Subject: RE: Oipolloi has invaded the internet!!runnergirl29 - 2005-12-30 11:56 AM
I called them and got the answering machine and hung up. A few seconds later an nice older guy called me back. He says that we can pretty come check out the alpacas whenever. They don't have hours or anything and said I could just call before I want to show up. How cool is that? I mean if I ever get bored I just hangout at the alpaca ranch! What a life! Also, I asked if I'd be able to pet them, and he said he had a few that could be pet but most of the older ones and pregnant females aren't for petting. Apparently these critters aren't ones to frolick around with, so I doubt we could ride them. I didn't ask if I could bring a burrito to feed them- I'm assuming that's not within their diet.
OK my in-laws are (retired ) farmers in west central Illinois and in their area folks who have sheep use alpaca to help tend the flock and keep preditors away:
http://www.kurrawa.com.au/sheepguardians.htm
My in-laws have an alpaca that spends a lot of time on their property. He's pretty skittish but very interesting to watch. He eats, well, like a robot - take a bite, look around, take a another bite, look around...rinse and repeat endlessly. He's not crazy about anyone getting too near. Maybe the ones on the ranch will be friendlier. Their dog enjoys running after the alapaca, which is funny to watch - he really does gallop like the avatar. Despite their dog's attempt to run him off he was never gone for long - every day he was out there..taking a bite...looking around...taking another bite...
- Heidi |