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A new Generation of Farming – Chickadee Ridge Alpacas By Charlie Lavan Chickadee Ridge Alpacas is owned and operated by Charlie & Peter Lavan of Bowdoin, Maine and located at Chase Tavern Farm. This ‘farm within a farm’ is focusing on top quality suri alpacas – but they still maintain a few huacayas in their herd. Originally, Charlie ran his alpaca business under the name Choo-Choo Charlie’s Alpacas. On a beach in Florida a few winters ago, he decided to turn his breeding focus to suri alpacas. The herd now numbers around 30 suri alpacas with 2 retained female huacayas (one of who is aged 17 years). Chickadee Ridge also maintains a number of angora rabbits for wool production and a select flock of egg laying chickens and fancy roosters. One unique aspect of Chickadee Ridge Alpacas is that the owners are currently ages 7 and 11. Charlie, age 11 has been involved with alpacas since he was 2 weeks of age when he attended his first show. Peter attended his first show when he was a bit older- at the age of 6 weeks. 
Charlie has always been a nature advocate and lover of animals. He chose the name as a tribute
to the Maine State bird, the Chickadee. The farm is located on top of a ridge so hence the
name – Chickadee Ridge Alpacas! Both Charlie and Peter are active in the outdoors. Charlie
has already passed his Hunter Safety Courses in both Firearms and Bow Hunting. Both are
avid salt and fresh water fisherman. Both believe in Mother Nature and respect the planet
we live on.The main goal of Chickadee Ridge Alpacas is a simple one... Breed for the best in suri fleece type while maintaining diversity and the highest quality along the way. They are certainly off to a blue ribbon start having done well in the show ring to date. Bloodlines on the farm include many nationally known lines of excellence. Color added quality is coming in via hand selected bred females. So far, most of the herdsires used have been born on the farm from chosen matings to introduce quality and the aspects needed for growth. Every year the idea is to improve upon the next generation. With the help of Tim Lavan, their father and one of the nation’s top alpaca judges in both Suri and Huacaya, Charlie and Peter are on the track of continued excellence. Charlie is the main herdsman in charge of the day to day operations, most of the breeding decisions, halter training and helps with all medical aspects of ownership. He is hands on for giving shots, holding the alpacas for procedures, assisting with the newborns and has aspirations of becoming a zoo veterinarian one day. Peter is the secondary herdsman and assists with manure management, halter training and has begun showing. At his first show he placed with blue ribbons in both the Showmanship and Obstacle classes. His current life goal is to become a professional handler of alpacas. He’s still thinking about what comes after that. Under the watchful eyes of their parents, Charlie and Peter are building for their future. They will maintain a herd size of around 20-25 alpacas. They will continue to active in the day to day operations of the farm and offer high quality production alpacas for future suri alpaca owners. |
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