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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