Aragon Alpacas

08/31/2026

TRANSPORT. We have been triaging (and seeing) a lot of emergencies recently. Due to high demand and not being able to teleport, there are many times we are recommending the owner transport their animal to a clinic (OSU Vet School for livestock, one of the Springfield ERs for dogs/cats). We understand it can be feasibly difficult, but PLEASE have a transport option ready and/or planned.

For cattle this is a truck and trailer - whether that is your own, or knowing you can borrow a friend’s. For sheep/goats/calves/pigs - this can be the backseat of your car, in a dog kennel in a car/truck, truck and trailer, etc. For dogs and cats - generally this is a vehicle, knowing cats can be put in a crate/box/trap and dogs can get in vehicles on their own or via a ramp.

We have heard of and seen people load calves in the back seat of pickups, goats in mini vans, chickens in cat carriers, cats in a cardboard box, and so much more. Feel free to get creative, but please have a plan before an emergency arises.

We know there are situations where it is truly not possible to transport an animal (down cow for example). But honestly there are very few exceptions. Emergencies never happen at ideal times, and we cannot guarantee we can get to you fast enough - therefore in case of a true emergency we urge you to have transport readily available for your animals, or at minimum a plan in place in case you need to transport.

08/31/2026

The corn patch’s next phase.

08/22/2026

Birth of a cria, in case you’re curious about the process. (Not ours, we’re no longer breeding.)

08/22/2026

https://fourrootsranchsanctuary.substack.com/p/help-homes-needed

Llamas in need of new homes

08/21/2026

Great design for a cria creep feeder.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HXDRNqU4x/

08/21/2026

08/18/2026

Why do so many knitters dislike purling? Psychology may help explain it…⁣

1. Purling can feel less intuitive to some knitters.

Our brains become more efficient at movements we repeat. If the knit stitch is the movement you use most often, it can become increasingly automatic, leaving purling feeling just that little bit less natural.

2. Switching between knit and purl might actually be the problem.

Research into task switching suggests that moving between actions comes with a small cognitive cost. Constantly switching (as we do in ribbing) can interrupt our rhythm and make the process feel more demanding.

3. The knit stitch gets a head start.

For many of us, knitting is the first stitch we learn. That means our hands and brains have had more time to practise the movement before purling is even introduced. In motor learning, repetition helps movements become more familiar and automatic.

4. The 'purling is awful' story might be keeping it alive.

Purling has had a bad reputation among knitters for years. Psychology tells us that expectations can influence our experiences, so hearing that purling is difficult, slow, or less enjoyable may shape how we approach it.

Of course, plenty of knitters are perfectly happy to purl, but psychology may help explain why the stitch may have earned such a reputation.⁣⁣

Tell us your thoughts on purl below.

⁣⁣Sources:⁣⁣
Research on motor learning and automaticity⁣
American Psychological Association, research on task switching⁣
Self-Determination Theory, competence, motivation and enjoyment⁣
Research on expectations and perceived effort

08/15/2026

𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬!!! 🔥𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀

One interesting pattern in camelid reproduction is that births almost always occur during daylight hours.

Most crias are born between early morning and early afternoon, which may seem unusual compared with many other livestock species.

This timing appears to be an evolutionary advantage.

In the harsh environments where camelids evolved, daytime births allowed the newborn cria to dry quickly and begin nursing while temperatures were warmer. AND to be on the move before dusk when predators are more likely to be prowling….

Several factors likely contribute to this pattern:

Hormonal rhythms linked to daylight cycles

Warmer daytime temperatures for newborn survival

Better visibility for mother and cria bonding

Improved protection from predators

Because of this natural timing, breeders often observe that camelid births occur during the day when monitoring is easier.

Nature seems to have planned this quite conveniently! However, we also know that birthing that happens outside of these convenient hours is way more likely to be problematic and need assistance! So don’t get too smug! 😉

Have you noticed that your crias are usually born during the day? Tell us below!