Calendar 2012

Herd management Saturdays are held towards the end of each month, and we try to cover a topic of interest to those in attendance.  These days are designed to help Blue Moon Ranch customers learn how to effectively care for their own alpacas.  Occasionally, we will have space for other interested people as well.  There is no charge for these classes for Blue Moon Ranch customers. Special classes and clinics taught by other people are offered throughout the year and those fees are explained below.   click here to see what past years schedule looked like.

Please drop us an email  if you'd like to join us on these days. thanks!   Our schedule is subject to change, but should be accurate during the month listed. Is there a topic you would like to have covered?  please ask.

 Classes start at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted. We are usually finished by noon.

I appreciate an email the week before each class confirming your attendance.  If I need to make handouts, it's helpful to know who is coming. :) thanks!

2012 Classes and Events

January 28, 2012  Fiber Fun day! 1 - 4   For anyone who wants to sit and work with alpaca fiber or for those who are interested in watching. This afternoon event is actually not to be considered a class, rather more of gathering of fiber enthusiasts. More details?  go here:    more questions?  send an email here.

February 25, 2012   Basic handling review to include proper halter fit and working with the babies. If weather permits we'll be walking them around the "race track"  It's good for your soul  to take a walk with an alpaca.

March 24, 2012    Do you know how to take a temperature?  Give a shot in an emergency?  Things often go wrong when you cant seem to get a vet.  Lets talk about how to handle emergencies and what to do when you can't find a vet.

April 28, 2012   Photographing alpacas.   Bring your camera and we'll provide the animals. There are some tricks we will share with you.  Hoping for good weather!  The alpacas should be stunning with all the fleece they have grown so this will be a perfect time to get lots of great shots. 

May 26, 2012  Basic Alpaca Care Class.  Perfect for the newbie! Or a refresher if you want a good basic review.  Reservations required, please email linda@bluemoonranch.nert to confirm your spot. There is no fee for this class.  We will cover a holistic approach to alpaca care.

June -- Shearing  Saturday June 9  ????  Hoping for this date, to be confirmed as soon as we know for sure

July 28 Farm set up.  Fencing - catch pens, designing a barn and pasture areas.  How to get the most use of your facility.  We made a few  mistakes early on - I'll tell you about that so you won't have to!  Please email to confirm your attendance - I will have handouts.

August  25 Working with fleeces.  Show or processing? How to decide and how to proceed once you do.  Bring a fleece if you have one. If not, come anyway we have many to show you.

September 29-30  Eighth Annual Open Barn days! 

October 13  Alpaca Sales event   1:00 - 4:00 pm  Curious about buying alpacas? Maybe you just want to ask questions?  This is your opportunity! The yarn will be put away and this time we'll be ready to talk to you about purchasing some of our amazing animals! No pressure as always.  We'll talk about how to evaluate an alpaca and what to be aware of before you purchase. Do you want a fiber herd?  Or a breeding herd?  We'll have special prices on many alpacas for this weekend event. please RSVP

November  24  Trimming toenails is something every alpaca owner needs to be able to handle. I'll tell you what we've learned and how I do toenail trimming by myself without stress to the alpacas.

December  29   If you need to de-stress from holiday craziness and take some deep breaths,  we will do herd observation from 10 - noon today.  To sit and watch your alpacas is the best way evaluate their health. They are very stoic, but do give clues if you watch closely. 

Please let me know if there is a topic you would like to have covered!