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 30 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, 2 cats, and 10 chickens to feed and visit too. If a female is ready for breeding the herdsire is escorted to the breeding pen. 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. Ten minute sessions every day for a week and an alpaca will go anywhere with you.
10 AM - clean and sweep poop and dirt from the barn and paddock areas for neatness and to aid in parasite control.
11 AM - Greet visitors to the ranch and give the Alpaca 101 tour.
12 noon - lunch
1:30 PM - Greet visitors and give Alpaca 101 tour.
3 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.
3:30 PM - afternoon feeding
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:
Hay and feed restocking - we have help in storing several tons of hay for the winter.
Shearing - once each year, alpacas are sheared. 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. Ours are sheared in early May.
Trade shows - two or three times per year we used 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.
waiting for breakfast
Two pretty smiles
Tours are scheduled at 11 AM and 1:30 PM.
During July and August, we recommend the 10 AM tour.
Please call to schedule your visit: 541-821-8071
Tours always end in our shop. We sell yarn spun from our own alpacas' fleeces by Shepherd's Mill in Kansas. I dye some of it and knit hats, scarves and texting gloves. We also purchase products from Peruvian vendors.
Knitting Group meets twice a month
Members of the Eagle Point Women's Club get together at the ranch or at members' homes to share and/or learn the latest tricks of the trade, or show off their finished projects.
Alpacas At Lone Ranch Renate & Richard Gyuro (541) 821-8071
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