About Hangman Creek Ranch Alpacas

In 1984 I learned that alpacas were being imported into this country. I sent for information and tucked it away in a file I labeled “Retirement Ideas”. In 2003 it was time to open that file. The alpaca literature was as intriguing then as it had been almost 20 years before. I began my quest for real information and, after visiting several ranches and taking several seminars, I took the plunge. I purchased my first alpacas - bred females - and I’ve not looked back. The intervening years have led to my goal of becoming a serious breeder of quality animals. My mission is to work to improve the breed with every generation using thoughtful selection of service sires and by providing the best possible care. You might be interested to know that, while this was my “Retirement” idea, I didn’t retire until 5 years later, not actually leaving a 30 year nursing career to retire until 2008! One of the most exciting things I found during my research is that many owners “agist” their animals. “Agist” is a fancy word for boarding. At about the same time I learned this fact, a large alpaca ranch moved onto acreage not 2 miles from where I lived. I went to visit and found that they would be happy to agist my animals and would provide the best care I could ask for. My animals lived there until I did actually retire and move to the family homestead in late 2008. In deciding if I thought I could successfully raise alpacas I felt the following made it OK for me to think yes: •    I grew up on a wheat farm in eastern Washington state and still have land there where I can raise them. •    I am a registered nurse with training that will transfer to the husbandry needs, especially the birthing skills, that the alpaca requires. •    I love animals. •    I like being my own boss. •    These animals are generally small enough and docile enough to be raised by a single woman. •    And, probably most importantly, the people in this business are so open and helpful! I know I will never truly be going at it alone. I love the people I have met along the way! Today I now live in the farmhouse that my grandfather built for his new bride 90+ years ago. I have reconfigured the existing barns and added fencing to create a carefully planned alpaca breeding facility. I now breed and sell quality Huacaya alpacas. I also provide agisting, breedings and have a small farm store selling alpaca clothing, gift items and other unique things. This year (2011)to open my ranch to visiting groups and to provide 4-H and FFA access. I can provide short haul transport, vet tech-type house calls and assistance with setting up and maintaining alpaca record keeping systems. My dream is to host a herdsire review where local breeders can come together to arrange breedings without having to travel from ranch to ranch to find the right male for their females. Contact me. I would love to have you visit to see the alpacas and learn what I believe is the best way to raise these lovely animals. And when you are ready to start your herd, add an animal, or take home a couple of pets, I can help you with that too. I offer ongoing support to all my clients, especially those who are new to raising alpacas.