With their long necks, slender bodies, doe eyes and soft fleece, the alpaca is one sweet-natured farm animal you don’t see often in our parts.
And, that’s exactly what led Nichole Baumgartner to open Cactus Hills Alpaca Farm on her 2-acre property in Desert Hills. The mother of four said she really wanted alpacas on their property when her children reached the age where they could help care for the animals.
“I fell in love with them just by visiting other farms and knew I wanted some of our own,” Baumgartner said.
Baumgartner and her husband Jeremy started the farm with three females: Danica, Gigi, and Isabella, all of which they selected at Plum Creek Alpacas in Prescott Valley. They’ve since added Allie and Cici to their herd, which will expand even more during 2022 now that three of them are pregnant.
The best part of it all, Baumgartner says, is sharing the alpacas with the community through farm visits, photo shoots, as well as taking the alpacas to different locations for both fun and educational purposes.
Known for their calm, gentle, yet curious nature, Baumgartner said, “Alpacas are just so special and different, and not an animal people get to see every day so I love sharing them and I try to share facts about Alpacas with everyone who comes to visit.”
Each alpaca has her own personality. Baumgartner shared, “One of my girls, Danica, is the most social. Unlike most alpacas, she doesn’t mind being pet, hugged and likes to give kisses. Most alpacas do not like to be petted on the head, but they do not mind neck scratches as long as you are giving them treats.”
What to Expect on a Farm Visit
Private visits can be booked in groups of 10 or less on weekday and weekend mornings, and visitors can choose half hour or one-hour time slots.
Guests will learn facts about the alpacas, feed and pet them, and have the opportunity to walk them on a leash.
Besides scheduled visits, arrangements can be made to bring the alpacas to you for your next party, special occasion, or event. Private photo shoots with the alpacas can also be booked.
Cactus Hills Alpaca Farm
40406 N 6th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85086
503-997-8120
[email protected]
https://cactus-hills-alpaca-farm.business.site
Farm Visits $50/30 minutes; $100/60 minutes
Photos by Abrar Khalid Photography & Cactus Hills Alpaca Farm
Alpaca Fun Facts
- Alpacas are usually raised and farmed for their fiber. They produce a luxurious wool that is hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, heat retaining and fire retardant. They have to be sheared once a year. In Arizona that happens in April.
- Alpacas make a humming noise. They do this when they are stressed, happy, concerned or for no reason at all. It has been described as a musical purring.
- Alpacas spit! It usually happens amongst each other when they are competing for treats.
- A full-grown alpaca will weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds.
- Alpacas are usually very docile, curious and intelligent.
Source: Cactus Hills Alpaca Farm