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Sandy and Ashley Browning's herd of Alpacas at West Wellow has just been increased with the birth of three babies or Crias who are pictured with their mothers T9224D

THREE new arrivals have caused a bit of a stir down on the farm at West Wellow. Alpaca breeders Sandy and Ashley Browning are overjoyed after the birth of three cria's (alpaca babies) during the last two weeks.

Beatrice, Miranda and Orlando are the latest additions to the Longbarn Alpaca herd - bringing the total up to 19.

"They are adorable and make the loveliest pets imaginable. All the alpacas have names - sometimes they are taken from books. This year it is Shakespeare because we've got Prince Hamlet as the stud male," said Sandy.

Ashley and Sandy began keeping alpacas about seven years ago so that their 23-year-old disabled daughter Laura could have a career in farming.

"She has cerebral palsy and severe emotional difficulties so that the opportunity for a creative satisfying job seemed slim," explained Sandy.

"Despite her many difficulties Laura has a lot to offer including a huge witty sense of humour."

Sandy said the laura had gained a love and respect for animals thanks to her experiences with the the Riding for the Disabled Association.

The Browning owned 10 acres of land with only a couple of old ponies and a goat making use of it and decided there must be a suitable farming opportunity that Laura could part of.

The Alpacas with their mothers being fed by Sandy. The father, Prince Hamlet looks on through the fence T9224B

By chance the couple saw an artilce about alpacas and they sounded ideal - charming and gentle with the added bonus of fine fleece that could be used in a variety of ways.

"We headed off to visit various breeders and again like many people, immediately fell in love with them," said Sandy.

"We were advised to start with three placid amiable animals. Laura's enthusiasm was evident from day one as these three arrived to see how we got on. We decided to involve Laura in all aspects of alpaca keeping from the beginning. The delight at our first cria, a girl and Laura's absorbed involvement in her welfare made us realise that we had indeed made the right choice,.

The couple then embarked on a breeding plan and bought more stock and added to it over the years. Laura takes an active role in the day-to-day running of the business and is involved in the decision-making said Sandy.

"She condition scores to see that the herd is neither too fat or thin at least once a month and keeps records for worming, vitamin doses and pregnancy dates. A job she really enjoys is the naming of the new crias," said Sandy, stressing alpacas are herd animals and will quickly become distressed if kept singly.

People can go along and visit Longbarn Alpacas by appointment only. Sandy and Ashley give talks about alpacas to organisations and groups in the area on request.

To find out more about the Longbarn Alpacas visit www.longbarnalpacas.co.uk.

2:15pm Thursday 21st August 2008

T9224C Pictures by Terry Bond

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