As I have experienced becoming an alpaca breeder fairly recently, I have broken down the process into five main categories and have thoroughly covered these in a guidebook that I have written called, ""The Newcomer's Guide to Alpaca Ownership". I will only be able to summarize these stages in this article since there is too much that I have learned and would love to share and not enough room here to do so . I believe that it is important for any prospective alpaca owner to know what will be required of them and prepare, so that each will be able to truly enjoy this new role. (Information about purchasing the book will be posted on this site very soon.)
Stage I: Doing Your Research
Just as in any other area where one desires expertise, a certain amount of background information is necessary. This background can be gained in several ways: by reading well written books, by attending alpaca shows and seminars and by contact with other breeders.
Once some education has been obtained, these are some which questions should be considered such as: Will you raise Suri alpacas or Huacaya alpacas or both? Will you raise them on your own property or agist them at another farm? How many alpacas will you start with? I suggest that the prospective owner write down his expectations for the business on paper and find a trusted breeder with experience to mentor him, being available to guide these early and important decisions.
Stage II : Preparing Your Finances
This stage involves finding a skilled accountant who is knowledgeable about farming and particularly, about alpacas. Your accountant will be the one to help you realistically evaluate what you should spend on this investment, how to best set up your business and how it should be financed.
This stage also includes learning how to keep proper records. An efficient system of record keeping will begin with finances but will also be needed for keeping the data about each alpaca. Several good software programs are available for both of these purposes.
Stage III: Preparing Yourself
In this stage, the prospective owner will need to learn about alpaca care. This includes learning about routine feeding and daily care, alpaca handling and training, breeding, genetics, health maintenance, possible health problems and how to recognize them, developing a relationship with your veterinarian and pasture care.
This sounds overwhelming and is a lot to learn but there are good books and seminars available and you must "apprentice" by assisting a current breeder with hands on care before you are on your own. Your alpacas will be depending on you for their welfare. This is one of the reasons that taking time to prepare yourself is so important.
Stage IV: Preparing Your Property
This stage will require you to prepare the buildings, pastures and fences in which your alpacas will live and to decide how to lay them out for efficient handling of your animals. It is also when you will consider the needs for access to electricity and water supply for your buildings, your sources for grain feed and hay and whether to feed supplements. You will need to test your fields, hay source and water source and you will need to assess and acquire basic equipment. It is best to have a plan for growth of your herd and future plans for additional buildings and more convenient equipment as you grow.
Stage V: Living Your Business
Finally, you have done all your preparation and are now prepared to take the plunge into this exciting business. Now, you have the knowledge to purchase the alpacas which will fulfill your expectations in the business, to develop your name and market identity and to begin to show your animals and acquire professional recognition. Now, you will be able to put in practice what you worked hard to learn about breeding, training, hands on care and personal relationship with your herd.
As you confidently market your business, shear your animals, process and market their exquisite fiber, and finally, sell your alpaca offspring, you will be living your business as alpaca owner and breeder.
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