

Deborah Moen of Little Utah Farm

This is one of the baby lambs just a day or two old. Look at his sweet face. I have photographed him and put the image on a greeting card. Card comes in semi-gloss which we recommend for beauty and sturdiness. The card text inside is Happy Spring ! but you can personalize it with your own message. 

Adorable Lamb Folded Greeting Card
by LittleUtahFarm

Bunny-The Peace That Surpasses Understanding

Our Wayward Rabbit "Bunny" on Little Utah Farm

When a new face comes to Little Utah Farm, I and my husband have a special practice to instill peace among our animals . For example, when we bring home a few new hens, we place the hens in a large safe kennel and place it in the shade under the apple tree, and sit around it with the resident hens and ducks and the dogs. There is a lot of sniffing and gawking, and then everyone relaxes and begins to enjoy the space together. This practice has worked for us.

Bunny on the other hand has not had the benefit of the family get together in the safety of the kennel. He is getting to know the family in his natural way. One day I saw him in the backyard munching on sweet green grass blades and chomping down chicken scratch. I was concerned what would happen if the dogs rushed out of the back door into the yard. Would they chase him ?

Maven and May go to investigate what Bunny is eating.

Yesterday I let the dogs out and then noticed Bunny in the middle of the yard. Over the next few seconds my mind raced with worry and then I took a breath and regained my peace remembering that peace begins with me. I walked away from the door and allowed things "out there" to unfold.

The Peace that surpasses understanding.
Walker and Bunny are getting along very nicely.

I returned in a few minutes to empty the trash and I saw Bunny communing with the hens, ducks, and the dogs. It was a beautiful pastoral scene with wild birds and warm sun. The dry brown grass had begun to flourish like spring from the recent rains. All looked so peaceful and content.  I was filled with gratitude and a sense of relief. So explains my title for this post, "The Peace That Surpasses Understanding"

Thank you so much for visiting Little Utah Farm,
(18.6 k page views)

Until next time,
I wish us all peace and contentment.

Deborah Moen of
Little Utah Farm 

Are you on Facebook ? We have a Facebook page called Little Utah Farm. Join us daily for more farm life pictures and videos.

And did you hear ? Little Utah Farm has a store on Zazzle. We put our photographs and art on coffee mugs, pillows, blankets, t-shirts, ornaments, greeting cards and more. Here is one of our Collections of Holiday Season Farm Animals. We have goats, llamas, hens, ducks on greeting cards, wrapping paper, ornaments, gifts, and more. We also have a Holiday Season Horse Collection, Vintage Tractors Collection.

Holiday Season Farm Animals
by Deborah Moen

Holiday Season Horses
by Deborah Moen

Vintage Tractors
by Deborah Moen

A Milestone For Me On Little Utah Farm

A Milestone For Me On Little Utah Farm.

Living on this Little Utah Farm, has been a great teacher. I have learned a lot about myself and life in these past 9 1/2 years.  Here is one such lesson.

I was born and raised in Southern California. I lived where the scent of roses filled the air and the green foliage, grasses, plants, trees, and mild weather thrived and continued all year long. I remember putting seeds or a new plant in the ground and it would thrive. We could plant most all year through.

When we moved to Utah we entered into a whole different world of  landscapes and we met with the 4 seasons. My garden and the surrounding land were barren and brown to this California Girl. A Green Deficit sent me into a flurry of collecting artificial trees and flowers. It was the best idea I could come up with besides patience.

It took quite a few years, but I came to see the spiritual beauty in the 4 seasons, I began to feel the changes deep in my soul.  There was meaning to the Colors and waning of Autumn, the white stillness of winter, the awakening of spring, and the flourishing of summer.

The garden on Little Utah Farm is flourishing. 

Yesterday, I went into the shed to get a weeding tool and my eye caught a dusty old artificial pine tree in the corner. I laughed out loud at my old feeling of panic and the Green Deficit as my garden and the surrounding land is now bursting with all the goodness summer can hold. What was once a life savor for my sorrow was now ready for the trash.

I lifted the top section of the tree and then the base and carried it out to the trash. I thought and wondered how could I ever think this would substitute for the beauty and splendor my garden has shown me.  I put the lid down on the trash can and a big smile sprouted on my face as I brushed the dirt and dust from my hands. This is indeed a milestone, real growth for me as I continue to learn on Little Utah Farm.



Thank you for visiting, Little Utah Farm.  ( page views 15, 791)

Deborah Moon Moen
from Little Utah Farm

Easy Peel Eggs

Easy Peel Steamed Fresh Eggs

Did you know freshly laid farm eggs can be almost impossible to peel if you hard boil them?

Here is the solution.

Steam them instead.

note: ( your time may vary so test an egg by plunging it in cold water peel and open to see the yolk is done)

1. Place one layer of eggs in an empty 4 quart saucepan till they are cozy. I was able to put in a dozen eggs.
2. Fill the pan of eggs with 1" of water
3. Bring to a soft boil then cover with a lid. Steam chicken eggs for 15 minutes and duck eggs for 17 minutes.
4. Plunge into a bowl of cold water and ice cubes then peel.

I have found peeling immediately after steaming and plunging in ice water gives me the easiest peel.

Here is a delicious recipe for Avocado Deviled Eggs. Yum *

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm

(page views 12,941)

Deborah Moon Moen
 of Little Utah Farm

Until next time,

"Believe in your dreams. No matter where you live, cultivate your farm dream. Plant a seed, nurture your pets or enjoy nature in some way. Cook a fantastic stew or make your own bread. Be the dream you want to create. Do what you love. Not only will these things make you happy but you will notice other things like it coming into your life."
~Deborah Moon Moen of Little Utah Farm

This book focuses on what you can do right now in your own city to become more self-sufficient and sustainable. That makes it unique. Lots of ideas. 
Written by city dwellers for city dwellers, this copiously illustrated, two-color instruction book proposes a paradigm shift that will improve our lives, our community, and our planet. By growing our own food and harnessing natural energy, we are planting seeds for the future of our cities.

The Country Kissing Booth

Country Kissing Booth was photographed in Cedar City, Utah. Cards and prints are available in Little Utah Farm Store on Zazzle. http://www.zazzle.com/country_kissing_booth_valentine_greeting_card-137019081649465770 

I was driving home from town and I noticed the horse and the cows together by the fence. I pulled over onto the shoulder and grabbed by camera. I watched them for some time and took photographs.  Elsie was first in line at the Kissing Booth ( see photo above) then Sadie mooo-ved in. Their friends patiently waited as the girls both slurped and sniffed and nudged the handsome steed.

Jasper Jr. 

Jasper Jr. ( above) Waits in the wings while his mother and aunts get there turn in the kissing booth. He moos anxiously,

"Hey, I'm hungry. Hurry it up!"  His voice went unheard by the happy crowd.

Handsome Runners Up

These handsome steeds (above) are runners up from the Kissing Contest. They munch and graze on their green grass supper while planning strategies for next year's event.

Later on that day...



Crepuscular rays at sunset. www.littleutahfarm.blogspot.com

The sun gave a shout of "Hurray" as she disappeared from the day. The moon and the sun and the sky and everyone was envolved in this glorious day!

La Luna, E Ka Mahina, The MOON

As the sun set, I watched from my garden towards the east and I see such a sight. The beautiful moon lifts over the mountains as day turned into night.

Moonlit Night

The moon, she shined her smile and loving light

 and the stars came out with a twinkle... zzzzzzzzz Good Night.

Thank you for visiting Little Utah farm  (9,776 page views)

 

Until next time,

Believe In Your Dreams

Deborah Moon Moen from Little Utah Farm

Farm girl, nature lover, photographer, mentor and writer.

 

 

 

MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook: For the Farmgirl in All of Us

The Day Winter Came

The Day Winter Came

Autumn brought such beautiful color and a short cold snap that turn the leaves a beautiful burgandy red, orange and yellow gold. After that brief cold snap, it was mild most everyday. The colors on the trees stayed longer and brighter most of the season. One day a strong wind came through and dried the leaves untill they were crisp which made a rustling sound as they moved up and down. The warmer weather was a blessing for the baby llama, Luna. We took her homemade coat off and she was able to enjoy her infant days much more grazing and playing naked in the sunshine.

We had heard of a storm coming but we gave it no mind as the mild autumn had cast her spell of euphoria and complacency.  I stepped out onto the back deck. A freezing cold wave of wind and snow flurried around my face I shivered all the way down to my feet and followed the snowflakes out to the coop.  I felt my heart race to think of the girls in this cold weather and stepped into the coop to turn on the heat lamps. Click* click...there was no light....nothing... then I tried again...click* and no light came on ... no electricity! * (see note below)

Husband usually takes care of these things but he was at work so I had to put on my big girl pants and investigate the source. Sure enough after testing the main outlet with a hair dryer I found the electricity was off . I tried the reset button but it did not help. Rerouting the extension cords to the house from the barn was a bit dramatic as the snowflakes swirled around me in a white out.  I held that "can do" spirit of a farm woman. As I worked, the snow got deeper. I grabbed the cords to the llama trough heater and pulled them out across the pasture, through the backyard gate, across the lawn and plugged it into the socket on the back porch. The chicken coop and llama trough were connected. Success ! 

The next on my chore list was to sew on some velcro fasteners onto baby Luna's winter coat. That went fast. By now the sun had begun to lower fast and it was dark by the time Paul got home. We went to get that coat on Luna. We turned on the back porch light and could see the snowflakes swirling down and blowing in diagonal sweeping motions like a curtain in the cold winds. 

  I wore a head lamp and Paul held a flash light. We were ah mazed at the snow heaped on the gates and panels and we shivered as the ice crunched under our feet and gloves. There is this metallic crunch like a crystal glass vibration as we forced opened the gates. being from Southern California this is quite awesome to us. We entered the shelter and gently cornered baby Luna. Momma, Gaia, made no mind of it.

Luna, 3 months old, had bits of frozen ice on all over her and I pulled them off with my heavy gloves. She was dry under the ice. She grunted and hummed like a child who was getting her face washed but she stood quite still for me to get her coat on. The new coat fit so well with some room to grow and Luna was now protected from the wet cold snow.  Yay ! Done! That night I slept pretty good knowing all my fur and feather family members were safe and warm.

Within 2 days the winter has brought us minus digits to -7 degrees and then it let up and became warmer.  Highs in the 20's and lows in the teens and single digits for the coming days and nights showed on the weather reports. 

The water at the spigot outdoors had frozen which means the water buckets must be filled from the sink or bathtub indoors then carried out to my trusty wagon.  As I pulled the wagon behind me over the ruts of frozen snow, the water in the buckets sloshed.  I made my way to the corral and emptied the buckets into the big water trough. 

Really, I do love our little farm. It is quite an adventure for me.  Everyday brings another lesson, another joy to experience and another story to share. 

As I write this morning, it is 14 degrees. I will stop now as it is time to feed breakfast to my dear animals outdoors. I will fix a nice meal of scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and fresh broccoli for the hens. The llamas are easy. They love their hay of alfalfa and grass.

I wish you all a Happy and Joyous New Year!

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm

Deborah Moen
of Little Utah Farm

We hope you can come again.

Until next time you may like to try my post 

 Pumpkin Seeds recipe:

* [Please note: I was new to cold weather, being from mild Southern California, and unaware that chickens can hold their own in the cold.  As I got used to the cold I have let the girls use their feathers and warm bodies to keep warm. I do have a great coop heater panel which I use in single digits and minus temperatures. It has a timer and 3 settings. It is safe for coops on the ground or hanging on the wall. I got it at amazon. ]

Do Llamas Spit? The Truth

Storey's Guide to Raising Llamas: Care/Showing/Breeding/Packing/Profiting

The most frequent question people ask about llamas is, "Do they spit?"

 

 

The answer is yes, they do. Spitting in some animals is a survival response when threatened by predators or mishandled by humans. They also spit mostly at each other during feeding. Here are some amazing facts that may be help the public to understand more about these exotic creatures.

 

Llamas get a bad rap from people who get spit on by walking up to a guardian llama in a field or attempting to cuddle with one in a petting zoo.

• A Guardian llama is used for alternative herd management in guarding sheep. The noises they make and their ability to spit with dead aim for a distance of 10 to 15 feet can discourage predators whether they be animals or human. This why we never approach a llama in a field. it is his job to guard that area and he is chosen ( usually best is a gelded male) for this job specifically for this purpose. Not all llamas are guard animals. 
•  Llamas are herd animals require another llama, sheep, goat, to occupy the same space with them. Llamas generally do not like to be touched like horses or dogs do. They are usually in a survival mode when approached by strangers in a petting zoo because they are in a corral alone. Most llamas unless trained do not like to be touched. They appear aloof. This is their way of survival instinct. Do not take it personally.
• Domesticated llamas are trained to accept the handling for their care such as toenail clipping, haltering and grooming. Ask before you touch a llama. The handler will instruct you how to best approach him or her.
• Llamas are a 4 legged work of art.
• They make fine eye level companions. What do you do with a llama? Well that is another story for next time....

Starbuck

 

Below is a video of our llamas about spitting from You Tube on our new
You Tube Channel Little Utah Farm.


 

There are many animals in the wild who spit for survival.

• The spitting cobra utilizes muscle contractions to squeeze glands in its mouth to accurately shoot venom at possible predators to protect itself. This process gives an appearance of spitting. The spitting cobra has been known to shoot venom for a distance of more than 6.5 feet.
• The archerfish hovers near the surface of the water, watching for bugs. When it sees one, it spits a stream of water out of its mouth to where the bug is sitting on a plant. Once hit by the water, the bug is likely to fall off and land in the lake for the archerfish to swallow for dinner. The archerfish has mastered the angle at which it must shoot water to knock down a bug.
• The male scorpion flyuses spit during its mating ritual to attract a female mate. The sticky saliva is spit onto leaves for the females to devour as a distraction during mating. This distraction helps the male to survive after the mating has completed.
• Spittle bugs wrap their bodies in a foamy spit to keep from drying out when they are young. The foam also insulates them from heat and cold. These spit-covered youth, known as nymphs, can be found along the stems of small plants.
• The mighty walrus spits a forceful gush of water at the mud on the bottom of the sea or ocean floor to uncover clams from hiding. This trick is useful for the walrus, which has limited eyesight. Walruses are also known to spit out water when playing around.
  
  Read more: What Animals Spit? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8444945_animals-spit.html#ixzz2AKVVD8vR

 

Thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm

Luna Llena our baby llama is almost 4 weeks old

She plays happily with the herd and there is a co-operative community emerging as a result of her presence

Hope you all have a great day !
Deborah MOON

 

 

Born On The Full Moon

Join us on our new Facebook Page: Daily updates

Little Utah Farm

 
I really would rather have Googled this event before it happened. It is times like these I am thankful for Mother Nature's help.

Ricky our grandson, came in and told me to grab my camera and get out back. "Grandpa says to hurry!" he coaxed. "Well... just a minute" I said." "No Gma, Grandpa says to come NOW!" I was thinkin' it was a cute pose with one of the dogs or an egg laid in an unusual place. As I walked across the back yard I felt something quiver in my solar plexus. I saw Paul at the gate of the corral, looking inside. "Deborah,  come look at this" he said calmly.

I looked into the corral and Gaia our new female llama had her back to us and what did I see but what looked like to me shiny black rubber tubes coming out of her. I was blank. I just didn't have a reference inside my brain to figure it out right away. Waaaa ! It finally kicked in. Gaia was having a baby!!! A baby llama was arriving to Little Utah Farm.

I was as shaky as Ricky, Ethyl and Fred on the I Love Lucy show when Lucy comes out of the bedroom to announce "Ricky, It's time." Everyone runs around dropping clothes out of the suitcase and in a state of panic.

This was a complete surprise. We knew not of her pregnancy when we bought her at Ron Harding's Farm. The herd she lived with was wild and free roaming around in 80 or more acres. . Gaia was  very young when we got her last December. She was around a year or or year and a half.. No way to tell. Our 4 boys are gelded and so we had no idea we would ever have a baby. We did give it some thought but dismissed the idea.

Shouldn't she be laying down? Will the others llamas hurt the baby? Wonder if something happens? Waaaa ! Then I gathered myself and called my llama friend, Christina Dunlap, in California. She owns Not Home Alone Pet, Livestock and House Sitting Service. "I need you" I spoke into the phone trying not to scream. She reminded me to take a deep breath and assured me usually nature would take it's course. She is really smart and kind with animals and also teaches first aide for pets. She continued to give me an outline of what to expect. I am thankful and appreciative for my friend, Christina, who by the way, was one of the two women who introduced us to llamas at the Pomona County Fair in California about a decade ago.

• It seems to take forever for the baby to be born. It will present itself usually feet first then head. Whew * This is exactly how it went.
• Llamas do give birth standing or in prone position.
• Check to see if the baby's nose is obstructed by the membrane. Check * The baby was breathing freely and the head was dangling as Gaia walked around the corral.
• We did separate the boys from mother and baby. We easily herded the adult gelded males into the corral. Mother and baby were in the nice green pasture.
• Gaia sat down a few times and each time the cria ( a baby llama) gradually slipped out more.
• Once the shoulders come out the cria hangs at the flank or hips and as she hung we held our breath. Then we all watched in awe as the cria plopped out onto the pasture floor.

In moments the baby was moving and wiggling about and Gaia saw her baby.

• Llamas do not lick or dry off their babies. The babies thrash about to stand and the membrane is rubbed off. In 30 minutes baby was standing and falling....standing then falling... standing.
• In the wild the female llamas all gather around the mother during the birth to protect the baby and mama from the intact males. Llamas are ready to breed once they give birth. After the birth and when baby is standing and nursing the `aunties` step away for mother and baby to bond.
• The placenta was delivered in an hour. it was interesting like a giant hunk of liver. Paul buried it deep in the back.
• Babies need to have colostrum in the first 24 hours of life which they get from the mother's milk.it has antibodies to protect the baby. Udders on a llama are so tiny they are difficult to see. Many people give the crias colostomy from goats milk kept in freezers for this purpose. There is also a wax plug in the teats which some people remove to make sure the milk is flowing. Llamas give only 2 oz of milk at a time.

Our new addition to our farm was born on the day of the Harvest Moon, September 30,2012. We named her Luna Llena ( pronounced loona yena) which means Full Moon in Spanish.

Watch Video:  7 minutes: of the mother, Gaia and the birth of her new cria llama, Luna Llena. Baby and mom had a good experience and are doing well and fine.