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WingNut Farm Alpacas began as the extension of the passion I have had for animals all my life. My family always had a dog or cat around the house, and I received my first horse at the age of 9. This love of animals led me to attend a few dog shows with my father, and on my 13th birthday I received my first purebred dog. From then on training, showing, and raising purebred animals has been a major hobby of mine. We have had horses since I was 9, and I purchased my first purebred horse as a young adult. Also during my college years I became interested in parrots, and have been raising them ever since. I have had some sort of cockatoo and at least one African Grey parrot ever since, and also love and own the big macaws and green Amazon parrots. Lastly, I decided I needed a purebred Norwegian Forest Cat, and added one to the menagerie in 2004.
In the Spring of 2004, I came across an article in the local newspaper about alpacas. I had been interested in llamas for many years prior to that, but had watched the llama market crumble, so had never even investigated alpacas as an investment or business. The article explained many reasons why the alpaca industry is unlikely to go the same way as the llama industry. I was intrigued. My hobby of researching potential mates and planning breedings had just graduated into the desire to form my own business and embark on a business venture with alpacas.
BUILDING A BETTER ALPACA AT WINGNUT
My first girls were of modest quality. Great moms - easy to get bred, easy to keep pregnant, unassisted births, and readily able to raise their offspring to weaning. But not pretty by any stretch of the imagination. And not the best fiber. But at the time, finances was a major concern - as it is for many new alpaca owners. But, I had a plan. I started with this type of alpaca...
 
ROXANNE CINNAMON CANDI
And bred them to this kind of alpaca...
 
GODFATHER PACHACUTI
And these are the results...
 
STING FULL SIBS SPICE GIRL & RANDY
The improvement was phenomenal, and I am looking forward to the second generation.
ITS ALL IN THE FAMILY
In partnership with me on this venture are my three children. My son, Zack, is 12 and my main helper. My daughters Sarah, 8, and Hannah, 6 both love animals and help out as much as they can.
HANNAH AND THREE OF OUR FOUR 2005 CRIAS
IN 2007, HANNAH STILL LOVES THOSE CRIAS!
I love talking about alpacas. They are a fairly new livestock to the USA, and there is much too learn. Feel free to call or e-mail for more information on my animals, or any questions or comments.
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