Alpaca farms all across the country are opening their gates to the public for National Alpaca Farm Days on Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25, 2022. This is a chance to experience alpacas up-close, feel the alpaca fleece, tour an alpaca farm, view live demonstrations, learn about raising and breeding alpacas and shop for alpaca products.
So far there are four alpaca farms within an hour’s drive or less participating in 2022.
Stargazer Ranch
3800 Saulcy Ct.
Loveland, 970-635-2322
Open Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet the alpacas and new crias and learn more about these South American natives. No charge, but there are small fees for alpaca treats and refreshments.
There’s an informal “Alpaca 101” seminar each day at noon for those looking to learn more about alpacas.
Spinning and weaving demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the weekend. Entertainment provided by the alpacas and Saturday afternoon The Friendly Reminders bluegrass band.
LaZyB Acres Alpacas
Bennett, 303-644-4110
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New for 2022: Participating in the Agriculture Festival at the Plains Conservation Center located at 21901 E. Hampden Ave. in Aurora. Attendees will not only be able to interact with alpacas and purchase alpaca products, but also see what life was like in the late 1800’s on the prairie. Cost is $5 per vehicle. You must buy tickets in advance here.
Tuff’s Ranch
5055 S County Road 137
Bennett, 720-263-2279
Open Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Red Granite Ranch
1021 Red Granite Ranch Rd.
Livermore, 303-906-4279
Open Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a large working alpaca ranch. Enjoy tours of the entire ranch as well as one-on-one interactions with the alpacas.
Alpaca products for sale including socks, hats and blankets.
Alpaca Etiquette
Courtesy the Alpaca Owners Association, Inc.
Alpacas are gentle animals and love to have their picture taken!
Alpacas can spit, but rarely do unless provoked. Luckily, alpacas usually fire a blank warning volley first.
Do
Approach slowly and calmly.
Talk in a calm soothing voice
Keep your hand FLAT when touching an alpaca and pat with the back of your hand. Grabbing them or their fiber makes them think you are a predator.
Touch the alpaca on the top of its back, shoulders, and side of its neck.
Ask the handler what the alpaca prefers — just like people they have personalities with their individual likes and dislikes!
Don’t
Don’t touch or feed alpacas without asking first.
Don’t touch an alpacas head, hindquarters, tail, or toes.
Don’t grab or hug an alpaca. Grabbing frightens alpacas.
Don’t stand behind an alpaca. Like other livestock, alpacas may reflexively kick if you touch their hindquarters or startle them.