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Feeding alpacas properly can be a challenge, to say the least.  When we started doing research, and since then, we have learned that alpacas are some of the most efficient feeders in the world.  Think about it: alpacas eat approximately a pound of grass/hay each day, and produce pounds and pounds of very fine fiber.  Even female alpacas grow that fleece while being pregnant AND nursing a cria.  Of course they need some additional calories during this time, so we feed additional hay in the grown female’s paddock, everyday.

That brings me to hay choices and supplements.  We feed a mixture of Bermuda-type grasses.  We made this choice after feeding Coastal Bermuda, exclusively for several years, and battled weight problems during that time.  Some of our animals lost weight, and were not able to gain it back no matter what we did.  Today, we have changed our sources and are now feeding what is called, “Texas Tough” which contains three perennial seeds adapted to Southern soils.  These are very drought tolerant grasses, grow very well in our local area, are sweet and palatable, and have a good amount of protein, fiber, and other nutrients.  We are looking for 12% to 14% protein, and a Total Digestible Nutrients near 60.  Texas Tough provides all we need.

We supplement the hay with grain-based feed from NuZu Feeds in Missouri.  We tried several other feeds, including a mixture designed by a much more experienced Texas alpaca rancher than we are.  The feed was milled in Dallas, which is nearby, and convenient for us to pick up ourselves, instead of paying for shipping, and the feed was cheaper, too.  However, that mixture worked well for alpacas being fed orchard grass, not so well for Bermuda.  We also tried Knoblocks, which worked well, but posed a slight problem for us with shipping.  We used Muzuri, as well, which was easier to pick up since it was delivered and sold at the feed store in our town.  We ran into a similar problem as the other feeds that were specifically formulated for use with orchard grass forage.  Once we changed to the NuZu feed, we noticed a weight gain on our females, even those that were beginning to wean their crias.  All the animals seemed more “peppy” and excited to get fed each day.  NuZu is formulated to compete directly with Mazuri Ultimate feed, but something is different.  It works very well with our hay.

Another very important supplement is the minerals which enhance the nutrients in the hay and feed.  We use Cache la Poudre minerals from Elizabeth, Colorado, and Bovine BlueLite electrolytes, which are delivered with our NuZu feeds order.  All these, the hay, feed, minerals, and electrolytes work together to supply the alpacas with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.  They also help to limit their heat stress, and other day-to-day stresses which take their toll, especially during the summer months in Texas.

Yes, alpacas are among the most efficient feeders in the world.  In Peru, they do well eating much lower quality feeds.  But we have access to better feed, minerals, and even water, so why not use it to enhance their ability to express the value in their genes.  So much of the information that is available on feeding alpacas is based on the assumption that we will feed orchard grass forage or hay.  That is fine, but the bottom line is the difference between $12.00 to $15.00 per bale, or $5.50 to $7.50 per bale.  If we can find good, local hay, I believe our animals will be better off, and our ranch will be in better financial standing.  Finding the best combination of hay, feed and minerals can be confusing and time consuming, but it is worth the effort.  We are very pleased with the current blend we are using.  Our animals are happy and healthy, so the outcome has been worth the trouble.

Texas Weight alpaca garments are perfect for Texas style. In Texas, proper winter garments can be a long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket. For folks who like to wear sweaters, coats and more stylish wraps, Texas does not offer many opportunities. When alpaca garments entered the market, many of these folks were able to turn over their standard winter wardrobe. For instance, alpaca fiber can be produced as a light weight sweater, or a substantial coat. Ladies wear has begun to change in shape, too. From sweaters, jackets and coats, to shawls, scarves, and “ruanas” (something similar to a body-length wrap with slots to allow free movement of the arms). These styles have become more evident as alpaca garments have become more available in the retail market.

Alpaca fiber offers some characteristics most Texans are not accustomed to. It looks like a smooth wool, but hangs like silk in some applications. It compares to cashmere in fineness and lack of scratchy feel, but is so much stronger, and resists “pilling.” Compared to wool, alpaca is much warmer (more efficient) so can be used in lighter weight garments. Alpaca garments also resist creasing. This can be a problem when you are used to nice, crisp creases in your trousers. But creases can be enhanced when alpaca fiber is blended with other natural fibers to make a fabric that takes a good crease. On the other hand, when we travel, we want to wear our clothes without wrinkles. Since alpaca garments resist creasing, they naturally resist wrinkles, too.

Certain grades of alpaca fiber can be used in garments that are worn directly in contact with the skin. Some natural fibers are known to cause a scratchy feeling, so are not worn next to the skin. The uncomfortable sensation is caused by a couple of characteristics. One is the presence of “scales” along each fiber . All natural animal fibers have these scales. However, in alpaca fiber the scales are flatter along the shaft, thereby causing less of the scratchy sensation. Another positive characteristic is the actual fineness of the fibers. Most humans can notice the scratchy sensation when individual fibers are as coarse as 30 microns, or more. Sometimes we call this the “prickle factor.” One of the things American alpaca breeders look for is the percentage of a fleece that is greater than 30 microns. The lower that number is, the fewer of those prickly fibers are in a sample, and the better the fleece is. Animals whose fleeces have a very low percentage of fibers greater than 30 microns produce a harvest that can make some of the finest, and most stylish garments in the world.

So, when you are looking for something special to add to your winter wardrobe, look for alpaca. There is simply no better natural fiber for stylish garments, even in Texas.

September 26 and 27, 2009 will be celebrated throughout America as National Alpaca Farm Day.  Recognized by the Federal government and celebrated for the first time in 2007, NAFD has been important for alpaca ranchers as a way to meet neighbors and visitors, as well as introducing folks to their herd.  It is a casual and fun way to get out and about, and to see what alpacas are and see how they are cared for.  This year we welcome people who have visited with us before, and those who have not met an alpaca before.  Make plans to join us on Saturday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, or Sunday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.  Call our metro number, (972)962-8317, or our toll free number (866)491-3536 for directions, or you can visit our web site http://www.timberlodgealpacas.com.

We have made it to August, and the heat is almost bearable.  Fortunately, our forested paddocks are shaded for cooler living and working conditions.  On hotter days, you will find the alpacas cushed in the shade or in front of the fans, staying still, and trying to maintain their body temperature.  A couple of times during those hot days, we spray their chests and bellies with cool water from the hose.  Some of the younger females have discovered they can put their chins in the water buckets to keep a bit cooler.  That works, but their chins get very dirty (muddy), and if they persist, can develop a rash from being wet all the time.  But they seem to like it.  The main thing to remember is the less they move around, the less likely they are to get overheated or become affected by heat stress.

We have all kinds of techniques for helping the alpacas in the heat.  We add electrolytes to their water.  This helps keep them hydrated, and they don’t lose their salts and minerals so quickly due to sweating.  Yes, they sweat.  Alpacas have sweat glands located in their skin just beneath their primary follicles (guard hairs).  Of course, these help keep them cool, but the breexe needs to be strong enough to get down below their fleece to evaporate the sweat from their skin.

Another great way to help keep their temperature within a healthy range is to feed them a small meal in the morning, and another in the evening.  When alpacas eat, they begin to generate heat as they digest their feed.  This can be an advantage in the Winter.  In the Summer we want the feed to be digested before the highest temperature of the day hits.  Then, in the evening, before the sun sets, we feed them again.  Summer feeding is a bit more work for us, but it helps maintain the alpaca’s body temperature and that helps keep them healthy.

Fresh water is a must.  Alpacas prefer cooler water in the Summer, and a bit warmer water in the Winter.  During the heat of the year, they like to have us spray their chests and bellies with cool water.  However, it is very important to ensure we do not spray the water on their sides or their backs.  That would be like wearing a wet blanket, holding in the heat and increasing their stress levels.  Another way to introduce hydration into their diet is to offer reconstituted shredded beet pulp.  We soak the dried beet pulp in water for about an hour or more before feeding it.  The beet pulp provides a bit more nutrition, some additional hydration, and it can be served up warm or cool, depending on the season.

Alpaca ranching during the Summer in Texas is a challenge.  But using your head and a bit of creativity can make Summer enjoyable, too.  It is a time to spend watching the alpacas sun themselves, or lazily relaxing in front of the fan, or cushing in the mud after a shower from the hose.  Most of all, a day working around the alpacas is better than just about any day at work downtown.

What do you know?

Do you know something that would help a new alpaca owner establish good animal husbandry practices, or a proper business model? What about exchanging ideas with established alpaca ranchers, even those who are your “competition?” There are so many opportunities to lend a hand, offer an idea, or make a suggestion in this industry. Many alpacas breeders have different kinds of experiences to share. In combination, those experiences and lessons are a body of experience we can all contribute to and benefit from. But, why should we even consider offering our personal experiences, especially since other ranchers might have experiences that contradict our own? Because, good will is what we have in common as alpaca ranchers, and good will is what builds an industry.

What is a Mentor?

When Mary and I started looking into alpaca ranching, around the turn of the century (I always wanted to say that), nearly every ranch we visited offered to help us with questions or concerns. We met two of the most “seasoned” alpaca ranchers in the state, the Binder’s and the Presley’s. Both of these wonderful families began alpaca ranching in Texas at about the same time. At that time, their alpaca operations were farther south than any other in the US. By the time we met them, they had nearly a decade of experience to share. And talk about “good will,” they had more than anyone we had ever met.

Mary and I have had several opportunities to call each of these “mentors” as we built our alpaca business, and both have been very gracious, and open with their answers to our questions. What good examples of how the rest of us should approach our fellow alpaca owners when they have questions or concerns. Without the Binder’s and Presley’s, and quite a number of other ranchers, Mary and I would not have been able to start alpaca ranching with any amount of confidence or decent alpaca husbandry. And they were not the only ones we have turned to. To avoid the risk of missing someone, let me say that almost every member of TxOLAN has had some influence on us and the development of our ranch. Some folks have been more instrumental than others, not by their choice, but because we approached some more than others. As some/most of us know, within the next year or so Debbie and Wade Presley are planning on selling their herd and homestead, so they can retire to the lake. When that happens, we lose a supporter, contributor, mentor, and downright good alpaca breeder (this should be plural, but since they work as a very close team, singular works just fine). This is my concern, and the subject of this edition.

Who needs a Mentor?

All this came to mind recently, when we had a ranch visit from a neighbor who bought a single gelding at a flea market. I want to add some of our discussion with this woman whose heart is in the right place, so I can illustrate a problem we have - collectively. So this lady came for a visit. She and Mary walked around looking at our place and the animals. “Jane,” I will call her, said she and a friend each bought a single gelding at a well known flea market in our part of the state. The person selling the alpacas, said they would do just fine as single animals. They did not offer any information on proper nutrition, or husbandry. So, Jane was feeding alfalfa, and some small kibble that was causing the alpaca to choke. Jane also said she was concerned that the halter she got when she bought the male, was getting too tight. Her husband told her he thought it was fine. I asked her if she had removed the halter when they got him home, but she said, “that’s the only way I can catch him.” As it turns out, she has not removed the halter for the entire time she has owned the alpaca, and is feeding him a diet that could become toxic, if it hasn’t already. I put a bale of very good coastal and a bag of alpaca chow in her truck. But that’s not all we did.

Jane sat with us for several hours discussing all the things she should have learned from the seller, but that he did not feel was as important as making the sale. As is turned out, her friend was asking her to take the second gelding off her hands. She asked us if that was a good idea. I asked her if she had the facilities and ability to take care of both of them. from our discussion, it turned out that she would be fine with more than one. I asked her to please take the other alpaca, as it would be such a relief to both animals, and we would feel so much better, too.

Now, how does a story like that make you feel? I can tell you that Mary and I felt great as Jane drove away with some proper food and some good information to help her raise the alpacas under her care. We also offered to answer any questions she might have as she began developing her alpaca husbandry. Since Jane’s ranch is only about ten minutes away, Mary and I are planning on a visit, to see if we can be of any other assistance.

What’s next?

Jane is not the only person looking for support; not by a long shot. In another recent conversation, I met a couple who have purchased the start of a foundation herd. They asked if there was a resource for information about raising alpacas in Texas. I could not think of one. Of course, there’s the Binder’s and Presley’s, but I can’t speak for them. Besides, Debbie and Wade want to retire. What we need in Texas is a League of Mentors, or a Mentor’s Bureau, or a Mentor’s Hot Line. A situation where new or established alpaca owners can get recommendations, information, or a helping hand to deal with an issue they have encountered. Even with the wonderful help offered by, and we continue to receive from the alpaca ranchers in Texas, we still find ourselves calling our mentors with questions. But we have resources to turn to - others might not have.

What will it take to provide a list of resources to new alpaca ranchers? Do they need to be a member of an alpaca organization to receive assistance? Should they pay for access to information they need? Are there commercial considerations we need to think about? Are there liability issues? How can a resource like this be maintained? How is it to be regulated? What if a resource provider acts improperly, or gives dangerously incorrect information?

These are some questions that came to mind as I am writing. I am certain there are many more. But these questions should not impede the progress toward the development of a resource like the one I have outlined. If we run up against a real obstacle that prevents our work on this issue, then we can deal with it at that time. But let’s get started. At least consider being a mentor to an alpaca owner who needs your help. You will benefit as an alpaca owner, by learning to help someone else. The local alpaca community near you will benefit, and the wider alpaca community will benefit, too. Even if you have been an alpaca owner for a short time, you have stuff to offer. Go help with ranch health days, shearing, birthing, or feeding a herd while a neighbor is away. That level of assistance is necessary for all of us, and you can learn another way to approach a situation.

This article is not meant as the answer to a need for mentors, but as a beginning of a discussion about the need. As we continue in this direction, we will take all kinds of twists and turns, but in the end, developing a culture of mentoring is worth the effort. Give it a thought, and leave a comment. Let’s get started.

Alpaca ranching in Texas presents its own set of challenges and rewards.

There are as many ways to succeed in this endeavor as there are Texas alpaca ranchers. We have many days of excessive heat, humidity, dry ponds and creeks, and hay shortages. On the converse side, we have a strong economy, good work force, lots of agricultural land with reasonable property taxes, and no State income tax. This is a good place to raise a family, build a business, grow an industry, and retire. So, let’s look at what makes this such a good place for alpacas.

Alpacas are suitable on small acreage situations, and are a good choice for folks with less livestock experience.

Timber Lodge Alpacas is based on a 10 acre piece of forested land, about 35 miles east of Dallas, and 12 miles south of Terrell. The property was never “developed,” except as a homestead, when the owners, Mary and Troy Ogilvie bought it in 2002, from an 84 year old retiree who wanted to move to her daughter’s home. In 20 years, there had never been an Agricultural Exemption on property taxes, or maintenance to clear the underbrush, or even a fence to separate the property from the neighbor’s. The Ogilvie’s had never owned livestock, operated a chainsaw, or a tractor, and never drove so far to work in the city every day. The challenges piled up from day one.

With a new tractor and chainsaw, the forest began to open up, allowing breezes to be felt around the log home for the first time in decades. Trees cut to provide a perimeter lane around the paddock areas, also provide firewood for Winter heating. Splitting the firewood is another challenge for an out-of-shape city guy, using an ax to save on machinery rental costs. That lasted for two seasons before the rental place in Terrell got some new business. Then came the fence contractor who built the fences and shelters for three god sized paddocks. There will be six more before the project is finished, but for now, the fenced area is plenty for the herd. In fact the herd came home for the first time, about a month after the fences were finished.

North Texas is a growth market for alpacas, which can be said for most of, Texas as well. Since moving to the ranch, we have received calls and emails asking for information about alpacas. However, our animals were being boarded at three or four ranches around the Southwest, so we had to send folks elsewhere to see alpacas in the flesh. But now that we have alpacas on the place, we have had several farm visits, and interested prospects. Things are looking up.

Alpaca ranching provides ways to maintain Cash Flow, and a sustainable business model.

In the meantime, we have always been interested in bringing stylish, fashionable, high-end alpaca garments to the market in Texas. Knitwear can be a challenge in this climate. However, alpaca garments can be such a light weight that Texans can wear them for nearly three seasons of the year. Each year we look forward to Fall community festivals, and Springtime fiber events so we can showcase our alpaca fashions. So far, this has been a good thing for our young business. Garment sales have been steady, providing some cash flow for our startup.

Last February, Troy ventured to Idaho to train as a Certified Fiber Sorter (see www.naafp.us for more information). Then, during the Spring shearing season, he sorted fleeces for alpaca owners, working on requirements for the sorter apprenticeship. The additional responsibility of being a Regional Collection Facility for the North American Alpaca Fiber Co-op, brought activities at the ranch to a fever pitch during June and July. With the help of other fiber sorters, and Rena Stettner of Reflections Alpacas in Poetry Texas, Troy sorted more than 400 fleeces during the 2008 Spring season. The first mill run of the year has yet to be sent, but that should happen fairly soon. Then there should be a November run, so the whole process will begin again. There will be many more references to fiber sorting, mill processing, fashion, and garment sales as we work on this blog.

Well, that’s a wrap for this edition of the Texas Alpaca Ranch blog. Leave us a comment, and let us know what you think. Ask a question, or make a suggestion. It all goes to make this a good place to meet and converse.

This blog has been a long time coming. Heck, Alpaca ranching has been a long time coming, as well. But when you consider two city folks, aiming at retirement in a few years, you can imagine the effort it has been for us. The trek toward our ranch life has been an adventure. I want to start with a synopsis of our journey.

Mary and I frequently visited Santa Fe on vacation. Several years back, we noticed a small store we had never seen before. The lady who owned the store was from Peru and was selling wonderful garments made of alpaca fiber. This whole experience brought back some long forgotten trivia I picked up many years ago, about little animals known as Vicuñas, and others known as Alpacas. I really didn’t remember all that I learned those many years ago, but Gretty, our new acquaintance, would remind me.

Vicuña fiber had been illegal to trade throughout the world since the late 1960’s, due to the poaching of the herds in the high Andes. Their fiber is actually the finest natural animal fiber in the world. It is simply incredible stuff. The international sanction against trade of Vicuña fiber was lifted in 2002 (I think), and the small amount of production available started to filter into the market. Garments made of Vicuña are approximately 10 times more expensive than the same garments made of Alpaca fiber.

With all that being said, Mary and I talked about starting an import business to bring Alpaca garments to the Texas market. The fiber is extremely strong and efficient, and the garments made of it can be much lighter in weight, than a similar wool or cashmere garment. They are less “scratchy” next to the skin, as well. I figured we could bring in fashionable, light weight woven or woolen garments, and Texans would love to wear them in the winter. Winters here can be fairly mild, in comparison to more northern climes. By the time we got home, we were ready to start a new chapter in our lives.

When I started the initial research on vendors for Alpaca garments, I found a large number of sites that dealt with the animals, instead. That was the beginning of the search that would change our lives. We never gave up on the idea of fashionable Alpaca garments for the American market, and we make finished garment sales each year. We also wanted to make sure the Alpaca ranch we started would be sustainable. In other words, the annual harvest of the production from the animals would fund the operations of the ranch. This year I trained as a Certified Fiber Sorter, and worked to sort a number of fleeces to allow me to take the final exam. I sorted more than was required, and now, am preparing for the exam. By next shearing season, I will be a Certified Fiber Sorter. This is part of our commitment to the industry and to the success of our ranch.

Anyone can do this. Alpacas are wonderful animals, with simple needs. They adapt to a wide range of environmental settings, and can be cared for on a small acreage. Many of the folks we have met through our involvement in the Alpaca industry are now our closest friends. They mentor us in times of need, and share husbandry experiences with us anytime we call. With folks looking out for each other, we can succeed just like anyone else. Neither of us had livestock experience before we started Timber Lodge Alpacas, in Kaufman Texas. But with the help of our Alpaca friends, we are succeeding, just like real ranchers.

For more information about Timber Lodge Alpacas, Alpacas in general, or for an appointment for a visit, go to our web site: http://www.timberlodgealpacas.com.