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An Alpaca Rancher's Typical Day

The Ranch

While the work can easily be done by one, at Alpacas at Lone Ranch, we enjoy sharing the activities associated with alpaca ranching and easily find time to share in outside activities too.

7 AM - breakfast together planning the day's activities while enjoying a view of our herd of 50 alpacas peacefully grazing.
8 AM - morning restocking of the feeders with hay and feed supplements. Re-fill and refresh with clean water. This is the time we calmly interact with each alpaca while carefully noting its state of well being. We have a dog, 5 cats, and 2 chickens to feed and visit too.
10 AM - clean and sweep poop poop and dirt from the barn and paddock areas for neatness and to aid in parasite control.
11 AM - a trip to town for errands and stops at the post office, bank, and market. Time to meet friends for lunch.
1 PM - if a female is ready for breeding the herdsire is escorted to her pasture. Alpacas breed for approximately 20 minutes with the male emitting a continual guttural sound appropriately named "orgling". We begin halter training young alpacas at about 6 months of age. 20 minute sessions, 2-3 times a week for 2 weeks and an alpaca will go anywhere with you.
2 PM - analyze and record information in order to maintain accurate animal and business records. Initiate and respond to communications with alpaca customers and the alpaca community.
3 PM - plenty of time for non-ranching activities.
7 PM- -a stroll thru the pastures to check on everyone's well being before retiring for the evening.

Superimposed on the average day are occasional workdays filled with other special activities:

Herd health day - veterinary examinations, vaccinations, and toenail trimming.
Hay and feed restocking - we have help in storing several tons of hay for the winter.
Shearing - once each year, alpacas are shorn. There are a variety of avenues for adding value to your fleeces by having it processed into end products, such as yarn for knitting and weaving.
Trade shows - two or three times per year we elect to attend 2-3 day events filled with education, show competition, alpaca auctions and sales. Transportation to and from can be easier than you might think.
Customer visits - although many sales occur at shows, at auctions and over the Internet, many customers visit our ranch and our animals for sale. For those new to the industry, a free ranch tour is the best way to explore what alpaca-ranching is all about.
Birthing and newborn care - birthing days are frequently both the busiest and the most exciting days of the year. We stay close to the ranch during this time.

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