Alpacas at Windy Hill

We have had a wonderful summer at Windy Hill. We have several new crias (baby alpacas) that arrived during our annual birthing season. They are such a joy to watch as they learn to run and buck and interact with their herd. They will be with their mommies until they are 6 months old.

Birthing season is also breeding season, so we are busily taking ultrasounds of all the females we bred for next summer. Breeding and birthing are my favorite seasons of the year.

How about Hurricane Hilary?? Zeke took shelter in the feeder during the rain. He is playing the role of The Dog In the Manger.

Now it’s time to clean up the barn from summer and get ready for fleece sorting and shipping, as well as prep for hosting Ventura County Farm Day on November 4. We will be open to the public that day from 10 am to 3 pm. Please plan to join us for this fall festival. It will include fleece demonstrations, vendors of alpaca products, and a few surprise activities. Admission is free on Ventura County Farm Day.

Here is a cute alpaca craft you could do with kids that I found online. Doesn't it look like fun?

Also this summer we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a new intern, Army Veteran Rae Aravena. She came to us by way of Valor Healing Farms, a local non-profit that helps veterans who are interested in exploring careers in farming. Rae worked as a veterinarian technician in the Army, working with service dogs and various lab animals. Now she wants to work with large animals and is planning to apply to Vet Schools in the US. We are having fun learning from each other about caring for all sorts of animals. She recently began fostering kittens for the local shelter, so they come with her to the ranch to be fed on time.

NEW— ALPACA TREK

We are introducing a new opportunity to get to know alpacas this year. It’s the Alpaca Trek! Alpaca Trekking has become a popular all over the country. Here’s what happens.

You make an appointment with us, and when you arrive at the ranch (in your long pants, closed toes shoes, and dirt-friends attire) we will introduce each member of your group to a sweet alpaca to walk on a halter. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know an alpaca up-close-and-personal while you see the ranch, and get all your questions answered. Be sure to bring your camera!

Times are flexible so that we can arrange it just for you and your group.

Cost: $100 for up to 4 guests. Pay on line: https://www.alpacalink.com/product/31463/alpaka-trek

Email or call to make your appointment.

[email protected] ~ 805-907-5162