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Big City to Country Living Homesteading- How We Got Into Alpacas

inkasisafarm

Living in big cities all our lives, my husband Brandon, our children, and I always yearned for a change—more space, the tranquility of country living, and the freedom of wide-open landscapes. When an opportunity arose to purchase a fixer-upper property in Maryland with a small parcel of land, we eagerly embarked on a journey towards our dreams. Little did we know that this adventure would lead us to embrace alpacas, a cherished part of my Ecuadorian heritage.

a beautiful yellow sunset over a grassy field with trees in the distance
Sunset in our neighborhood in Warwick, Maryland

Pink and purple skies during a sunset over the Bohemia river featuring trees in the distance
Purple sunset skies over the Bohemia River




Finding Our Feet in Homesteading:


As soon as we settled into our new property, we wasted no time in embracing the homesteading lifestyle. We started by bringing in chickens, allowing us to enjoy the pleasures of fresh eggs each morning. Inspired by the desire for self-sustainability, we established a vast garden, cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables to nourish our family. Yet, despite these endeavors, we felt there was still something missing—an animal presence to graze the abundant grass surrounding us.


Three curious alpacas look at 5 chickens in a grassy field
Alpacas checking out the chickens


A Dream of Alpacas:


As an Ecuadorian native, alpacas had always held a special place in my heart. They represented a symbol of my cultural heritage and the connection to my roots. I had entertained the idea of owning alpacas in the past but found the cost to be prohibitive. Nevertheless, the dream lingered, tucked away in the recesses of my mind.




A Fortuitous Call:


One fateful day, everything changed. Out of the blue, I received a call from a breeder I had previously spoken to about alpacas. He informed me about a woman facing extenuating circumstances who needed to find new homes for her entire alpaca herd. Eager to help, I dialed her number, curious about the details of the situation.



A Herd in Need of a Home:


The woman explained her predicament and expressed her urgent need to rehome her 19 alpacas. While we only intended to adopt three, her request touched our hearts. Determined to assist, I reached out to friends and acquaintances, seeking suitable homes for the remaining 16 alpacas. Through this network, we were able to find loving and caring homes for each of them, ensuring they would be well taken care of.



Embracing Alpaca Ownership:


With our newfound companions, we dove headfirst into learning about alpaca care and husbandry. From understanding their dietary needs to providing shelter and companionship, we immersed ourselves in the process of becoming responsible alpaca owners. Each day brought new lessons, challenges, and joys as we observed the grace and beauty of these remarkable animals.


Two alpacas look at the camera during a cloud sunset with pink and purple skies
Pink and purple Skies in Warwick, Maryland


A young girl with blonde hair wearing traditional Ecuadorian attire and a flower crown and blue eyes holds a second place ribbon from the Cecil County Fair
Leila wins second place at the Cecil County Fair






A young boy and a young girl hold ribbons and a young alpacas with a 2022 Cecil County Fair I am a Winner backdrop.
Levi and Leila at the Cecil County Fair with Rita

A man wearing a brown alpaca sweater looks at the distance with four alpacas surrounding him
Brandon Wearing an Alpaca Sweater


A Journey of Discovery:


Our transition from big city dwellers to alpaca owners in the countryside has been a transformative experience. Not only have we discovered a deeper connection to nature and embraced a more sustainable lifestyle, but we have also strengthened our bond as a family. Caring for these gentle creatures has taught us valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.


Our journey from big city living to country life took an unexpected turn when we opened our hearts and home to a herd of alpacas. The serendipitous opportunity to acquire these beloved animals, coupled with our passion for homesteading, has enriched our lives in ways we could never have imagined. As we continue to learn and grow alongside our alpacas, we are reminded of the power of dreams, the beauty of cultural heritage, and the transformative potential of embracing a new path in life.

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