From Sheep to Alpaca Farm
When we purchased our 36 Acre farm in 2001 with its mixture of pasture and bush, we immediately thought about acquiring some four-legged lawn mowers. Our initial thought was to buy some sheep. But then we saw alpacas at a local show and fell in love with their big doughy eyes! So this is our alpaca farmstay.
From two alpacas to a herd
Having decided on alpacas, we headed off to an alpaca stud farm with the intention to purchase two wethers (i.e. castrated male alpacas). Oh! Then we met young Camelia, just four months old (in 2003). She stole our hearts and we headed home with Camelia, her brother, Boxer (a wether) and a retired (castrated) stud male called Elrio. Talk about being up sold! We spent several thousands more than anticipated.
Of course, what do you do then, when you have a female? We started a family. Next, we found ourselves at a local auction where we purchased four more alpacas, including two more females…Then we purchased a stud male.
At one stage we had 25 alpacas on our small farm. In 2020 we have 12 alpacas.
Crias are adorable
There’s no more to say, really. If you have an alpaca farmstay, then you must have crias.
Shearing the Mob – Join Us!
We aim to have our alpacas shorn in October each year. This is the best time because the grass and weed seeds haven’t set yet. However, the date often slides due to rain and the non-availability of shearers. If you are interested in helping us with the shearing, or just want to watch, then get in touch so we can send you an email alert.
Join Us for a Walk
You are invited to join Graham each morning as he feeds the hungry hordes of chooks and alpacas. Then ramble along with the alpacas beside the river.
Our morning walk routine is usually at 8:30. Although some mornings the alpacas just don’t want to go – who knows why? Then, if it is raining, the morning walk will be cancelled, too.
If you would like to join in, just let Graham know the day before.
Reach Out and Touch
