Docile, doe-eyed alpacas were the stars of the show at Brookfarm Alpacas’ open house over the weekend. Debbie and Mark Emery have been breeding, showing and shearing alpacas for the past three-and-a-half years and throw open their Glen Ellen farm’s doors during National Alpaca Farm Days each year.
Seeing these unique animals up close is a real treat. They are considerably smaller than llamas and extremely cute. They are curious and inquisitive, yet shy and retiring when approached by unfamiliar humans. They love being lightly sprayed with water during hot weather but do not like being petted. They will come up to the fence to investigate but then return to the safety of the pack, standing in groups, chewing hay, making mewling noises and staring back at the band of onlookers.
Brookfarm focuses its business on Huacaya alpacas, which look almost like teddy bears. The farm has nearly all of the 22 different natural colors that are available in alpaca. They offer fiber, yarn, rugs, and other alpaca products for sale, as well as boarding for new owners or those who purchase and wish to board their animals elsewhere for whatever reason.
Heather Sowinski and her family have boarded their pack of six alpacas at Brookfarm for the past two years. Sowinski’s son, Trent Eisenberg says the hobby is fun. He enjoys caring for the “boys,” feeding, grooming and cleaning their enclosure.
Brookfarm owner Debbie Emery takes pride in her pack, 25 strong at last count, and enjoys living the simple life. “These are gentle animals that are manageable and relatively easy to care for,” said Emery. “Opening our farm to the public allows us to share them and educate people on what they’re all about.”
