Welcome to C&M Acres…

   We started raising alpacas in 2006. While we are new to the alpaca business, we have lived in the country for years with horses.

   The uniqueness and size of the animals initially got us interested. The lifestyle and the business potential got us hooked.

   We both were working fulltime and were looking for a business venture that we could both do as well as spend more time with each other. The alpacas gave us that. We already had the farm; it just needed to be adapted for the herd.

   We started with ten females and two herdsires. Everyday has been an adventure and a learning experience. We are looking forward to seven crias this year.

   The color focus for our herd is black and gray while we also continue to improve the fiber quality with our offspring.

What are alpacas?

• First imported from the mountains of South America in 1984.
• Member of the camelid family. Close cousin to the llama.
• Two types: 
  • Huacaya (teddy bear)      
  • Suri (dreadlocks)
• Sheared once a year for fiber.
• 22 recognized colors
• A baby alpaca is a cria (cre a’)
• An adult is approximately 36” tall and 150 lbs.
• They have two toenails on each foot.
• Gestation is 11 ½ months.
• Like a camel, they have three stomachs.
• Natural defenses include spitting, running and stomping.
• They like to run and pronk (hop).
• They eat hay and grain.