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Springtime Farms is home to 24 huacaya alpacas, 13 chickens, 2 goats, 5 dogs, 1 cat, and me, Meredith O'Neil. Meredith's menagerie brings me all kinds of joy, but the alpacas are my passion.

Alpacas are the most gloriously calm animals. Some say they look like aliens. I say, yeah kind of, but they're so fantastic, who cares? I fell in love with alpacas after visiting them for the first time in a rain storm. As I stood in the mud and held out some treats, these long necked beauties nibbled them right from my hand. My girls always flock to visitors because they know they'll get treats. If you'd like to visit, please get in touch with me, 719/783-9619 or meredith@springtimefarms.com.

There are many ways to get involved with alpacas, and you don't have to scoop poop every day. Boarding is available at Springtime Farms. It includes twice daily care, feed, and minor veterinary-type activities, like nail trimming and worming, if necessary. The alpaca owner is also welcome to three overnight visits a year which include breakfast. Depending on the time of year, breakfast will include fresh eggs, goat milk and fresh bread. Alpaca owners are, of course, welcome to visit any other time during the day.

Springtime Farms is located in beautiful Westcliffe, CO. Westcliffe is a high mountain valley about an hour west of Pueblo. The view and the atmosphere are fabulous! For more information, see www.custercountyco.com or www.downtownwestcliffe.com.

                                     Alpaca Information

Why buy alpacas? There are many reasons to buy alpacas, but the main reason for some is the income tax deduction. The price of the alpacas, vet bills, transportation costs, feed, and boarding fees can all be deductible. That said, I am not a tax expert. Talk to your accountant about your situation. If your specialist doesn't know about livestock deductions, give me a call. I can pass on a phone number.

Besides the tax deductions, people just fall in love with alpacas. Many people also jump into farming full-time because they want a different livestyle. They want out of the corporate world.

Alpaca 101: Alpacas are camelids from South America. Yes, they are related to a camel. They're also related to the llama.

Alpacas are raised in the United States for their fiber (hair) and are bred for the babies (crias). They have been in this country for over 20 years, and they are holding their value well. People invest in alpacas for a number of reasons, including the farm lifestyle, a love of the animal, and the incredible tax benefits.

The fiber is sheared once a year, in the spring. Except for their pride, alpacas are not hurt during shearing. The fiber can then be spun into yarn and knit or crocheted. Here are some of the products I've made from my own alpaca fiber. Alpaca fiber is warmer and softer than wool. If you've never felt alpaca, give me a call or drop me an e-mail. I'll send you some. 719/783-9619 or meredith@springtimefarms.com