When my daughter and I have a day off together, I try to plan a fun activity for the two of us. On our last mother-daughter date, we visited a lavender farm and it was delightful. For this most recent adventure, I planned a visit to an alpaca farm! Here are the highlights from our experience!

As with all our little outings, I started with a google search for local alpaca farms. Google maps came back with quite a few locations within an hour or less of our house. After a few website visits, I had our excursion narrowed down to one farm. However, after calling to arrange our visit, they informed me that they had recently sold all of their animals! Word of advice – always call ahead!

After a minor panic attack, I found an alternate location just outside of Mitchell Ontario for our day trip – which actually turned into an awesome experience. I guess, sometimes, happy accidents happen for a reason and make for an even better time!

TLC Alpaca Farm – here we come!

Like always, I was early for our appointment to meet the alpacas! Thankfully though our gracious hosts, Fred and Faye Glauser, were more than accommodating and were prepared to begin our tour anyways. So, after meeting the family dog Duke (super affectionate BTW) we were escorted to the barn to meet the animals.

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To begin with, T was a little apprehensive with entering the barn at first (since the barn is also home to a few cattle). But Faye made the affair very comfortable and was super welcoming with us. She took the introduction a little bit at a time so as not to overwhelm T.

Meeting the Alpacas

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In total, I believe, there were seven alpacas in the herd. And I also recall that they were all male. After getting over her initial fear, T saw how gentle and curious the animals were, so she relaxed and began to enjoy herself. The alpacas ranged in colour from black to brown to white – with one beautiful grey variety named Sterling! He was the most curious – and photogenic – of the group and therefore was my favourite!

Once we were introduced to the animals, Faye selected a very calm alpaca named January for T to take for a little walk. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to walk an alpaca myself – the adorable Cole! After harnessing the two animals, we were given a brief lesson on how to walk them safely. Simple instructions like …

• Never walk directly behind the animal – for they may unintentionally kick!
• Always hold the lead at the harness and by picking up the slack rope in case they do take off. Which is rare.
• Be sure the animal sees you when you are approaching or petting them.
• It’s reassuring to the animals if they can see one another, so walk the alpacas side-by-side.

Facts About Alpacas

• Contrary to popular belief – alpacas do not typically spit at people. Folks do, however, sometimes get caught between two quarreling alpacas.
• Generally, alpacas are safe and gentle – unless they are abused. Like some other farm animals, alpacas can kick when caught off guard.
• Alpacas are herding animals and like to live with companions.
• When happy and content, alpacas make a humming sound.
• Alpacas can live as long as 20 years.
• Alpacas don’t have teeth in the top front of their mouths – which is why they can look a little funny!
• When afraid, or see danger, alpacas may scream or make a weird wooting sound.
• Alpaca fur is super soft and is one of the strongest animal fibers.

After a little walk up and down the side road, we returned the alpacas to their home. Before January and Cole were reunited with the rest of their herd, T had the pleasure of hosing down their legs and underbelly. This helps to cool them off and keeps them clean. Once all of the animals were back in the barn, we had the opportunity to feed them! This was one of the best parts of the experience for T because she said it tickled when the alpacas ate from her hand!

Overall opinion of our visit to TLC Alpaca farm?!

In one word – amazing! This outing was really awesome! Fred and Faye were incredible hosts! Not only were they gracious and welcoming, but they also educated us about the animals and made our experience memorable. The Glausers also provide shearing services and sell alpaca products made from the fur of their own animals.

I would highly recommend the TLC Alpaca farm to friends and family. Check them out on Facebook as well!