Alpaca Visitto learn more about alpaca care and alpaca farming.
Perhaps you have just heard about alpacas and want to know more. That is exactly what happened to us! We kept hearing about alpacas, and finally decided to we just had to find out more about them. We checked the internet, and thought that they were adorable. But we wanted to see them first hand, up close, and personal. So, we called a local alpaca farm, and asked if he would mind if we came over. He was thrilled to show us his alpacas! We have since visited quite a few farms, and have learned how to better prepare for the alpaca visit. We thought that we would pass along our tips to you. Alpaca owners love to have visitors, so do not be shy about asking to visit. However, most owners will prefer if you call first and schedule an appointment. Let the owner know why you are visiting and what you hope to accomplish. What are your goals? You may just want a field trip for your kids. Or you may want to evaluate herd sires. Perhaps you want to learn about fleece characteristics. Do you want to purchase some alpacas? The owners can best help you if they know what you expect. While you are on the phone, ask for accurate directions . We have found that maps are not always correct. Getting lost in the middle of nowhere is so stressful! Bring their phone number with you in case it happens to you. We highly recommend that you check the weather , and dress appropriately as you will be spending considerable time outside. This point seems obvious, but we forgot to do so once. It was shorts and sweatshirt weather near Cincinnati, Ohio. But it was freezing cold with snow showers by the time that we reached near Cleveland, Ohio. It was hard to enjoy the farm visit while shivering and wishing we had fur coats like the alpacas! Casual clothes and closed shoes are best for barn adventures. Remember that you may get caught in the path of alpaca spit and that you may step in a pile of alpaca manure – just part of the experience!
Please do not bring your pet dog! Strange dogs will stir up the herd in no time. Also, their livestock guardian dog may not appreciate a strange dog either. You can pet their guard dog instead. If you do bring small children, you will need to keep a close eye on them due to barn hazards. It may be difficult for you to enjoy your visit if you are constantly watching out for your kids. We really recommend that you find a babysitter for small children unless the whole purpose of your visit is a field trip for your kids. Most farms will not allow smoking in the barn due to the flammable nature of the wood, hay and straw. One little spark - and poof! Plus, tobacco smoke is not good for the alpacas! Nor for you either. Perhaps it is time to quit! However, please do bring your camera! Alpaca owners will beam with joy when you take photos of their alpacas! Also, the pictures will help you to remember more about your alpaca visit. During your visit, you will have opportunity to examine lots of alpaca fleece and view lots of alpacas. If an alpaca catches your eye, see if the owner can catch if for you to look at closer. If you are interested in a particular alpaca, ask to see its parents and its offspring and its siblings, and learn more about its genetics. Most importantly, be prepared to ask lots of questions about alpaca care and alpaca farming . No question is unimportant. You would not believe the questions that we asked! But we learned so much from each alpaca visit. After several years of owning alpacas, we still like to visit other farms and meet other alpaca owners. We hope to meet you and see you soon during an Return to Top of Alpaca Visit Page
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