The Alpaca Lifestyle

By Brenda Clark

It has been 18 years since we were introduced to alpacas.  In the years since then we have grown from two adults and one cria (baby) to a herd of 82.  Our move to Homer in 2003 undoubtedly gave us the room to expand our breeding program as well as have a shop that offers luxury items made from their fiber which they are mostly used for here in the US.   Here at Tartan Acres, they share their barn with chickens, guinea hens and a couple of cats.  

Part of their appeal is the ease of raising them.  Their diet consists of 2nd cutting hay and pelleted grains.  They are pretty quiet, unless arguing with each other or spying what they think could be a predator. They have foot pads instead of hooves and so they have little impact on the ground in the pasture.  They require an injection every 5-6 weeks to guard against a parasite carried by deer. And, yes, we have learned to inject the vaccine – and found it a pretty easy task.  Likewise we have learned how to assist a new mom bring her baby into the world and then monitor and document his growth to insure good health. 

These new responsibilities are accompanied by a great amount of pleasure. The satisfaction of a well-kept, orderly barn filled with content animals can’t be beat.  Likewise, watching young stock gleefully pronging through the pastures is hard to pass up.   Like any other livestock, alpacas have individual personalities.  Some will welcome a friendly pat on the neck, others will shy away, but all of them are curious and will be quick to find out who is paying them a visit. 

We welcome guests to the barn to provide “Alpaca 101”.  It is our way of introducing interested people to the possibilities of owning alpacas as we demonstrate several aspects of their care and raising..  Other visitors to our farm might bring an animal of their own for breeding to one of our award winning herd sires, browse in the alpaca apparel shop, take pictures of these incredibly photogenic animals, or simply hang out for a while for some stress relief.

Our shop has moved to a repurposed camping trailer outside of the barn.  Besides selling socks, gloves/mittens, hats, shawls, scarves, sweaters, yarn, rovings, and alpaca themed miscellany, the space will be used to offer antiques/vintage goods and linens.  The former shop in the barn is destined to be a Birthday with Alpacas room – as soon as the pandemic will allow us to move forward.

If you’ve ever thought of visiting or owning an alpaca, want a unique gift, or just need a bit of time for rest and relaxation, plan on stopping by – we look forward to seeing you.  For a personal appointment please give us a call.  We follow all CDC guidelines.

Tartan Acres, LLC
707 Houghton Hill Road, Homer, NY
(315) 729-9358/7