Get Informed About Alpacas

There is always more to learn so don't worry about trying to know everything, just start with some of the basics. There is good information at Alpaca Canada and from many farm websites

• History and characteristics of alpacas
• Factors that affect quality and price

Visit Alpaca Farms

You learn a great deal by visiting a number of farms and asking lots of questions

• Look at various alpacas from a range of prices, ask the breeder to explain the differences
• Ask breeder to point out things to look for with body conformation
• Get your hands in the fleece, ask question about the differences between animals
• Pay attention to farm set-up, ask what works and what doesn't (take notes)
• Inquire about prices and the possibility of package deals
• Ask about services provided prior to and after purchases
• Get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with the breeder
• Ask about records as well as herd health and maintenance routines
• Find out what they do with their fleece
• Take pictures to help remember later especially if visiting a number of farms
  

Have a Plan

• Consider where you might like to be with regards to your farm in 5 years
• Take into account whether you wish to be a hands-on farmer or more interested in the investment potential (perhaps boarding or agisting the alpacas makes more sense than running your own farm)
• Consider how large you would like your herd to become
• If looking to have a few animals on a hobby farm, consider ‘Fibre’ or ‘Companion’ (non-breeding) animals as they are usually lower priced than breeding animals
• If interested in being an alpaca breeder, consider whether you want a small breeding herd (5 or 6 alpacas) to grow over time or a larger breeding herd (more than 10 alpacas) that can produce income sooner
• Think about your future target market
• Consider whether it might work better to buy females only and purchase stud services as needed or to purchase studs to have on farm
• Take into account your financial resources and availability of financing from various breeders

 Purchasing

• Get hands-on knowledge of the alpacas being considered
• Ask to see any records related to these animals
• Ask about health and breeding history
• Consider only those that fit with your plan
• Consider accessibility of breeder for support both before and after purchases
• Take into account costs of transporting animals
• Factor in services provided with purchases, these are valuable
• Use a written contract, negotiate terms that you are comfortable with, ask about guarantees
• Deal with breeders who you feel comfortable with

For more information, see Alpaca Canada’s Tips For New Buyers