How To Choose Your First Alpaca
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by: cindy
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Making good choices when purchasing your first alpacas is very important, not only for financial reasons but for the future growth of your herd and your eventual success. While all alpacas are very special and cute in their own right, buying from emotions or pressure will not necessarily ensure a good quality starter herd.
It is often stated, “Buy the best you can afford” true in a sense but never dismiss the fact that some breeders will sell a comparable animal for less than others. Why, you ask, well for various reasons. Maybe they need to move some animals and lessen the size of their herd. Maybe they keep some at lower prices because they want your business and would like you to come back to purchase again. Some may just need capital for personal reasons, but beware some of these good deals may not be what they appear. Why as a breeder do I write these statements? Because bottom line is all breeders you visit want to be the one you pick to purchase from, after all, we are all in business.
I do not say this to shock you but to help you make good solid well informed decisions. I want you to succeed in your new endeavors, why because it secures the future health and stability of the entire industry.
It is so very important to do your homework. Visit several breeders, don’t just buy from the biggest or the first person. After all most of us who begin this venture do so with funds which have come from years of saving or investing and we need to make smart informed choices.
Ask questions, glean the truth, read, read, read. Learn what to look for in an animal, their conformation, bloodlines, temperament and yes the follow up reputation of the ranch you are considering purchasing your animals from. Ask for references.
It is so very important that after the purchase, you have chosen a ranch which will be there for you. You will have questions, and you will need information on the care of the alpacas both in normal circumstances and emergency. You want to purchase from a ranch that will stand behind the animals they sell.
I am proud to say in the years we have enjoyed being a part of this industry we have seen and heard of countless times breeders have stood behind their clients, offering help in times of trouble, helping to transport sick animals and sitting with other new breeders at the hospital in the middle of the night. Driving longs distances to help with a first or difficult birth. Believe me that is the kind of established breeder you want to purchase from. Breeders who support you as your herd continues to grow into greater size and thus places you in an established ranch category.
Sadly, I have also seen new breeders who have purchased on impulse and have suffered both emotionally and financially due to their choice. Many of us have been there in the middle of the night to help new breeders who purchased from a ranch that have long forgotten them. Thankfully, most established breeders are wonderful, caring and supportive people.
Make sure you have obtained a good purchasing agreement (contract) which clearly states what your are purchasing as well as any negotiated extras, get it all in writing. This leaves room for no future misunderstandings.
Consider insuring your herd to protect your investment. Make sure your ranch is set up for the safety of your new animals. Learn about the care and feeding needs before you bring them home. Also make sure you have a good personal working relationship with a veterinarian who has prior knowledge of your ranch location before a emergency occurs. Establish a relationship with other alpaca breeders in your area. Exchange emergency information, such as cell phone numbers, animal evacuation procedures, transport etc. in case of fire, earthquake, tornadoes etc.
A good working relationship with other breeders will allow you to not only to help each other, but will form a networking group for marketing purposes as well as fellowship between ranches. In our area, our local breeders get together once a month for an evening of fun, food and socializing. We have not only had times of fun but have also been able to be there for each other in times of emergency.
Consider joining the local alpaca affiliate associated with the national breed association. (AOBA- Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association) Get plugged into some new buyers clinics, go to an alpaca show, search the internet and buy some good informative books on alpacas.
In closing, purchase from a breeder from which you get good input, feel comfortable and who is proving to you by means of good follow up and honest communication that they are going to be there for you both before and after the sale. Alpacas are a wonderful, peaceful and great lifestyle, one if entered into intelligently will yield years of profit and fulfillment.
About the Author
Darlene Crosby Mother Lode Alpaca
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