Applause for Small Paws: Alpaca farm snuggles into the heart of Millbrook

MILLBROOK — For any animal lover, a visit to Small Paws Farm in Millbrook would be just the thing. There Jim and Dawn Evans, the farm’s owners, take care of 30 alpacas — each with a name and personality of its own.

There are also chickens (and fresh eggs for sale), two ponies and the four great Danes, beloved pets of the Evans family.    But the alpacas are the real draw, as they greet visitors right out of the gate. They come in many colors, from white to black, gray, tan and shades of brown and yellow. They are friendly, and gently nuzzle out-stretched palms as they softly hum. Yes, they hum.

There are three main areas at the farm where the alpacas stay. The first is near the front of the farm, and it holds mature alpacas who roam the area, exchange glances with visitors and then go about their business. 

The second area holds mamas and babies. Bell Pepper is one mother, and her 4-month-old baby, in a red cape to keep her warm, was introduced as Jalapeño Pepper. 

There are young alpacas from earlier births, but a little older, in the third area. All were eager to meet newcomers, and to greet Evans, who clearly takes good care of them.

   Many of the alpacas are “re-homed,” said Evans, who doesn’t like to call them rescues. He and two neighboring farms recently traveled to Ohio, where the owner of an alpaca farm died suddenly. Her husband, wheelchair bound, needed to find homes for the herd. Each of the three farms took 10 of the alpacas, who are now enjoying Dutchess County. 

Alpacas are originally from the high elevations in the mountains of Peru, the Andes and colder climates. They also have those marvelous fur coats to keep them warm; they are shorn once a year, in the spring, and the coat has a chance to grow back fully before the next winter sets in.

Alpacas eat mostly hay, and some grain. When hay production drops, and there is less of it, alpacas feed off the second crop, which doesn’t have as much nutrition as the first cutting. Some of the babies, including Jalapeño Pepper, are bottle fed to keep them growing and healthy.

Evans grew up on this same farm, but when he was a youngster they bred sheep. It was his wife’s idea to go into the alpaca business, and while it’s a lot of work, it’s also a labor of love.

Small Paws Farm has a shop, which features many articles of clothing, including mittens, hats, scarves and socks. There are also shawls, colorful and ultra-soft, throws and stuffed toy alpacas. The prices vary, as Evans feels that many people want the alpaca experience but he understands that items can be costly. Small Paws tries to have a range of goods and prices.

Raising alpacas is not only hard work, it’s also expensive. Veterinarian’s bills can be steep and alpacas can suffer from ailments such as having parasites, for which they need treatment, including antibiotics. They also eat a lot.

The alpacas at Small Paws Farm work to help with their upkeep; they go to weddings, birthday parties and other events. They also travel a great deal in good weather, visiting farmers markets and country fairs. These friendly animals, with their long necks, heavily lidded eyes and sweet expressions, eat, hum and nuzzle at all.