It’s August, and in most parts of the country, that means it’s hot. Really hot. Especially here in the South. It’s the kind of hot that makes you want to sprawl out in the ice cream aisle with a pint of Phish Food. Luckily we have ways to stay cool and comfortable on these sticky summer days. But what about our pets?

House pets are the lucky ones who get to spend most of the day stretched out on the cool linoleum instead of panting in the sun. But farm animals are a different story. Though they’re often exposed to the elements, they don’t have to suffer. Here are a few ways to keep your animals cool during hot weather.

• Keep them well-hydrated. This is a no-brainer for pets and humans alike. One of the best ways to endure hot weather is to stay well-hydrated. It keeps the body cooled and functioning at its peak.
• Provide shelter and shade. Whether you have a barn or a big shade tree, giving your animals a place to escape from the midday sun is essential for keeping them cool.
• Give them showers. Hose your big guys (horses, donkeys, etc.) with lukewarm water regularly to keep them cool. For smaller critters, especially water-loving ducks, fill kiddy pool with cool water and allow them easy access.
• Provide ice packs for small animals. Rabbits and guniea pigs, for example, don't endure heat well. They should always be kept in a shaded hutch with plenty of water to drink. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel or wash cloth to put in the cage for extra comfort. 
• Got chickens? Try mud baths! Run your hose out in a patchy area of the yard where you can stir up some cool mud for chickens. They may enjoy nestling down into the cool mud to escape the heat.

Be sure to watch for signs of heat stress in your animals such as panting, staggering, swollen tongue, trouble breathing, or vomiting blood. If you suspect your animal is getting overheated, cool them down and seek professional help immediately.

And don't forget about yourself! Humans are just as capable of experiencing heat stroke, so keep an eye on your own well-being, too. If you begin to feel sick in the heat, try using peppermint essential oil to alleviate nausea and combat heat exhaustion. Drink some cool peppermint tea or take a lukewarm bath infused with peppermint oil to cool your body down and lessen the effects of overheating. 

Is it hot there today? Make sure you pamper your animals for a bit to keep them cool, and make sure you stay hydrated, too!

We've been dreaming a lot lately at Bright Star Farm, bursting with creative ideas for products, goods, and ideas to create and sell, not only here at the farm but in other outlets, too. 

A recent trip to Wild Birds Unlimited in New Bern proved that others are latching onto our ideas. In fact, they've even asked to feature our Alpaca Fleece Nesting Balls made from 100% natural fleece from our very own alpacas here at the farm. 

So what are nesting balls, anyway? Nesting balls essentially provide fodder for bird nests. Hang one outside and watch as birds pull the contents of the nesting ball -- often horse hair, feathers, or alpaca fleece -- out to build nests of their own. And anyone who knows birds knows they're very resourceful. They'll use whatever they can to create safe, comfortable nests for their little ones.

They're also a great way to attract birds to your home, which is especially appealing to avid bird watchers and nature lovers. Plus, now that we're coming into warmer weather, it's the perfect time to hang one near your back porch and watch birds light on the rail to pull resources for their nests. 

We're very excited and grateful to Wild Birds Unlimited for taking an interest and agreeing to sell our products for us. Make sure you stop by to pick one up and support the store (and the farm!). They're rustic and affordable, and they'll be a great addition to your back yard.

If you've ever wondered how an animal as strange as an alpaca could possibly be a good investment, consider this.

The Alpaca industry is new to the U.S.," says alpaca farmer Barbie Tilton. "The growing industry is good news for people looking for American-grown and American-made products from their local farms."

It's certainly true that more and more consumers are looking to localize their buying to support small businesses and Mom'n'Pop ventures in exchange for many of the mass-produced goods brought from overseas. Aside from embracing a heart of loyalty for local producers and businesses, most home-grown items have a rustic, original appeal -- and lots of folks prefer that.

In addition to satisfying consumers with a deepening loyalty to local businesses, alpacas provide an excellent return on investment because their fiber is more versatile than sheep wool or cotton. It comes in over 20 colors naturally, which reduces dye costs and, again, provides a smidgen of rustic charm. 

“There are a lot of old mills, family-owned, multi-generational mills, that are small, that are willing to work in the specialty environment," says Chris Riley, president of the New England Alpaca Fiber Pool. As a result, a lot of those old mills are being revitalized. 


As a small alpaca farm with fiber-producing capabilities, Bright Star Farm is on the leading edge of the textile trend. In fact, shearing is coming up in April, and soon we'll have plenty of fiber for crafting handmade goods that will soon be available for sale.

When you think of farms, what comes to mind first? Maybe Old MacDonald's farm complete with cows, pigs, chickens, and even sheep. But what about alpacas? What are they, anyway?

Native to South America, alpacas are long-haired mammals related to the llama. They're usually kept in herds and bred for their fiber. Alpaca fiber, much like wool, is used for making woven and knitted items like scarves, hats, sweaters, gloves, and blankets, among other things. Because it's so thick, it's a great textile to use for making cold-weather products that keep people warm. It's even smoother than sheep's wool, so it doesn't leave you feeling itchy.

Though alpacas originally came from South America, people all over the world currently breed and raise them for fiber. They generally have very easy dispositions, but beware: some alpacas spit! They usually save their spitting for other alpacas, but if you happen to get in the way, well, it could happen to you, too.

Alpacas are social in the sense that they thrive in herds, but they don't usually like to be surprised or touched unexpectedly by humans. Some, however, do like to be rubbed, as long as they're not spooked by anything.

If you like a quiet farm, alpacas are a good fit. They usually don't shriek, bark, or make a lot of noise. Instead, alpacas prefer to hum to each other. Though the humming can mean many different things, it typically means they are content or signifying their presence to one another. (Sometimes it's even fun to hum back to them to see if the notice. They often do!)

They're also easier to feed than many other farm animals, as they thrive mostly on grass and other plants. They're usually content to spend the day grazing -- which is also a great way to keep your pastures trimmed!

Alpaca fiber is a renewable resource. It grows back every year, so it turns a profit every year, too. Its glossy softness, strength, and flame-resistance make it an excellent choice for farmers who want to keep animals and make a living, too.

Bright Star Farm hosted its first annual open house in celebration of National Alpaca Farm Days on Saturday, September 28th, and it was a huge success! One happy little guest even got up close and personal with the alpacas...

We kicked off the morning with some cool autumn air and live acoustic music from local singer Patrick Bliss.

Jessica Shively offered free candy and information for people interested in signing up for horseback riding lessons, which she offers at the farm.

Tammie Melton had hand-knit hats and scarves for sale, as well as hanging baskets from Bright Star Farm's very own greenhouse.

We had a steady flow of visitors all day long, and folks enjoyed wandering through the gift shop to get a firsthand look at alpaca products.

We also had plenty of peacock feathers for sale -- those were quite a hit!

Visitors sat in the shade and enjoyed hot dogs and delicious fried pork chop sandwiches provided by the local Rotary Club.

The alpacas were the most popular attraction of the day. Guests enjoyed meeting them, feeding them, and learning all about them and how their fleece is used.

Overall it was a very successful day, and we were happy to welcome visitors from Eastern NC and beyond. We're already looking forward to next year!