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ENLARGE
Doug White with Flying "W" Alpacas in Sutherlin pets one of his baby huacaya alpacas at his ranch Saturday.
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ENLARGE
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Flying "W" Alpacas sells alpaca yarn and other alpaca fiber goods such as rugs and scarves at their ranch in Sutherlin.
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SUTHERLIN — With their large eyes like pools of chocolate and their tiny muzzles that emit soft humming sounds in between bites of scrumptious hay, alpacas could easily be deemed “pretty cute.”
That’s how Roseburg resident Tonya Butterfield described the creatures after seeing them for the first time up close at two Sutherlin farms Saturday. Her 2 1/2-year-old grandson smiled wide when asked about getting the chance to feed the animals — they tickled his hand.
“It’s the next thing he’s going to ask grandpa for,” his mother, Brooke Parker, said.
The family, like other visitors throughout the day, had the chance to learn all they’d ever wanted to know about the animals for National Alpaca Farm Days.
Five members of the Alpaca Breeders of the Umpqua Valley participated in the event Saturday. Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., anyone curious about the curious alpacas can still visit them at Flying “W” Alpacas at 205 Leeper Road in Sutherlin and SkyeFyre Suri Alpacas at 210 Leah Court near Rice Hill.
The event serves as a chance to promote alpacas, raised for their coveted fiber, and educate the public.
“They’re a very easy livestock to raise,” said Renee White, who owns Flying “W” Alpacas with her husband, Doug.
In fact, alpacas were only deemed an official U.S. livestock animal this year, having been considered exotic animals due to their South American roots, said JoAnne Boardman of Sutherlin Rose Alpacas. The new designation makes it easier for those wanting to start up an alpaca business to take out loans.
The plush fiber that grows on these animals comes in 22 natural colors and can be turned into gloves, scarves, rugs, hats and more. Those allergic to wool may find alpaca fiber more agreeable. The fiber is also known to be warmer than wool.
Though they look like small versions of llamas, alpaca owners say their animals have much nicer temperaments.
“Llamas got a bad rap for spitting on people,” said Jack Boardman of Sutherlin Rose, “where alpacas are basically totally the opposite. They’re a much more curious animal than anything else.”
Renee White said most everyone who comes to see the animals leaves in love.
“Oh they love them, they do,” she said. “They think they’re very cute.”
• You can reach reporter Chelsea Duncan at 957-4246 or by e-mail at cduncan@nrtoday.com.
That’s how Roseburg resident Tonya Butterfield described the creatures after seeing them for the first time up close at two Sutherlin farms Saturday. Her 2 1/2-year-old grandson smiled wide when asked about getting the chance to feed the animals — they tickled his hand.
“It’s the next thing he’s going to ask grandpa for,” his mother, Brooke Parker, said.
The family, like other visitors throughout the day, had the chance to learn all they’d ever wanted to know about the animals for National Alpaca Farm Days.
Five members of the Alpaca Breeders of the Umpqua Valley participated in the event Saturday. Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., anyone curious about the curious alpacas can still visit them at Flying “W” Alpacas at 205 Leeper Road in Sutherlin and SkyeFyre Suri Alpacas at 210 Leah Court near Rice Hill.
The event serves as a chance to promote alpacas, raised for their coveted fiber, and educate the public.
“They’re a very easy livestock to raise,” said Renee White, who owns Flying “W” Alpacas with her husband, Doug.
In fact, alpacas were only deemed an official U.S. livestock animal this year, having been considered exotic animals due to their South American roots, said JoAnne Boardman of Sutherlin Rose Alpacas. The new designation makes it easier for those wanting to start up an alpaca business to take out loans.
The plush fiber that grows on these animals comes in 22 natural colors and can be turned into gloves, scarves, rugs, hats and more. Those allergic to wool may find alpaca fiber more agreeable. The fiber is also known to be warmer than wool.
Though they look like small versions of llamas, alpaca owners say their animals have much nicer temperaments.
“Llamas got a bad rap for spitting on people,” said Jack Boardman of Sutherlin Rose, “where alpacas are basically totally the opposite. They’re a much more curious animal than anything else.”
Renee White said most everyone who comes to see the animals leaves in love.
“Oh they love them, they do,” she said. “They think they’re very cute.”
• You can reach reporter Chelsea Duncan at 957-4246 or by e-mail at cduncan@nrtoday.com.
