We are Sherm and Cindy Whitlock.  We have raised 2 great boys and are looking forward to the time we can retire from our chosen careers, Sherm in the electrical utility field for 30 years+ and Cindy in health care for 26 years.  We very much enjoy the country lifestyle and caring for our herd of alpacas.  Beyond that, we've had the pleasure to meet many, many new friends along our path! What can be better than that!

We've been involved in raising and breeding alpacas for nearly 4 years now.  We've learned much in those 4 years!   So far, 9 cria (baby alpacas) have been born here at our farm.  All births have been uneventful, and have produced beautiful healthy alpacas. We're expecting 5 more cria in 2008.  Alpacas have a gestational period of just under a year.

Cria are born within a few minutes from the time they first crown, are gently dropped to the ground and are up and running within a few hours.  Alpacas are excellent moms and cria rarely have trouble nursing.  They are weaned around 6 months.  They've usually begun to eat grain, grass hay and graze the pastures with the herd long before the weaning date.

Most of the time the average ratio of girls to boys is about 50%.  Girls are ready to breed around 1 1/2 to 2 years old.  Boys are usually ready to breed around 2-3 years of age.

In the alpaca business, breeding choices are made very carefully to attain the goals of getting the best fiber, conformation, and genetics in your herd. 

Alpacas are registered with the ARI.  The Alpaca Registry requires DNA testing to determine the heritage of each cria. Most alpacas are microchipped shortly after they are born.

Alpaca owners can enjoy showing their animals all over the United States in AOBA (alpaca owners and breeders of America) sanctioned shows.