Care and Shelter

Our alpaca farm experiences allow us to help those who are investigating the alpaca ownership and breeding. Able to laugh at our early mistakes, we share our missteps so that others may avoid them. John has proven experience in such areas as balancing a collapsed barn roof on a pole, or pulling corner posts by over-tensioning a fence, "What now?" farm experiences to try to avoid.

Alpacas are hardy and adaptive, making the selection of suitable property relatively easy.  are suitable for an alpaca farming operation. Keep in mind, the alpaca's natural range in South America is one that most Americans would find to be quite inhospitable. It is at an extremely high elevation, and forage is extremely sparse. It is not the type of land that most of us would choose to run a farming operation on!

Purchasing Farm Land requires a bit of planning. If you live in the city or suburbs, suburban counties surrounding metropolitan areas are good regions to look into. You will be within commuting distance of your job and, therefore, be able to continue to work while you establish your alternative farm enterprise.

Pasture Layout encouraging efficient grazing and herd management deserves a good deal of planning. Fences are expensive, and are generally not easily moved! Rotation should be included in the planning to maximize natural forage production.

Farm Fences play a central role in any livestock operation. The wise farm owner will recognize that their fencing is their most important investment. Fences will define the ultimate usability of the land, while facilitating livestock control, predator control and pasture management.

Veterinary care should always be done in conjunction with the advice of a licensed veterinarian. Fortunately, most common procedures and first aide can be done by the alpaca owner. It is very important that the owner know their herd, since even serious problems can develop quickly, with only subtle signs showing at first. When in doubt, contact your vet.

Shearing is usually required once a year. Many alpaca owners fire professional shearers to do this, although it is quite possible to learn to do this oneself.

Feed, of course, is a necessary consideration for any livestock operation.  Alpacas are excellent foragers, and good converters of feed, helping to keep costs down.

Alpaca farms need some basic supplies to care for their animals.  Although easy to care for, there are some regular husbandry procedures that that need to be completed.