Are you looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member?
Look no further, here at Flying Iron Ranch we are now offering an Adopt an Alpaca program. When you adopt one of our alpacas, your contribution goes towards keeping that alpaca well fed and cared for in a safe environment for them to enjoy and grow in. For the annual fee of $195.00 you get to pick which alpaca you wish to adopt and you will also get these benefits:
- An Adoption Certificate
- An 8x10 photo of your alpaca
- A copy of the ARI (Alpaca Registry, Inc.) certificate (pedigree)
- Weekend access to your alpaca (please see below)
- A monthly email from Flying Iron Ranch with details of upcoming events and updates on your alpaca
- A fiber sample from your alpaca
- 10% discount at Alpaca Adornments on all purchases made during the adoption period
- Invitations to ranch events that are closed to the public
- Orientation with the owners or farm manager to learn about alpacas in general, the history of the ranch and specifics on your alpaca.
- Training on how to halter and lead your alpaca and daily care of them
This is truly a fantastic gift that keeps on giving for an entire year! The smile that alpaca gives to you through your adoption of them is priceless and always cherished. Before you make your decision, we ask that you please read the following FAQ's.
Does it mean we own the alpaca?
Unfortunately, not. Those that choose to adopt do not have any ownership rights to their alpaca. The money you spend on the alpaca is instead put towards the upkeep of them, ensuring they have the best of everything available to them.
Is it possible to take the alpaca off property to show friends and family?
Again, no. You will be allowed to meet with your alpaca and walk them around the property (after being properly trained) but unfortunately you can’t take them off the ranch.
How often can I visit my alpaca?
We offer in our package access to your alpaca on the weekends however, there is no guarantee that it can happen every weekend and more than likely, due to shows and other events in the alpaca's lives, there will be times where they can’t meet with you. We will do our best to make your alpaca available to you. We will always keep you updated as best we can on which weekends they will not be available to see you. We do encourage you to visit often as the more an alpaca sees you, the more comfortable around you they will become.
When I visit, how long do I get to spend with my alpaca?
That depends on how social your alpaca is feeling that day. We invite you to stay at the ranch for as long as you like but generally the interaction time with your alpaca will range from anywhere between 30-60 minutes per visit. Alpacas are herd animals so they do not like to be isolated for long periods of time.
What if something happens to my alpaca throughout the year?
Although we certainly don't like to think about such things, but if something should happen to your alpaca we will happily allow you to choose another to adopt.
Am I allowed to bring friends to meet the alpaca?
Absolutely! Just please remember that alpacas can be rather shy and skittish so if a large group suddenly descends on them, they might be less inclined to interact.
How do I arrange time to see my alpaca and does someone from the ranch have to be there with me?
We ask that you please give us 3 days notice before a weekend visit either via email or calling and speaking to someone at the ranch. This ensures that we can have your alpaca ready for your visit and have someone there with you during your time with your alpaca. So yes, someone from the ranch must be with you when you are visiting your alpaca. Alpacas are expensive commodities and we want to make sure that they are kept safe and to also remove any form of responsibility from you should anything happen on your visit.
Will there be any formal training on how to handle an alpaca?
The first few times you visit you will be instructed on how to halter the alpaca, walk with them and generally care for them. You will not be allowed to walk them without assistance until you have had these training sessions.
Now that you have read through the frequently asked questions, you are probably wondering how you go about selecting an alpaca and proceeding with the adoption.
Choosing your alpaca:
Just click 'For Sale' tab above, look at the alpacas we have at the ranch and decide which one you would like to adopt. Alpacas available for adoption will say in their bio 'Available for Adoption', so keep an eye out for that. We would also like to remind people that even though the juveniles of the herd are an obvious favorite to adopt as they are so cute and cuddly, they will always tend to be on the shy side and reluctant to leave their mothers side. This means that your time with them will be at first, more observation based. After six months of age they will be getting used to halter training so you will have more interactions with them. Over a year, how they interact with humans in general will depend on their personalities but we try and highlight which ones are more receptive to human interaction in their bios. It's best to keep in mind that just like people, every alpaca is different. Some are more cautious around humans while others are happy to come right up for a quick cuddle and kiss.
Finalizing your adoption:
Once you have picked your alpaca, email us at [email protected] or use the contact form above and tell us your choice. We will send you the registration form to complete and give you more detail on your choice of alpaca just to make sure they're a good fit for you. Once this is received and payment is made, we will send you all the goodies that come with your adoption of an alpaca and set up a time for your first visit.
We very much look forward to hearing from you and know that you or your loved one will find joy and happiness in alpacas!
*note: there are no refunds once payment is made*
Your contribution is used toward covering the costs of daily care for your alpaca and is non-refundable. Your payment of support does not constitute ownership of the animal but only entitles you to the benefits listed in the Program Description. The sponsorship will last for 12 months at which time you can renew for another year or pick a new alpaca. We thank you for your support.