Baby Arrived - Needs Prayers

This morning at 9:18 am we had the birth of the newest Baby Llama, a little girl. So sweet and was full of life and energy. She worked hard thru the day trying to figure out how to get the nursing thing down but hour after hour no luck. Mother was trying to be patient but with each hour Mother was talking more and moving more.

Llama's can last longer then a goat without food but I was beginning to get concerned. By 4 I made a triangle pen and put mother and baby inside. I moved in the sides so I could guide baby under and work this problem slowly to a sound nursing session. Mother crossed her legs and was not having it. Baby got upset and so I turned them out and watched.

It was now 7 pm and Grace had reached her end. Into the house I went and got the formula. Side story - when I was at the feed store last it is such a habit to purchase formula at Thanksgiving just in case that I had it in the truck and down the road before I remembered I did not breed the goats. I thought, Turn Around Grace You Have NO BABIES Coming and then I said No let's just get home I am pooped and just want to be home. Well, now we know why!!

I made the formula and dug through the box of nipples and bottles for the llama nipple. It has been about 10 years since we have needed one of those. The problem is they do not fit normal baby bottles like I use for sheep and goats. What to use?? What to use?? I walked around raking my brain and looking in every cupboard and fridge. It Hit Me - I had small glass Tonic Water Bottles. Yep, tonight I sure could use a Gin and Tonic but not till we are well out of the woods...

I made the bottle and off I went. I sat there in the barn waiting to see if while I was gone any progress was made - NOPE!! So with towel and bottle in hand I got her to take it and sip, sip, sip she went and that was music to my ears. I did not let her eat much, just enough to warm her up and to make sure she could nurse. I took the nipple away and she looked all over for her Mother. She ran to her and tried and tired again but Mother was not letting her. I gave Mother a handful of Raspberry Leaves along with Marshmallow Root which should help a bit. Before I left Baby took another good hit on the bottle and then sat with her mother under the heat lamp.

So if you could and it is in your nature PLEASE send out some prayers for these two - we will do our best but help is always appreciated. I guess this gal will not be going to bed tonight - so much for a stress free time at the Funny Farm. Glad I am a creature of habit - I have plenty of formula if needed...