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This all started as a result of my search for a source of wool. Having gone to several craft fairs I loved the tapestry and weavings made from wool. My initial search for a wool source started with sheep. I talked to several sheep owners around the area as well as picking up books about raising sheep. From the information I received and the fact I work full-time led me to the conclusion that raising sheep would not work, especially during lambing season.
I continued to search and during this time I acquired a hand-made spinning wheel. The wheel needed fiber. A friend told me about llamas. Again, I went to several ranches and talked to the owners. Looking at the size of these animals, I wondered how I would handle them if they became spooked or if they were ill and could not walk. It looked like I was not going to be a llama owner.
A while later a wool artist said, "Have you heard about alpacas?". I said that I had not and they suggested I attend the upcoming Black Sheep Festival held in Eugene, OR. I met my first alpaca . . . with those large expressive eyes and long lashes, the gorgeous fleece colors . I WAS IN LOVE. Several years later, I now have a small herd of huacaya that my father and I have been managing for several years. We have a variety of colors, but we are emphasizing grays and blacks. We would enjoy talking with anyone who is interested in learning more about alpacas.
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