As Gordy lies there minding her own business, one of them kicks her right in the face leading Gordy to let out a little moan. They aren’t much bigger than Gordy, but their long necks, deeps eyes, and strong back kick could make one believe they are more harmful than not.
Laurel Shouvlin has been raising alpacas since 1997 and couldn’t be happier than where she is now. “Alpacas meet all my needs,” said Shouvlin as she explains her love to be outdoors. Shouvlin has done it all from being the college student, to scuba diving and a physician assistant. Being an animal lover, alpacas are perfect for Shouvlin,” livestock that you don’t have to kill.” Roughly 80 to 85 animals, only about 50 being hers, Shouvlin says each one has a different personality.
Alpacas aren’t the standard pet, although Shoulvin says they are no problem to take care of, however, they aren’t cuddly like a dog. Their fur may resemble the coat of a german shepherd, but alpacas don’t like to be petted on the head or shown attention as another animal would.
“ I play a game with one of the females, I’m allowed to pet her if I don’t look her straight in the eyes, but the minute I do, she’ll spit at me, “ said Shouvlin. Getting spit on by an alpaca is something no one wants to ever experience. When an alpaca is “loaded” it’s green and has a very distinct odor.
Neighbors don’t seem to mind living next to farm full of alpacas, the only reason the Bluebird Hill’s farm every gets complaints is about the dogs barking in the excitement of predators coming around the fenced in animals. Alpacas have to be with at least three to four other animals due to the stress level or becoming paranoid. They also don’t seem to mind all the cats running around the barn as if they were part of the herd.
Shouvlin’s children have grown to love raising alpacas as well, and every once and while they get a chance to name a few. Often turns out to be a name from Star Wars. Not only is the fiber from the alpacas, which is harvested every spring and then sent to a mill to be processed into yarn the only benefit, also not having to teach her children about sex education. Breeding alpacas, the Shouvlin family gets to see it all.
Alpacas have quite the sex drive and the females and males have to be kept separately. However, females tend to still think they need to breed, which it’s quite normal for you can find a female jumping on another’s back. The other female will start making a deep “orgaling” sound as if it’s moaning from resentment.
Alpacas are a part of the Shouvlin’s family and have made a great life at the Bluebird Hill’s Farm. Not every day do you get to see an alpaca, but this farm gives Springfield the opportunity and benefit of a new experience. Just make sure you don’t get spit on!
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