Visit Several Alpaca Farms
 

A minimum of three farm visits should be a prerequisite before deciding to move ahead. There is a multitude of knowledge that most alpaca owners are MORE than willing to share with you. To get a well rounded, truly objective view, visiting several farms is important.

You will quickly become aware there are many strategies to draw from and use for your particular situation. These visits are probably where you will ultimately decide if alpacas are for you. ...and be sure to ask to handle the alpacas while you are there!

As you visit farms, keep in mind that the breeder you buy from is at least as important as the animals you buy. These are the people you will look to for support and to answer your questions down the road. There is much to be learned in the first few years, so they should seem willing to provide you with long term support and not view you only as an income source.  

The breeder should answer questions in a clear, honest manner, not dodge them or make you feel foolish for asking. Some breeders know more about some things than others and that’s perfectly acceptable, but if asked, a good breeder will be willing to find an answer for you.

Be aware there is no such thing as a perfect alpaca. Breeders should be agreeable to discuss faults and problems right along with the positive points they are pointing out, so do ask them! They should also be willing to tell you that certain animals may not be right for your situation or goals.

Posh facilities are nice but certainly not necessary. Don’t make the mistake of judging a breeder by how big their barn is. Of far greater importance is the cleanliness and safety of the farm, and the health and happiness of the animals. Do they have adequate space, shade, shelter, edible hay and clean water? Animals forced to live with inadequate provisions, and / or over-crowded conditions tell a lot about a breeder and what you may expect from them if an issue were ever to arise. It may also shed light on the health and condition of the animals you may be buying.

Every industry has it’s bad players and if you sense a breeder is more of a “used car salesman” than a genuinely committed breeder, simply move on, there are plenty of other breeders that are sincere in their commitment to the alpaca industryand the improvement of North American alpacas.  

Visit alpaca shows and events in your area

Shows are an excellent way to experience a lot of alpacas in one place.  At shows, ask if you can see and touch the ribbon winners. Most breeders are willing to show off their best animals. Here you can learn to recognize and appreciate the traits of excellent animals.  Click here for upcoming shows in the US

If you decide to move ahead into an alpaca breeding business, prepare a business AND marketing plan

This step is not only critical for anyone wanting to begin a business, but it is an invaluable tool for everyone to pose questions and anticipate problems that may have not even been considered.  Exploring the risks and expenses now, will prepare you for bumps in the road, and help you avoid possible mistakes in the future. Click here for our Alpaca Business Planning Pages and Alpaca Business Plan Template.

Marketing in any business is a critical element for success. Developing a marketing plan for your alpaca business is no different. There are many alpaca marketing seminars held by farms through out the US. They are well worth anyone's time who is serious about starting an alpaca breeding business. There are also tips on marketing on the AOBA web site.