SweetLips

Back in August, when we bought our 72 hair sheep; SweetLips, the llama, came along.  Her job was to protect the sheep from predators.

But, when we moved the flock in with the cattle (now a flerd), the llama did not move.  SweetLips was afraid of the cows.  She ran off and remained at the back corner of the paddock - her safety zone.  SweetLips was not alone. She companioned with the two buck lambs, one ram, and Ember, Becky's horse. Unfortunately,  SweetLips was not fond of Ember.

Over the past month, however;  SweetLips has adjusted to Ember to where she can now graze within the vicinity of the horse.  SweetLips has made her way, slowly over the weeks, closer to the barn area when the rams were fed grain.  Corn stalks, from the garden, thrown into the paddock seemed to entice her even closer.

Every day I would call out, "SweetLips....Hi SweetLips".  Her ears would perk up and she would turn to look at me.  I wanted her to become familiar with my voice. 

Yesterday, we wormed the rams and clipped their hooves.  SweetLips needed worming, too.  In fact, we were told, that llamas need worm medication about every four weeks, especially when they are near deer.  We have plenty of deer.  So, we add another chore to the forever lengthening 'to do' list.

But, to date, we had never been able to get close enough to SweetLips to restrain her, she would always run away from our outstretched arms.  What were we going to do?

We easily got Ember and the rams into the barn lot. SweetLips did not follow.  SweetLips remained in the paddock; but curious as she watched from her 'corner'.  So, I called her.  To our surprise,  SweetLips started to strut in our direction.  Slowly, step by step, she got closer to the barn lot.  As she got to the gate, Glenn was able to grab her halter and quickly attach a lead.  Success, we had SweetLips in our custody.

Glenn went to get her some cut-up apples (again, according to the literature - a treat for llamas) while I softly talked to her and stroked her thick coat of wool.  I continually watched her mouth for signs of a potential spit, but SweetLips exercised refrain - thank you.  Glenn brought the apples back, but she wanted nothing to do with the apples or with Glenn for that matter;  she became a bit agitated.  So, Glenn quickly gave her the injection.  I talked to her a few more moments before releasing her.

 SweetLips calmly rejoined her friends.  A major coup.  It was a good day.

Today,  I made an apple pie and took the bucket of parings out to SweetLips before taking the left overs to the chickens.  SweetLips slowly walked over to the bucket (she has never done this before), put her head in, took a whiff, removed her head, and flashed a crinkled nose at me before turning and walking away.  Evidently, the literature is incorrect - not all llamas think of apples as treats.  SweetLips does not.  The chickens were thrilled as they indulged. 

Now, to figure out what is a treat for our SweetLips.....