INTERESTED IN ALPACAS?

If raising these unbelievable animals is something you are seriously considering, do some research before you think about buying alpacas or a ranch to raise them on. 

Search for reading materials from association websites and alpaca magazines. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and plan to execute those ideas and make them profitable. That mindset, coupled with management, can only help you achieve your goals. You'll be surprised at how many ranches offer seminars on a range of topics. Your barn and pasture layout are critical before buying or bringing any alpacas home. It should be efficient considering the barns' location, paddocks, pastures, catch pens, hay storage (essential), and feeders/waterers. Plan to be flexible because things are constantly changing on the ranch to accommodate the alpaca's needs. We started small and grew into a reasonably large farm quickly. We divided the barn into three separate areas to accommodate pregnant/nursing mothers and their offspring, the other non-pregnant girls, and our yearling boys who are not old enough to join the older herdsires at their barn.

Contact your Accountant about the tax advantages of being a "livestock" breeder. Make decisions regarding breeding. It's truly a chess match and/or a box of chocolates. You'll never know what you'll get, but genetics play a huge role in what you plan to do with them. 

If you want to raise and breed alpacas, you need to learn how to take care of them. Consider what kind of hay and supplements they require and how to store their feed. Also, how to recognize and remove toxic plants to alpacas from your pastures. The list below is not exhaustive, so do your research to be sure.

https://www.openherd.com/users/3270/2018resourcesFolder/Plants%20that%20are%20Poisonous%20to%20Alpacas.pdf