You have discovered the road to Country Vista Alpacas. 

Welcome to our Country Vista Tour ...We are situated in the midst of some true prairie treasures. Last Mountain Lake fills the entire length of our western horizon, reflecting some of the most spectacular prairie sunsets; the Last Mountain Hills, the third highest point in Saskatchewan, peaks over our eastern horizon; and a massive country coulee with wildlife, berries, undisturbed native landscape and historical sites lies directly south of our farm yard. This serene country vista is worth discovering! Nestled in the midst of all these prairie wonders is the most exciting discovery of all...the gentle alpaca...a relative new comer to this prairie scene. We invite you to follow our road and experience some of the treasures we enjoy here.

   From humble beginnings during the summer of 1997.........

to greener pastures today at Country Vista,

This journey has led us to our pot of gold.

Pictures say 1000 words....

It's time for chores so let's learn what alpaca farming is all about....We put up hay in the summer to last the year. Each alpaca gets a small amount of ration depending on need. Pregnant females get more than non working males. I feed 2 square bales per day divided between 3 pens-males, females and weanlings. I clean and fill water pails daily from a hose right in the barn. A little daily (poop)pile  management, and chores are complete for the day. But I am not ready to go in so I catch my alpacas to halter or just handle them. This keeps them quiet and calm so when it is time for toenails or shearing they are use to being handled. 

Herd management is relatively simple compared to other livestock. Alpacas need adequate fencing, with a minimum 5 foot preditor proof perimeter; shelter, 3 sided is sufficient; pasture, daily mineral ration and fresh water. Poop piles should be regularly managed. Toenails often require trimming every 3 to 5 months and teeth filed occasionally. (Because excellent dentation was a priority when purchasing our alpacas we rarely need to file teeth.) Annual vaccinations of 8way and ivermectin are given in the fall.  Cria are weaned around 6 months of age. 

  Reproduction is managed with an individual breeding program. Maidens enter our breeding program after they reach 13 months of age and 100 lbs.  Mature females are put with a selected male two weeks after her cria is born. She will most likely kush (lie down) to accept a breeding. This procedure is often repeated within 12 hours.  Seven days later she is put with him again. If the breeding triggered ovulation she will run, spit, and kick at the male! She is checked again every 2 or 3 days. If she kushes for the male then the breeding was unsuccessful, however if she continues to reject the male (run, kick spit) she is pregnant..... Then we just have to wait for another 11 1/2 months to see and feel our latest criation!!! Waiting is the hard part!!! 

Good record keeping is a "must" to remember mates and dates. All of our alpacas are  CLAA and ARI registered , and DNA'd for parent verification.  Medical, breeding and fibre records are kept up to date. We record breedings, births, pregchecks and monthly weights on our barn calender. Then on rainy days the data is transfered to our Llama Logic computor program. 

Shearing is done annually in the spring to take off the warm wooly winter coat, keeping the animals healthy and comfortable in the summer. This is also our annual harvest of fibre that we anxiously wait for every year. 

The cleaning process of picking, vacuuming, and gently blowing with our shopvac begins days before shearing. On shearing day the alpacas are led into the shearing barn after being quickly recleaned and laid onto a table. Their legs are secured and their heads are held for security and to comfort them. They are usually very docile and passive. The shearing process takes about 20 to 25 minutes per animal.

The fibre from each alpaca is sorted by colour, handle and micron for various purposes- hand spinning, felting, rug hooking, etc. or sent to the co-op. All fibre is labelled and stored in clear plastic bags. We send fibre samples to the Natural Fibre Centre in Olds, Alberta to be tested. A histogram for each animal tells us the micron count (fineness), the variation and deviation from the average micron (uniformity) along with other standards that we use to make informed breeding choices.  Later if time permits a more thorough sort can be done. We are members of the Canadian Camelid Fibre Coop, CAN CAM, allowing us to ship fibre to their annual collection. (see links)

Humming Into Spring is our annual workshop attended by experienced breeders and newcomers to the industry from across Canada. Knowledgeable and entertaining presenters have been brought in so all attendees go home with valuable information to apply to their own operations. This workshop is hosted with our co-sponsors at Whitewood, Balgonie and Duval. Topics covered in the past have been:

Visitors enjoy Country Vista Alpacas. We have entertained school groups, seniors groups, 4-H groups, Playschool, Brownies, and family reunions at our farm as well as many individual families that come to enjoy some time with the alpacas. Our animals have traveled to fairs, museum days, trade shows, alpaca shows. Most alpacas are very quiet and forgiving of their keepers for showing them off to so many strangers.

We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour. Please visit our little farm store or stroll through our 'paca paddocks to meet our treasured alpacas. We invite you to take your time, refill your coffee...just remember to contact us if you have a question or see something you like.

                          little farm store         'paca paddocks  

Want more information, catalogue, or pricelists?

Contact us if you enjoyed the tour.

(click on the logo)

Don & Lynn Hilderman

Duval, Saskatchewan, Canada

306 725-4337

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last modified: July 23, 2007