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AlpacaNation Q&A with Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.
Ronee & Jerry McDonald
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68453-440th St, Fairfax, MN 55332
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507 426-6067
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: I spent a lot of time online researching and obtaining literature about raising alpacas. I then found a farm close
to me and offered myself up to participate in daily chores. I got to spend a couple of weekends learning the
day to day care and everything and anything else that came up. I also had the opportunity to accompany the
owners to the local University for health care and tests on a couple of their animals. So I also learned about
transporting and what to expect. It was an incredible experience. I think the hands on experience gave me
more insight and information on what is involved in raising and caring for Alpacas which assured me the
decision I was making was the right one. I can't thank them enough for their time, long informative
conversations, patience and generosity.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: My first purchase was a Maroon female. She was a matriarch and a beauty. She was older but proven, and had put some incredible animals on the ground. So she was a pretty safe bet. I chose most of my animals for color. Two I chose for disposition. They were incredibly sweet and friendly.
The only thing I would do different is pick solid colored animals. Which I bought two more of them later in the year so that has been rectified.
AlpacaNation: Any embarrassing moments you would like to share?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: My first born cria was on her way. One of her legs seemed to be stuck. I had one leg sticking way out and the other I could only see the toes. I was talking on the phone with my mentor and friend Connie. She suggested that I maybe give the short leg a little pull. So, I washed up, grabbed an OB sleeve and put it on. Then I put a glove over that. (To keep the OB glove from coming off) And then I was smearing KY Jelly all over my gloved hand when Connie asked my if I pulled on the leg yet. I said "not yet, I am still putting lube on the gloved hand." Connie fell briefly silent, then without the hysterical laughter, said it's ok, the leg is out, you don't need the glove Ronee. Thankfully, Connie never did laugh at me. Although she sure could!!!
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: They are all my favorite for different reasons. Ariel, aka Mama because she is a good mom and a good
matriarch. Her face is gorgeous with her big dark eyes.
Jr., mama's baby boy because he is a such a goof. He has these little tangents and tries to be a big boy by
bucking and jumping, but he isn't very good at it.....yet. He runs so fast that at times I swear he is going to do
a header into the fence.
Sassy is probably my most favorite. She is a cuddler. She likes to have the back of her ears rubbed and when I
do that she buries her face in my jacket.
Divine is shy, and beautiful. She is warming up to me.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: Research, research research. Ask tons of questions!!! And read everything you can get your hands on.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Old McDonald's Farm, Inc.: The birth of my first cria. It was a textbook birth. So much so, I swear the cria read the "textbook." It was so incredible to have been able to witness it. To watch her struggle to get to her feet for the first time. Watching her trying to find the milk, sucking on the side of Mama's neck. Watching Mama respond to her, so patient and attentive. Watching her nurse for the first time. Watching cria and mom bond. This will stay with my forever as one of my most memorable, happy moments ever. (Second only to the birth of my daughter.)
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