How to Chose Your First Alpaca

By Darlene Crosby Mother Lode Alpaca

Making good choices when purchasing your first alpacas is very important, not only for financial reasons but for the future growth of your herd and your eventual success. While all alpacas are very special and cute in their own right, buying from emotions or pressure will not necessarily ensure a good quality starter herd.

It is often stated, “Buy the best you can afford” true in a sense but never dismiss the fact that some breeders will sell a comparable animal for less than others.  Read Full Article

Basic Alpaca Neonatal Care
By Huggable Humming Alpacas

A baby alpaca is called a cria. The average gestation period for alpacas is 350+ days. The best time of year to have female alpacas give birth is either spring or early fall.  The birthing date is hard to anticipate so be prepared in advance. Close to the due date it is recommended that you move the pregnant female to a pasture close to the house so you can monitor the female’s progress. The males should be kept in a separate pasture so that they don’t harm the female or cria when it is born. Crias are normally born during the morning or into the early afternoon and will usually be born with no required intervention. Births in the late afternoon or into the evening may indicate a problem Read Full Article

Thank you to Virginia of Able Oaks Ranch - We purchased our first Alpacas from you and the experiences we have had on your Ranch are priceless. Shearing day was exhaustive, but fears were overcome and friendships were forged.

Thank you to Mike and Maggie of Rancho De La Luz Alpacas.  We purchased three wonderful herdsires from you and your help in locating our Llamas was great. We are currently discussing some females with you and a trip to your Ranch in June. Your friendship and guidance has been priceless.

Thank you to Susan & Gary Frank of Dusty Creek Ranch and Jim & Deb Wroblewski of Twin Buttes Alpaca Ranch for all of your help in teaching us the proper way to skirt our show fleece, the great "alpaca talk", and for the fabulous dinner we recently had at your place. What an excellent educational experience. We feel as if we have found a kinship with you.