The Alpaca Lifestyle

By Brenda Clark

Our foray into living with alpacas began in 2001 with our first contact at the NYS fairgrounds.  We started out with two adults and one cria (baby). Since then, we moved to Homer (2003) and either through our own breeding program or purchases we are at 75 head on our farm.  These inquisitive creatures share their barn with 31 chickens, 3 guinea hens and a couple of cats.  

We were immediately drawn to their relatively gentle disposition.  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. Like many other people, I’ve always been a little queasy at the thought of being on the receiving end of a hypodermic needle, now I administer monthly injections of parasite controlling medicine without a problem.  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. However, the greatest pleasure of all is enjoying the many friends we have made along the way. 

Our farm name is Tartan Acres, LLC, giving a nod to our Celtic heritage.  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” classes.  It is our way of introducing interested people to the possibilities of owning alpacas as we demonstrate several aspects of the care and raising of alpacas.  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.  The former shop in the barn is being repurposed into a Birthday with Alpacas room.

When we are not busy in the barn, we can be found caring for the grounds that surround our home which will soon be opened as a B&B – another way of sharing the fun.  So, 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 our holiday hours or to host a birthday event here in 2020, give us a call.  

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