Getting Started

Getting Started With Alpacas

There are a number of things to consider before launching into alpaca ownership. First, talk to and visit as many existing breeders as possible. You'll gain insight into the variety of ways different farms have structured their operations and their businesses and you'll begin to develop an eye for the types of alpacas you like.

The key for any new alpaca owner or breeder is to understand what draws you to these animals and what type of business or lifestyle you want to create around that. You can choose to become a breeder and breed and sell breeding stock and services. You can invest in alpacas by buying them but keeping them on another farm (agisting) or by co-owning them with another buyer. You can enter the show circuit and raise and train show animals. You can raise pet quality animals for companionship and pleasure. You can focus of fiber and fiber arts. You can operate a farm store and sell alpaca end products (yarn and sweaters, for example) and by products (fertilizer, for example). Alpacas can be a huge additional draw to an agritourism operation or form the basis for creating one. Some of these could be big money operations, others are not.

Once you've defined your own interests and goals, look for shows and seminars and workshops in your area. The more you can educate yourself about all aspects of alpacas and the alpaca business, the more informed your choices will be. Then, based on this information, you can (and should!) develop a business plan to help you define how you can best meet your goals. Many existing breeders are willing to help new alpaca owners with this.

Some new alpaca owners begin with a few geldings to test the waters. Others begin with a few bred females and grow a herd slowly, learning as they go. Others begin with an entire herd, so that they are "in business" immediately. All of these (and many more) methods can be successful, the important thing is for you to understand what your own goals and expectations are and to choose a plan that can get you there.

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