PODCAST · leisure
Alpaca Tribe
by Steve Heatherington
The Alpaca Podcast for all things alpaca. Alpaca Tribe is for anyone who feels a connection with alpacas. It is for existing owners, everyone interested in keeping alpacas, people working with alpaca fleece or providing alpaca services, or those who are just alpaca mad. With our guests, we will look at getting into keeping alpacas; making the most of the ones you have got (and enjoying it); ways to use the fleece, not just store it; opportunities to develop business activities relating to alpacas; and growing in your experience, wherever you are starting.Each week we will be talking to people like you and to breeders, vets, producers and professionals. The Alpaca Tribe Podcast is your place for wisdom, guidance and great stories about all things alpaca, from people who know because they have already done it.Join the tribe at alpacatribe.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Episodes
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When it is time for alpacas to grow up
This is the podcast for alpaca people! There comes a time to move on, or at least not be so dependent. This is true of all forms of life, including our own. Happenings in the valley with the swans got me thinking about this. The adults confirmed that the cygnets could fly and then left them the...
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Choosing our alpacas with height and Jules in mind
This is the podcast for alpaca people! This episode is dedicated to Jules, who recently passed away and always loved seeing the alpacas - at a distance, and on his terms. We chose the size of our alpacas with him in mind, but in the end, he didn't really want to be that close to them after all....
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The range of things alpaca farmers get involved in
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, a quick roundup of the lake filling, the sheep leaving, the fox being seen off by the alpacas and the ducks in combination, and Blue Tongue Vaccinations completed. https://www.camelidynamics.com/product/handler-helper/ Thanks for listening,...
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Special Alpaca moments to look out for
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, hidden among the everyday ordinary, we sometimes bump into a special moment with our alpacas. We need to watch for them, enjoy being present, and appreciate them. They need marking in some way, even if it is a mental note in our memories or…
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Revisiting a visitor
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, we revisit episode 241 from three years ago. Craig Constantine, a good friend from the US, called in to visit and met the alpacas. Craig has been busy travelling in Newfoundland this summer and discusses it with another friend of ours…
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Alpaca breakfast is a great time
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, after the rain, my alpacas came out to eat the willow leaves. I say rain, but it was more of a shower. Join me for breakfast and a meander, plus where have the swans gone? Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me…
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A new normal
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I consider what we call normal. Understanding what is normal helps with expectations and preparations. With climate change impacts becoming more frequent, we are starting to develop new normals. I am still looking forward to a 'normal' day…
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Back to routines and rhythms with the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! Sorry, there have been a few gaps recently - I have been capacity-challenged on a number of fronts, but I am pleased to be returning to routines and rhythms with the alpacas. Here is a quick catch-up. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can...
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Shearing is completed for another year
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, a quick update on shearing and valley news, including the swans, with a background soundtrack of alpacas feeding. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail...
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Far flung friends meeting the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I meet up with Danny from Boston. We have known each other for almost 8 years, but met for the first time recently. I got to introduce him to the valley and the alpacas. It was a hoot (as Danny would say). The characteristics of alpaca...
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Do you focus on the big picture or close up?
This is the podcast for alpaca people! If we focus only on the big picture or only on the close-up, we will miss something. We need to do both, just not at the same time. Be guided by what catches your attention, but don't be fooled into thinking just because something demands your attention, it…
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Spring arrivals and departures in the valley
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I reflect on the intricate dynamics within our alpaca herd and the wildlife that shares our farm. Observing their interactions during breakfast reveals their social structures, while the arrival of swallows and swans captures the seasonal...
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What could your lifetime journey actually be?
This is the podcast for alpaca people! How did we get to be where we are? The answer is a series of small, potentially inconsequential choices and actions. We can't plan for all the twists and turns, and we can't control many things that take on greater significance in hindsight. For us, keeping...
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Slowing down to an alpaca rhythm
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I try to share the rhythm of alpacas. There is time for everything when you are an alpaca. The days, weeks, and more importantly, the seasons teach us a lot about rhythm. But for me, my greatest teachers have been the alpacas. They tend to…
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A half hour holiday with the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! Spring arrives with ragged edges. Winter has not fully left the stage, but flowers, buds and birds are all busy. Alpacas like the spring too, and as you know, it is one of my favourite times of the year. Come join me. Thanks for listening, and I hope you...
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The best plan is an alpaca plan
This is the podcast for alpaca people! I had great plans - but was beaten by the weather. How often does this happen to you? Plans are never fixed when you have alpacas. And any or all of the following can get in your way: Weather - including mud and wet hay, etc cooperation from your alpacas…
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Alpaca breakfast is my favourite meal of the day
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In the last episode, I promised breakfast with the girls. So here it is, as it happened. Enjoy the noisy birds and the mostly well-behaved alpacas. Some nice signs of Spring, but we are definitely not there yet, even though I have seen my first frogspawn!…
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Areas of alpaca growth
This is the podcast for alpaca people! Growth of and with our alpacas has different aspects. From growing numbers through adding to the herd or multiplying by breeding. Increasing our knowledge. Growing skills and abilities through experience. But the greatest area of growth that underpins all of...
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And so the alpaca new year begins
This is the podcast for alpaca people! The new year begins, but is hardly noticed by the alpacas. Just another day. Wet weather turned cold, then snow and ice. The alpacas loved the hay and found a little grazing by following the sun around the valley. It has all gone again, so we can relax for a...
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A Christmas walk with in the valley with the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, join me as I walk around the valley. Enjoy breakfast with the girls, then head out and about up the valley. There is also a video of the walk, which you can watch here. Thanks for being with me through this episode and even through the year....
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A welcome from the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! Welcome to all of you, wherever you are listening, but especially my listeners from Brazil. Thank you. I appreciate it. Alpacas are curious and usually offer us a welcome as we approach. Depending on what we do next, the welcome remains, or our attention...
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How alpacas can teach you to be flexible
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Steve recounts a chaotic food delivery for the alpacas, reflecting on resilience and how to handle frustration in animal care. He introduces us to Hermione, Alys, and Nona, sharing anecdotes that highlight their personalities and daily...
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Alpacas in the reservoir valley
This is the podcast for alpaca people! The rain has been abundant. I guess that is what made the valley a good site for a Victorian reservoir. Now it is home to our herd of alpacas, ducks and visiting swans. And us of course. Where better to share our lives with all of the amazing animals and...
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A walk and talk in the valley
This is the podcast for alpaca people! The tide of vegetation is receding as fall continues to arrive. The alpacas are enjoying the season and so am I. Join me for a walk and talk in the valley. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - [email protected] -...
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Catching up with visitors to the valley
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, the welcome early fall sunshine makes it easy to spend time out in the valley with the alpacas. Velvet mites, foxes and badgers, bats, plus some friends from Australia. The valley has been having visitors. Listen in and join me on the farm....
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Food water and mucking out - the daily alpaca chores
This is the podcast for alpaca people! Join me for a typical day with the alpacas and the associated chores. It is a delight on a sunny autumn morning with so many Robins singing their hearts out. As well as a revisit by the Swan and some of our Canada Geese, there was a Kingfisher, which sat…
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Have you worked out how alpacas sit down?
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I want to talk about how alpacas sit and why. Alpacas love to sit, which is called cushing. They gather their legs underneath them and look very comfortable. Often they will be chewing the cud while cushed. It is a bit like having a sit-down...
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Fall arriving in the valley with the alpacas
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, the season change has come quickly here in the valley with the alpacas. Listen to catch up on what has been happening with the herd. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or...
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What is a good number of alpacas to have?
This is the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I'm considering what a good number of alpacas is. Probably the first answer is going to be... more! They are somewhat addictive and a delight, so why not have more? There are a number of factors to consider, but they mostly revolve around...
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A beautiful morning for breakfast with the alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We had a named storm pass through, but today is calm, still and sunny. A perfect day for breakfast with the girls. Why don't you join me? Nona was enjoying the pile of hay she claimed - she does like her hay. Later, after I put all the food out and spread...
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What to ignore with your alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I offer a tip for dealing with overwhelm, suggest ways to learn more about alpaca behaviour, and explain looking out for which one starts the drift. There is also an update on the herd and life in the valley. For valley news, you can also...
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How to prepare for cria birthing season
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I continue reflecting on the cria birthing season and how we can be prepared. This includes talking to some people, including your vet, reading up and taking some courses - probably too late for this season, but there is always next year....
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Fond memories of cria watch and alpaca birthing season
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Memories abound of the magic of alpaca births. Mostly straightforward, but I always liked to be around to be available to help when needed. Cria watch can be stressful but hourly checks for signs of births and labour means you are likely to be there when...
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Hunting flies and growing your alpaca herd
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! The weather has warmed, bringing some flies. Including an early appearance by the large horseflies usually reserved for a week in July. I sorted one out that was feeding from Efa. I hope she will forgive me for chasing her around to catch the fly. When...
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That was a close shave
I am delighted to report that the shearing is finished for another year. It was physically demanding but less so than in some previous years. The alpacas have just about forgiven me, but a few are still looking at me suspiciously and giving me a wider berth than usual during feeding time. Dry...
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Some alpaca jobs just need two people
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I consider the difficulty of doing some alpaca jobs alone. There is also a valley update about the new ready-made family of geese joining the number one family. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email…
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Chilling in the sun with the alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Beautiful spring mornings with the alpacas are a delight. Recognising that we are all connected to the life around us is an important reason to slow down, take a breath, and be present. I have learned so much from living with alpacas, and slowing down is...
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How to speak alpaca - or at least try
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We don't really know what is going on inside the head of an alpaca. What are they thinking? What do they think of us? It doesn't stop us trying to speak alpaca, though. And if you can spend time around your alpacas, you stand a better chance of…
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Valley update and podcast news
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Podcast update The frequency of the Alpaca Tribe podcast will be changing from May 2025. It will become every two weeks rather than weekly. The alternate weeks will be filled by a new podcast called View From The Valley, which will focus on the 'other'...
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Alpacas get old too
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, following on my conversation with Rita of Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas, we turned to ageing alpacas and owners and what Rita has planned for down on the farm later in the year. Check out the Campo Verde Instagram feed for some lovely...
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A Spring/Autumn catch up with Rita Soares in Australia
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Listen in as I catch up with Rita Soares in Victoria, Australia and hear about the arrival of Llamas at Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas. More to come in the future. It is well worth checking out Rita's photos and videos on her Instagram…
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An update in the valley with the alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Spring continues to arrive. Which makes you think of Spring cleaning and updating tools and equipment. How are things on the farm with you? Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email…
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Rate limiting factors for growth
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I have been musing about growth. How soon the grass starts growing is a prime factor in judging when spring has arrived. The interplay of the essentials of moisture, sun and soil temperature determines how much growth, if any, the grass...
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One way to help your alpacas trust you
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Confident and fulfilled owners of happy and healthy alpacas. It is why I do the podcast and I know it is a work in progress. One of the most significant things which helped me in my early days of trying to become a good alpaca shepherd, was doing...
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Great opportunities to spend time with your alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, you can join me as we talk Spring, field shelters and things that make you smile. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca…
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Providing appropriate shelter for alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Today was a weather day with a bit of everything. Very Spring-like. What kind of weather protection do alpacas need? In addition to field shelters, natural shelter-belt from trees and bushes are really helpful. Protection is needed from the rain/wind/sun....
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Creating the best expectations with your Alpacas
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Listen in to this episode as I consider expectations. Everyone has expectations including you and your alpacas. What we do and how can affect them every time. Build your alpacas' expectations of you being a safe person. Plan your interactions to create...
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What alpacas need and like
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Like all of us, alpacas thrive on familarity and the expected plus variety now and again. What kind of variety could you bring to the mix for your alpacas. Listen in and let me share some thoughts. These include what they need as basics - food, water,...
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Alpaca reflections after breakfast with the girls
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Sitting with the alpacas you can zone out but still be present. A delight to spend time with them and notice what is happening in the valley. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoyed it. You can contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave…
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Knowing when it is time to change tack
Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Changing tack when sailing allows us to take advantage of the wind. How do you know when to tack? I share some thoughts about making decisions and factors that can influence it. There is also an update on happenings in the valley. Listen...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Alpaca Podcast for all things alpaca. Alpaca Tribe is for anyone who feels a connection with alpacas. It is for existing owners, everyone interested in keeping alpacas, people working with alpaca fleece or providing alpaca services, or those who are just alpaca mad. With our guests, we will look at getting into keeping alpacas; making the most of the ones you have got (and enjoying it); ways to use the fleece, not just store it; opportunities to develop business activities relating to alpacas; and growing in your experience, wherever you are starting.Each week we will be talking to people like you and to breeders, vets, producers and professionals. The Alpaca Tribe Podcast is your place for wisdom, guidance and great stories about all things alpaca, from people who know because they have already done it.Join the tribe at alpacatribe.com
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
HOSTED BY
Steve Heatherington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Alpaca Tribe have?
Alpaca Tribe currently has 367 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Alpaca Tribe about?
The Alpaca Podcast for all things alpaca. Alpaca Tribe is for anyone who feels a connection with alpacas. It is for existing owners, everyone interested in keeping alpacas, people working with alpaca fleece or providing alpaca services, or those who are just alpaca mad. With our guests, we will...
How often does Alpaca Tribe release new episodes?
Alpaca Tribe publishes regularly with 367 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Alpaca Tribe?
You can listen to Alpaca Tribe on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Alpaca Tribe?
Alpaca Tribe is created and hosted by Steve Heatherington.
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