As you can see we are starting with nothing! No existing pasture, building, barn or fence. About the only thing we have going for us is that we have space to expand and are at a higher elevation with cooler temperatures which the alpacas will appreciate. Even though alpacas require little care, preparing a place for them is quite a task. We learned of poisonous plants which needed to be erradicated or fenced off, practical farm and pasture layouts, and specifics of fencing. Because we live in an area with both Pennsylvania black bears and coyote we are taking special care with getting the fencing just right.
We started preparing for our farm in May of 2008. It's been a very slow process which started with clearing out hundreds of trees. Our "tree man" Rick Hunsinger made quick work of the tree removal. Huge stumps, some with massive root systems had to be removed by Scott's Excavation with excavation equipment. Next came soil testing and ammendments with lime and topsoil from an existing pasture. After a good going over with a rockhound and a generous application of fertilizer we have grass coming up!
I'll add photos as progress continues.
It is now November and we have our builder on site!! We worked closely with him in designing the structure we thought would work best for us and he went the extra mile and contacted other alpaca farmers for tips and suggestions. It didn't surprise me in the least that they were anxious to help him with his design. So with a few tweaks to the original plan the building is UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!! Now if we could get the fence up.....
Kevin is an amazingly organized carpenter. He works quickly and efficiently, cutting and planning his material usage so there is little or no waste! I think he's having as much fun building this structure as we are having watching it go up. His apprentice Chris is learning from a pro! Our dogs are enjoying the extra attention too...and they keep finding little snacks and raiding Kevin and Chris' lunches!
In addition to really understanding what we wanted in this structure, Kevin has come up with some great ideas to reduce the overall need for electric usage during the day. He's incorporated a skylight and front windows into the design to allow for natural daylight as well as a solar powered venting system. Now that's what I call "green!" He also took into consideration our landscape and designed a building that is indeed portable if need be that blends with the surroundings. He's designed the pitch of the roof to allow maximum storage for things like extra hay and feed but that will almost fade into the hillside. We plan to stain the outside a dark almost black with a gray trim that matches our house. I really don't want it to be obvious when you drive up..I want it to look like it has always been here. I also think that the dark color will be a striking contrast to our beautiful white and fawn alpacas!
Click on any picture in the gallery to enlarge the photo and hover your curser above for more info.
It is now November and we have our builder on site!! We worked closely with him in designing the structure we thought would work best for us and he went the extra mile and contacted other alpaca farmers for tips and suggestions. It didn't surprise me in the least that they were anxious to help him with his design. So with a few tweaks to the original plan the building is UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!!