Farm Makes Alpaca Dryer Balls

Farm Makes Alpaca Dryer Balls

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

DEKALB COUNTY, ALA -- According to greatlifetips.net, "The average American

household does about 300 loads of laundry each year." Using unnatural

products, such as dryer sheets, creates unnecessary waste and is therefore not

eco-friendly. Additionally, some people are allergic to the chemicals used

in dryer sheets and fabric softeners. "Dryer sheets also leave behind a

residue or coating that makes towels less absorbent and causes children's

clothing to be less flame-retardant," - greatlifetips.net.

Dryer balls are an alternative approach to dryer sheets. Dryer balls prevent

laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and

separating fabric. The action allows the warm air to circulate better, which

can help fight wrinkles, prevent static, and soften clothes. "Alpaca dryer

balls speed up drying time by up to 25 percent," - Reports

Thehomemad eexperiment.com.

For three years Holland Hill Farms has been raising alpacas and making

alpaca dryer balls. The five-acre farm has one Huacaya and two Suri alpacas.

Owners, Jimmy, and Lori Holland wanted to teach their six- and nine-year-old

about animal husbandry and selected alpacas for several reasons. "Alpacas

live 20-25 years and have cloven hoofs, which are easy on the pasture

grass," said Lori. "Alpacas only eat a fraction of what cows eat and caring

for them is relatively easy."

Alpacas require shearing only once annually, however, they do need monthly

injections to prevent parasite infestation.  Deer carry a parasite that when

defecated is tracked through by slugs onto grass that the alpaca might eat.

The parasite has a life cycle of 35 days so injections every 30 days keeps

the alpacas free from this life-threatening parasite. The parasite attacks

the brain of the alpaca and causes them to starve to death.

Another threat to alpacas are predators. The Holland's have a Great Pyrenees

dog, named Sugar, who patrols the property. Sugar helps to keep the deer and

coyotes away and also protects the chickens, the Holland's raise, from

hawks.

The Hollands also wanted to raise the alpacas for the benefit of making

their own dryer balls. "My husband is allergic to the chemical-laden dryer

sheets and fabric softeners," said Lori. Alpaca fibers contain no lanolin,

which makes it hypoallergenic. Lanolin is referred to as "wool wax" which

holds dust and microscopic allergens that create allergies to wool. People

that have wool-based allergies will not be allergic to alpaca. 

According to alapacaunlimited.com - "Alpaca dryer balls should last a year

or longer, depending on usage." The dryer balls can be refreshed by washing

them. Place them in a sock or pantyhose leg and wash them in warm water and then

dry them in a dryer.

On Saturday, November 25, Holland Hill Farms will be selling their dryer

balls at the Black Friday Boutique Market at the VFW in Fort Payne. Hours

6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For additional information go to YouTube Holland Hill

Farms, hollandhillfarms.com, and Facebook.

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