Welcome! We are a small 30 acre family farm located in Paw Paw, Michigan. In 2010 we decided we wanted to tend to a small herd of alpaca to “grow our own yarn”. We raise alpaca, 3 breed of sheep, and pygora goats for their fiber. Over the years our mission has evolved. Our numbers of animals also have grown as we’ve become a bit of a “retirement and rescue” farm. Providing an opportunity to educate others about these animals and the sustainable ways we operate is important to us. We have openings for private farm tours (see link to the left).
Teaching others to use the fiber to create fun and practical items and to experience the magic of working with your hands is also part of the mission and we offer workshops and classes year round (see link to the left).
Our animal family includes Indian Runner Ducks to protect the alpaca from parasites and give us eggs, and donkeys named Hodie and Patrick to protect the alpaca from dogs and coyotes. Our barn cats protect the grain and dogs patrol the farm yard - and keep us company. Now we've added Nigerian dwarf goats, Betty and Veronica, to help control the weeds.
CanDo Acres is proud to sell quality fiber and fiber products. Our inventory includes socks of many sorts, shoe inserts, hats, gloves, mittens, sweaters, blankets, pillows, dryer balls, hand-crafted scarves and headbands, as well as animal-themed bags and purses. We always have something new, including "make and take" kits of projects that are fun for the whole family. Call or text (269) 823-4644 to schedule a private shopping experience.
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 for fiber and fellowship (see workshop/classes).
Follow us on Facebook to see the latest photos and visitor comments.