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Selecting the right alpaca for you!
- The farm you are working with in the selection of your animals is just as important as the animals themselves. How is their customer service?
Do they go out of their way for you as you prepare to buy your alpaca? If they don’t go the extra mile as you are purchasing, chances are they won’t once you own the alpaca. How well are their animals taken care of, do they look healthy? Do you trust them? Are they knowledgeable about the alpaca business and alpaca care? Do they have any references you can talk to? The time it takes up front is worth it to make sure you will have that support when you need it.
- Consider more than just phenotype (the way an alpaca looks on the outside). Also consider genealogy and offspring to get a true measure of the breeding value of an alpaca.
- Since looking at offspring is important, proven females are a less risky purchase. They have a known track record on birthing and their health. They are experienced mothers, are often lower priced and have their health issues already sorted out. If you have a history of their cria, you can also “custom order” a cria by repeating a breeding that has worked out well. Experienced dams also help mentor the herd’s maidens and first time moms in cria care.
- Alpacas are very social and need company of their own kind. Two is the minimum herd size, more is better.
- Many things affect the cost of an alpaca – age, proven vs. unproven, show quality aspects, pedigree, unusual colors/fineness, guarantees that come with animal, sales venue, need to sell vs. need to buy.
But always remember, you get what you pay for. If you find an alpaca at an extremely low price, there usually is a reason.
- If you are just beginning your herd, males are not necessary – you will get enough of them in your breeding program (50%). Most alpacas come with a breeding, or a rebreeding (if it doesn’t, then ask for one). That means your first year is covered. In your 2nd year, ½ ownership in a herdsire is a great way to get free breedings, trade breedings, and make some extra income.
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