Please be aware that while we provide hints & frequently asked questions we are giving simple responses and each property, district & state will experience different environmental conditions.

We are acutely aware of the concerns and questions newcomers may have, having been potential breeders ourselves not so long ago. Please ask your questions, as we are happy to share our knowledge and experience with curious people.

Where to start?

·        Visit at as many alpaca farms or properties of current breeders as you can, varying in size and location if possible. Understand each farm's approach to raising and breeding alpacas. Take notice of shed, yard and pasture layouts. Look closely at fencing for ideas that might be useful to you. Ask questions.

·        Include a series of small paddocks in your pasture layout. As your herd grows, there are always needs to segregate. Alpacas are by nature very quick to move, and it is easier to corner them for haltering in smaller areas.

·        Subscribe to Alpaca Magazine. This publication contains a wealth of information important to new and established breeders. It is published quarterly, and it is a good idea to contact the AAA (Australian Alpaca Association ) don't forget to order back issues as well.

·        Develop a philosophy and approach to the business for your farm. What will be your long-range objectives? You can always modify these objectives as you gain experience. Possible options are:

Fibre - Focus on fibre quality from the start, purchasing alpacas whose bloodlines have yielded consistently dense, fine and uniform fibre characteristics.

Breeding and Showing - focus on confirmation and appearance of alpacas. However, don't forget that fibre quality is 60% of the measure in the show ring!

Pets - Look for value and animal disposition, as well as the level of halter and lead training. When looking for pets, look for an alpaca with a friendly disposition you need to assess how you can handle these animals. Ask the breeder why the animal has been designated as a pet quality.

·        If your initial purchase is to be 2 or 3 alpacas, think about purchasing bred females with a wether animal as companion. Chances are there are good males to breed your females to within a reasonable distance of your property or mobile mating's can be arranged with other breeders.

·        Have a pre-purchase veterinarian examination of the alpaca you are about to purchase. Check jaw position (bite), teeth, eyes, legs for correctness, heart, lungs and over-all conformation

·        Early on, get recommendations for and locate a good veterinarian - ideally one with camelid experience, although this is not always possible. Understand their fee structure & travel costs etc.

·        A feed supplement may be required, particularly for the winter months. There are several kinds of feed programs, and this is a good topic to cover during your initial farm visits. Everyone has their own thoughts and there are a number of approaches that will work.

·         Locate a good source for hay. Depending on your regional weather you may need to feed out in differing quantities all year round. It goes without saying you should arrange dry storage for hay, mouldy hay is believed to cause miscarriage.

·        When visiting farms looking for animals to buy, notice how much "hands on" care is evident. This can be determined by how the breeder interfaces with the animals in your presence, as well as through questions about the daily routine of the farm. Purchasing alpacas that are used to being touched and haltered makes start-up easier.

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