Welcome to Our World!
by Tony & Connie Seale
How It All Started ...
Our lives were changed forever in May, 1987.
That's when my husband and I purchased our first three
llamas. The idea of raising these gentle critters was born
partly from curiosity and partly from the "empty nest"
syndrome. Our two offspring were out trying on their new
found adult mantles, leaving me with a goodly amount
of free time. Llamas, with their incredible eyes, soothing
natures and charming personalities just seemed the right
thing to do.
No one warned us that llamas were catching.
No one mentioned that three is not enough.
No one told us that we would sell our homes, move 300 miles
to a larger property just to suit the llamas.
Several of our friends did tell us we were crazy!
We still are -- crazy about llamas!
How It Is
Our herd fluctuates between 25 and 40. We have moved our birthing season
to the autumn to avoid our high heat summers. A great deal of our lives
revolve around the care and keeping of our llamas. We're members of two
"fun" llama clubs, the BC Llama Llovers (which we helped to found), The
Fraser Valley Llama & Alpaca Club and the Canadian Llama Association.
Participating in educational seminars, shows and sales keeps us busy in
the spring and summer.
Flannigan @ one year
Most of the day-to-day interaction
with our herd is my job and my pleasure. I supervise the breedings, attend
the births, do the vaccinating, training and grooming (Tony clips the
toenails).
We harvest their fibre in April and May. I used to do the cleaning and carding
myself but with the number of our llamas now, I ship the wool off to a mill.
Spinning is fun. Weaving can really stretch your imagination
(see our llama pattern).
Llamas continue to contribute to our happiness and gratification both in person and with
their by-products (Fibre and llama manure, one of nature's best fertilizers!).
A Little History & Info ...
Llama have come a long way over the past 15 years
in Canada. All the way from being classified as
exotics and considered to be a risky investment, to
acceptance by the Federal Department of Agriculture
as domestic animals and as proven financially viable
livestock.
Llamas are being trained to carry packs, pull carts
and partake in shows. They are a joy to work with
and are quick learners.
We have a complimentary information brochure we would
be happy to send you.
Please e-mail or ph/fax (250) 546-3038 with your comments
or questions.
Morning on the farm
Send e-mail to
Tony and Connie at
'We would love to hear from you'
AND
Visit our NEW website and llama links!
Click Here!!