Bluebird Alpaca Farm Makes You Feel Warm and Fuzzy
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Farm's Facebook Page)
NYC's concrete jungle is known for its Darwinian ecosystem. The jungle is home to wolfs on wall street and lions guarding the NYC metropolitan library. In this dog-eat-dog world, how can you survive? The answer is easy. People can venture outside the bustle of the city to a bucolic farm in Peapack, New Jersey. Bluebird Farm Alpacas is home to over twenty alpacas. I had the chance to speak with Nick V. to learn more about why you might want to visit the farm.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Farm's Facebook Page)
1. Why is Bluebird Farm an alpaca farm?
Until nine years ago, the farm was an open 15-acre field. When we decided to populate the farm with livestock, we began by looking at the more commonplace animals like sheep, cows, and horses. But we quickly realized that Alpacas are more interesting and produce an extraordinary high-quality fiber. Their fiber is approximately eight times warmer than sheep wool, three times softer than cashmere, hypoallergenic, and naturally wicks moisture. Alpacas produce approximately 10 pounds of fiber or 25 skeins of yarn per animal per year. We carefully label our fiber with each Alpaca's name. Once collected, we send it to a Virginian mill to be spun into yarn. After the yarn is returned to us, we distribute it to local artisans who knit, crochet, weave and felt items for our store. Since we know which animal produces what yarn, you can visit Bluebird Farm Alpacas, meet an alpaca, and then wear it. We love to say that you can go from field to fashion at Bluebird Farm Alpacas.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Alpaca Farm's Facebook Page)
Our mission on the farm is to educate the public about these amazing and gentle animals. Anytime someone visits, we educate them about the alpacas' luxurious fiber, where they originate from, how to feed them, their unique social behaviors, etc. Alpacas tend to do everything together. They are even known as communal poopers. They all tend to poop at the same time and in the same place. What one does, they all do.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Alpacas Farm's Facebook Page)
2. Can you please describe the alpaca-human interaction?
I have seen people make multiple visits to our farm. People who see the alpacas and interact with them tend to become relaxed and centered. Alpacas are very calming. They are loved by adults and children alike.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Alpacas Farm's Facebook Page)
3. How has the farm evolved in the face of the pandemic?
As the pandemic winds down and people continue to look for outdoor activities, our farm has become very popular. We require a reservation to visit the farm because we have found limiting the number of visitors makes for a more intimate experience for everyone.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Alpacas Farm's Facebook Page)
4. What is the future of the farm?
We will continue to educate the public about the wonders of alpacas and offer intimate first-hand introductions to our alpacas.
(Image is courtesy of Bluebird Alpacas Farm's Facebook Page) Let the posts come to you. E
