So … you say “Who in the world is Tika?”

I am a male Meyer’s parrot now 14 years of age. I have been fortunate to have been raised by a knowledgeable breeder and companion owner both of whom respected and applied the philosophy of Sally Blanchard, editor of the Companion Parrot Quarterly and author of the Companion Parrot Handbook and The Beak Book. My companion owner continues to learn from the writings and seminars of Sally Blanchard, our avian veterinarian and educational seminars sponsored by Parrot Island, Burnsville, Minnesota.

Alpacas by the Brook, Inc. attempts to apply the same high standards of care and training which I have benefited from as a companion parrot to the alpacas at Alpacas by the Brook.

I will attempt to provide an annual newsletter of the essential events occurring at Alpacas by the Brook – hopefully with a little humor to add to your reading pleasure!

2006 

The first annual Customers of Alpacas by the Brook, Inc Shearing Day went smoothly in addition to our regular Shearing Day.  Shearing on two separate days allowed us to work shorter days and pay more attention to detail... and even finish early enough in the day to enjoy the sunshine and fine liquid refreshments which were unexpectedly provided by Andy.  Further improvements were made in efficiency and the quality of the fleeces which were sheared and skirted on these two days.  The outstanding teamwork and hard work of the shearing day helpers resulted in the cleanest and most completely skirted fleeces we have produced to date.  In fact, Jeremiah's fleece was awarded "Best Prepared Fleece" (for the entire show) in the Shepherd's Harvest Alpaca Fleece show in mid May 2006!  Jeremiah, Destiny, Frost, and Thyme participated (and continue to participate) successfully in numerous fleece shows ... bringing home several color champion, first and second place ribbons in some highly competitive shows.

Alpacas by the Brook participated in Alpaca Matters Midwest Field Days in mid October and hosted Morningside Farm and Kristin Knits for this event.  The turnout was great.  The most common comment heard was... "I had NO IDEA they were SO SOFT!!!" ... which was expressed by numerous guests as they were allowed to touch baby Mahogany's fleece during the guided barn tours.  We look forward to another similar open house event in October 2007

....More details and photos coming soon....

2005

Shearing Day 2005 was a definite success.  Both Jolene and Nikki made it home and were available to tend to the alpacas before and after the shearing table experience.   Thanks to all who participated ... Roxanne, Nikki, Jolene, Julie, Lori, Lynne, Susan, Kari, Andy, Brad, Kelly, Aly, Jim, Connie, Dick, Sarah and Tom.    Thanks to Sheila for a lovely custom cake.

2004
Shearing Day 2004 went smoothly with the help of dear friends and the shearing table which we have found to be both convenient and safe for alpacas and alpaca handlers.

Jolene spent much of the summer working with the alpacas and doing summer baby watch.  Four healthy alpaca babies were born in mid to late summer - all sired by HAA Camalot's Triumphant Son (Sonny) of Humalot Alpacas. 

The yearlings progressed in their training with BlackVelvet even showing some abilities on the alpaca jumps.

We completed a successful birthing season in early September with the birth of the adorable Aladdin.

Alpacas by the Brook participated in and brought home ribbons from the 6th Annual Midwest Alpaca Jamboree in Mason City, Iowa in late September.  After another year of alpaca training and farm work, Nikki departed for a winter adventure in Colorado - promising to return in April 2005 to celebrate her birthday and help again with Shearing Day.  :)

2003
Five darling alpaca babies (cria) were all born without difficulty. Leah gave daily alpaca lessons to the little ones leading to some very well behaved young ones. Nikki focused on the yearlings making great progress with them as well. HAA Camalot’s Triumphant Son (Sonny) of Humalot Alpacas, Chardon, Ohio visited the farm and courted several of the girls in late Summer. In addition to Sonny’s obvious superb conformation and fleece, Sonny received great praise as an effective respectful gentleman with the girls and alpaca handlers at Alpacas by the Brook.

Alpacas by the Brook, Inc.

Julie K. Drier, President

12620 Kelly Avenue, Chaska, MN  55318
Phone: 612-964-PACA or 952-466-2233
E-mail: info@alpacasbythebrook.com