Finding the right home for your alpaca is an important decision. There are many wonderful alpaca farms in the United States that provide alpaca boarding. I believe Springtime Farms is one of them.
Alpaca boarding at Springtime Farms in Salem, Oregon is $90 per month, and includes all the goods.
-Twice daily care
-Fresh, green grass
-Free choice minerals
-Fresh well water
-Spending night in a secure barn
-Four Akbash guard dogs for protection
-Toenail and teeth trimming as needed.
-Six years of experience in alpaca care
Additional Costs of Alpaca Boarding
Annual shearing costs and any vet bills are the responsibility of the alpaca owner. For the past few years, shearing has been $25 per animal. This is the cost charged by the professional shearer. Handling on shearing day is provided by Springtime Farms for no additional cost.
If an emergency comes up, I will, of course, try to reach you before calling the vet. If I can't get in touch, I reserve the right to bring the vet out. As soon as we're in touch, you can make all the decisions regarding your animal's care. I'm happy to give you as much imput as I can. In non-emergent situations, you are the last word in your animal's care.
Daily routine
The daily routine for my alpacas (and your boarded alpacas) is: Out of the barn in the morning. Fresh grass and water. This is the time I check on the herd to see if anything is amiss. Alpacas are good at hiding what's wrong, so knowing each alpaca's personality and habits is important.
I clean the barn each morning so they have a fresh place to hang during the day if they so desire (which they usually don't).
Each evening, before sundown, the three groups (girls, big boys and little boys) go back in the barn for the night. When I first started raising alpacas five years ago, I was worried about predators. I'm less worried now, but as a safety measure, I put all the alpacas in the barn.
Here are two of the Akbash "puppies." Don't be fooled by these sweet pictures. These pups are tough.
Bette Davis gives Shameless some puppy love.
Shameless bedding down for the night outside before the little boys are put away.
Visiting your boarded alpacas
You are, of course, welcome to visit your alpacas any time. To make the trip a little easier, alpaca parents are invited to stay three nights a year at the farm. Make a mini vacation out of it, or come a few weekends a year.
I'm sure during the overnight stays, we can wrangle up some fresh eggs, maybe some goat milk. I'll bet we could even bake some bread or whip up a homemade batch of pancakes.
I have to warn you though. I've heard getting used to the farm noises can be a challenge. I sleep right through them most of the time, but they may keep you up.
I'm also happy to show you all I know about alpaca fiber. We can clean, card, spin, crochet, felt, and needle felt.
For all the time you can't be at the farm, I'd love to stay in communication about your alpacas. Just drop me an e-mail or give me a call. I understand how important your alpacas are to you. I want you to be comfortable with them at Springtime Farms.
Besides the facilities and location, I think it's important for alpaca boarders and the owner to have similar philosophies about alpacas. I know my philosophy directly impacts the way I care for my alpacas.
I adore my alpacas. They are an absolute passion. However, they are not pets. I don't squeeze and cuddle them. I'm not overly affectionate. I will rub a hand across their backs as I walk by from time to time. There are a few who will sniff the top of my head or my nose, and I LOVE that, but I don't teach them to do it.
But, these guys are livestock with a very strong instinct. I try to respect that. I try to blend with the herd while taking care of them.
During the day, except in the most inclement of weather, these guys know when they want to be outside and when they want to be inside. I don't force it.
It is my responsibility to make sure they have enough food and water. If extra nutrition is required, they will get it.
Hermione needed a little extra nutrition. She fell in love with carrots. She got them every morning and night.
I have no problem calling a vet, but I don't hand out medication like it's candy. If an alpaca has a symptom, I will treat it with or without consultation with a vet, depending on the symptom. Springtime Farms does not have a scheduled worming routine. If there's a problem, I will treat it. However, we've never had a problem.
Breeding and Birthing
There are no additional birthing fees (not including unlikely but possible vet bills) when boarding your alpaca at Springtime Farms. Alpaca births are a bit stressful, but they're also wonderful, so I don't mind helping for free. Besides, the alpaca does most of the work.
There are some wonderful looking studs at Springtime Farms, including two up and comers - a true black and a light fawn. These males are available for breeding for their standard breeding fee.
If you chose a stud at a different farm, transportation can be provided for a fee.
