Welcome! We are a small, family-owned 30-acre farm located just outside the Village of Paw Paw, Michigan. In 2010, we made the exciting decision to begin tending to a small herd of alpacas with the intent to “grow our own yarn.” Over time, we have expanded our endeavors to include raising not only alpacas, but also two breeds of sheep and pygora goats, all for their exquisite fiber. Throughout the years, our mission has evolved. Our numbers of animals have also grown substantially as we have embraced the role of a “retirement and rescue” farm. While we do not operate as a traditional “petting zoo,” we are dedicated to providing opportunities to educate others about our animals and the sustainable practices we employ in our day-to-day operations. Our gift shop, along with our private tours and workshops, play a vital role in providing the essential resources needed to effectively feed and care for the animals.
Teaching others to use alpaca fiber and sheep’s wool to create both fun and practical items, while also enabling them to experience the joy of working with their hands, is an essential part of our mission. To support this, we offer a variety of engaging workshops and classes throughout the entire year, accommodating different skill levels and interests. Please refer to the link on the left for more information.
All the animals on the farm have very important jobs that contribute to the overall wellbeing of our farm. Our beloved animal family includes Indian Runner Ducks, which are essential for protecting the alpaca from dangerous parasites while also providing us with fresh eggs. We also have donkeys named Hodie and Patrick, whose main purpose is to safeguard the alpaca from potential threats such as dogs and coyotes. Additionally, our barn cats work to protect the grain from unwanted pests, while our loyal dogs patrol the farm yard and provide us with companionship. Recently, we have welcomed Nigerian dwarf goats, Betty and Veronica, to help us control the weeds, adding to the harmony of our farm.
CanDo Acres is proud to offer a wide selection of quality fiber and fiber products that cater to various needs and preferences. Our extensive inventory includes a diverse range of socks in many styles, comfortable shoe and boot inserts, cozy hats, warm gloves and mittens, stylish sweaters, soft blankets, eco-friendly dryer balls, and hand-crafted scarves and headbands. Additionally, we feature a delightful array of animal-themed items that are sure to catch your eye. We are always introducing something new to our collection, including small projects that provide engaging and enjoyable activities for the whole family to share together. For those interested in a more personalized experience, feel free to call or text (269) 823-4644 to schedule a private shopping experience tailored just for you.
We also have available alpaca "poo" products. Yes, you read that right. Alpaca poo is a quality fertilizer that won't burn plants the way that some animal manure can. We sell re-purposed 50lb feed bags full for outdoor gardens, as well as small bags of dried ground poo to use as houseplant amendment, or by the loader full for those with larger needs. Don't worry, there is no unpleasant smell with this product, only excellent nutrients (lab tested) for your plants and flowers.
For those of you that like to bake, we sell quality duck eggs in 6 or 12 packs. Duck eggs are slightly larger and have more yolk - to - whites ratio than chicken eggs and are higher in protein. Many of our customers use duck eggs just as they would chicken eggs, but they are especially good for baking, making your baked goods extra fluffy. Our ducks are free-ranging and you will notice the vivid color of the yolk that comes from good country foraging.
Be sure to check out the link (on the left) of pictures of the alpaca with names so that those who purchased yarns (or dryer balls) can see the animals that contributed to the specific products. Mixes change annually to improve quality of the fiber and the color combinations available.
Open Farm Days and the Holiday Hop are annual traditions. Use the links to see the dates and activities. We also offer private tours. Schedule the first one of the day and your group can help with “morning chores” (feeding and watering the animals, letting the ducks out).
Many of our customers have expressed an interest in learning more about how to work with alpaca fiber (wet felting, needle felting, crocheting and dyeing) so we offer classes and opportunities to gather to experience the healing power of handwork and fellowship (see workshop/classes).
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