In early 2000, I saw alpacas in Country Living magazine and was hooked immediately. With 13 acres at my disposal, I began exploring the idea of starting a small farm business. Visits to farms on both coasts led me to a seminar in California for aspiring alpaca owners, where I purchased my first alpaca. Soon after, she gave birth to a cria—her first baby. I also added two females from Oregon, marking the start of Orchard Hill Alpacas.
Alpacas are curious, gentle, and full of personality. Watching crias grow, learning about breeding, showing animals, and connecting with enthusiasts nationwide has been an incredible journey. Over time, we mastered herd health, pasture care, feeding, birthing assistance, and show-ring strategies, with help from a wonderful veterinarian experienced with llamas.
At its peak, Orchard Hill was home to 54 alpacas; today, we care for 24. Alpacas live 15–20 years, and some can be shy or stoic, making illness hard to detect. Others, like alpha males and females, keep the herd lively with comical interactions. One memorable Chilean import from the last U.S. registered importation in 1998 had a shrill, donkey-like call that would rally the entire herd.
Alpaca fiber is a natural luxury: soft, hypoallergenic, and available in over 20 shades. It’s perfect for yarn, shawls, sweaters, blankets, socks, hats, rugs, and more. Many of our products are made in the U.S., including ruanas, teddy bears, and rugs woven from Orchard Hill yarn. Its softness rivals cashmere, making it a delight to wear.
While we don’t offer farm visits or workshops due to a busy schedule, you can find us at the Autumn Harvest Festival in Marlinton (last Saturday in September) and the December Christmas Bazaars in Elkins. We’re also open to partnering with other vendors. Contact me via email at bhammerr@protonmail.com or phone at 304-621-3399 (leave a message, and I’ll return your call).
Alpacas thrive in pairs or groups, with females housed separately from males. They teach responsibility and care, especially to children, while remaining relatively easy to manage. Regular vaccinations and deworming every 30–45 days protect against meningeal worm, a dangerous parasite carried by deer. Shearing once a year keeps them comfortable in warmer weather.
Raising alpacas has been a joy and a learning experience. From nurturing the herd to sharing their luxurious fiber with the community, Orchard Hill Alpacas celebrates these remarkable animals every day.
Editor’s Note: One of the joys of Hashtag is uncovering the unexpected gems scattered across the Greenbrier Valley (and also beyond). Becky and Dan Tice’s Orchard Hill Alpacas is one of those gems. Together, they care for their alpacas and transform their fiber into products infused with the heart of their farm. You can meet Becky and shop her creations at Marlinton’s Autumn Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 27, and again at the Christmas Bazaars in Elkins this December. It’s a chance to discover something truly one-of-a-kind. Now, as told by Becky, here’s what makes Orchard Hill Alpacas so special:
