Welcome to Cria Creations - We're a small farm focused on improving our herds' genetics through careful and selective breeding. Our goal is to create a high standard of American alpacas, while keeping the care and comfort of our animals at the center of all we do.
Our farm is centrally located between Austin and San Antonio, just minutes away from Canyon Lake on ten acres filled with native grasses, cedars, and Spanish oaks. When we first purchased our land, we had no idea that we would be getting involved in the Alpaca Industry. We enjoy working with the animals and expanding our knowledge, from partnering with other farms to learning about and working with the fiber. We believe that one of our farm's greatest assets is the love and care we give our Alpacas. These adoring animals are much more than a business. They not only captured our hearts, but have shown us the path to that peaceful and relaxed lifestyle we've been searching for.
The Alpacas themselves are easy to care for. Their needs are basic...shade, water, food, shelter, and basic herd health. One acre can support up to eight alpacas, making large acreage unnecessary. There are many small farms out there, each with different setups, ranging from simple to complex. What's important is not how fancy yours is, but that it works for you and the animals. We've learned to take things slow, learning as we grow, and believing the more informed today's buyer is, the more successful they will become. We've been in the business since October, 2004, starting with two pregnant females and one maiden, an 8 foot X 16 foot barn, and a small fenced area. We now have twelve animals, over three fenced acres, and two large guardian dogs. The best thing we've done is partner with other small farms, sharing resources and experiences, not to mention a helping hand when needed.
Let us tell you a true story. This is a tale of love and partnering that clearly shows the direction our industry is moving.
In the beginning, we were told, and frequently read, that there was little involved with the birthing of a cria. Most times you just go out in the morning, and there will be a cria on the ground. The Mom does all the work...that has not been our experience. We lost our first cria due to positioning in the womb. When our second cria was born two weeks premature and would not nurse, we were frantic that we were going to lose her, too. The mentor farm's 'guidance' in the care of a premature cria was to give colostrum and call the vet, which we did. We then made a second call to Wellspring Alpacas, a small Suri farm about 45 minutes away. We just wanted a sounding board. The next thing we knew, Jeannie Wells was on her way. She spent hours over the next several days, with Luna (the cria) and us. Jeannie was on the phone consulting with Steve Hull from Timberlake Farms from Oklahoma, and guiding us through the steps of monitoring body temperature, colostrum needs, supplemental feedings, on and on. Just starting and on a budget, we had no air conditioning in the barn, so Luna was housed in our newly tiled basement for the first three weeks of her life. Mom lasted three days, then out she went.
We have since partnered with Jeannie and other small farms for herd health days, shearing, and to just exchange ideas. As we've grown in experience ourselves, we have followed Jeannie's lead and have gone to other farms on a moment's notice to help with those rare alpaca emergencies, or to just be a sounding board and shoulder to lean on. This is a wonderful business. Don't hesitate to get in there and share with other farms around you. There is no better way to learn. We can never repay Jeannie from WellSpring Alpacas for being there for us. Following her lead, we pledge to provide the same level of care and support to other farms & new alpaca owners.
Our service does not stop with the sale of an animal...it's just the beginning. Come visit our farm, see these adorable animals up close, and feel the stress melt away.
