Raised, Shorn & Handwoven With Love In Texas.

From way out here, welcome to our online home. Typically, the first question we get when someone visits us for the first time is, “How in the world did you decide to start raising Alpacas?” It’s inevitably followed by, “Do they spit?”

We started all of this when we made a life changing decision to ditch the suburban bubble for a bigger life out in the country in 2015. It wasn’t until we landed on our four acre chunk of North Texas that we then started to wonder what we should do with the open space. We considered the usual suspects that most folks do around here from growing hay to raising goats, but wanted something different. “What about Alpacas?” I asked, out of amusement really, not having any idea what they were.

Alpacas are one of a handful of species within the Camelidae family (Camels, Llamas, Vicuña) originating from South America, and only brought to North America as domesticated livestock no earlier than 1985. Their fleece is known for being hypoallergenic, softer than wool, and a luxury fiber which rivals angora or cashmere, maintaining a presence in the fashion world. What started as an exotic animal bubble in the 1990s - along with Emus - Alpacas gravitated into an alternative livestock selection for those wanting to keep something beautiful, different, kind, and intelligent on their peaceful pastures. Their grazing style and unique foot structure are low impact to the land, and their manure is some of the best natural fertilizer out there. They also typically have a kind disposition, making them a safe bet for families with small children. Entertaining, too.

If anything, they were more interesting. A few weeks later, we welcomed a herd of ten ‘fiber boys’ home- two Suris and eight Huacayas. Van Gough, Ringo, Guinness, Jameson, Boo-Boo, Levi, Timmy, Buckley, Ian & Mr. Fluffles.

While many clothing products can be found made from the Alpaca’s soft fibers, these batches typically come from seriously-bred and showcased examples. While cute, ours won’t win many awards, so we humbly have the fleece from our annual shearing made into saddle blankets to help make our equine friends more comfortable. Even if you don’t have a horse, these blankets work just as well to give your home a distinct South American flair, whether hung on a wall, used as a sofa throw, or even a unique doormat.

We also offer an hourly consultancy service for those getting started out. Alpacas are a herd animal and need at least one ‘paca’ buddy, a three-sided lean-to shelter, moderate climate, lots of grass or hay, a daily feed supplement, clean water, electrolytes when it’s hot, and kind TLC. If you are serious about getting into ‘the Cadillac of livestock’, get in touch and we’ll tell you everything we know to help your own operation get started.

And yes, they spit. But usually just at themselves. Thanks for stopping by!