Alpacas are fascinating creatures. There were first imported into the United States in 1984 and have been domesticated animals for thousands of years. September 26 is recognized annually as National Alpaca Day, which would make a great time to visit an alpaca farm in South Carolina to learn more about them. (But of course, you could do this any time of year.)
Stanley Farm is located in the tiny town of McConnells, which is in York County, the Midlands region of the state of South Carolina. It falls under the Hourglass Alpacas, LLC. Meet Titan, one of the livestock guardian dogs!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
The farm is owned and run by Matt and Shannon Stanley, whose goal is to bring families together and allow them to spend time bonding over these peaceful and funny animals.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC
The Alpaca is a domesticated species of South American camelid, which originated in North America many years ago. Camels migrated east via the Bering Strait and llamas migrated to South America. Today there are five recognized camelids breeds: camels, llamas, guanacos, alpacas, and vicunas.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook There are only two breed types of alpacas: Huacaya (pronounced wuh-KAI-ya) and Suri (SUR-ee). The Stanleys are raising Huacaya alpacas, which is the more common breed type, accounting for about 85-90% of all alpacas. They are planning to grow to a herd size of 20-30 alpacas.
Did you know that alpacas have differing personality types? For example, this guy, named G-money, has to be right in the middle of anything the Stanleys do on the farm. Here he was helping work on a new chicken coop, and he is known for giving good “hugs” when you get frustrated!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
And here we have the alpacas “inspecting” the hay that has just been brought in!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
Did you know alpacas play games? Oh, yes … this one is called “King of the Hill.” And they take the game very seriously!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC
“Sharing” the hill with the babies.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
That cool water in the splash and play is so nice on hot South Carolina summer days!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
Meet Charlie, the first baby born on the Stanley Farm, birthed by Renata in April 2022.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
“May I please have another treat?!” Ever notice how animals have zero sense of personal space?
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
A visit to the farm provides an up-close and personal experience with alpacas and llamas. Tours last about an hour with an opportunity to hand feed the animals. Whether you are interested in owning alpacas or just learning about them touring the farm is a great experience.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC
And in addition to the alpacas and llamas, the Stanleys also have other animals on the farm including sheep, horses, guinea, ducks, chickens, cows, pigeons, cats, and as you’ve seen from other photos, dogs. This is Mr. Nuggs watching over the barn!
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
Visit the Stanley Alpaca Farm website and the Stanley Alpaca Farm Facebook page for more information, updates, and to book a visit.
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC/Facebook
Hourglass Alpacas, LLC
There are only two breed types of alpacas: Huacaya (pronounced wuh-KAI-ya) and Suri (SUR-ee). The Stanleys are raising Huacaya alpacas, which is the more common breed type, accounting for about 85-90% of all alpacas. They are planning to grow to a herd size of 20-30 alpacas.
Have you ever been to an alpaca farm? What was your experience like? Share about it with us in the comments section below.
For another fun farm experience, go try the best strawberry pie in the world at a South Carolina farm market!
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Address: Hourglass Alpacas, 419 State Rd S-46-168, McConnells, SC 29726, USA
