Why buy a registered alpaca? Alpacas are available, still on a somewhat limited basis in North America. They are still pretty rare. Farms/ranches that sell only registered alpacas should be your first criteria. There is no market value in those that are not registered. If they are not registered with ARI (Alpaca Registry, Inc), make sure that they are by the time you commit to buying them. Sometimes little ones are not registered until they are ready to be sold. Just make sure that the dam and sire are registered, but for the best point of judgment to pass on to you is to wait until that DNA is confirmed and that the alpaca you want can be registered. Registration is closed to any alpaca whose parents are not ARI registered.
How do I choose the right alpacas for me? I always go with what I like. If you try to stay ahead or even up with the latest trend, you will not always be on the mark. But, things go full circle. if you have a certain color, just wait, it will return to that sooner or later. First time buyers often let their budget dictate this question. And, like in other things in our lives, we look for deals. Sometimes, your goal gets missed for in "deals", as in any other thing, comes with some down draft! You may not get exactly what you want.
Try to define early on where you want to go with your breeding program. If you can get a handle on this, then the purchasing paramenters are more clear. Sometimes your designs change, but that is okay, it happens with more education and growth in your own knowledge. These parameters will help you with the genetics you will be looking for includes type, color, sex, age, service sire, delivery due date etc.
Huacaya or suri?
Both the huacaya and the suri are Lama paco. They are of different genetics in their fiber type. People who choose either type to begin their operation are passionate about their choice. They have to be. That is their story and they are sticking to it. There is not a bad alpaca, some are just better than others! The person who chooses the suri based on the fact that they can fare better in warmer climates because of the parting of the fiber down the back is not backed up by any scientific evidence. There are farms that raise both phenotypes. Some like the looks of one over the other. Some men like blondes, some like brunettes, it is a matter of choice. The demeanor of the two types appears to be different to me. You must consider the industry support, marketability and the competiton in your area as part of the base for decisions.
How do I know if I am dealing with a reputable seller? This is the tough part. I truly believe that people buy from certain farms because they jive with each other's personality. Some folks may just sound more knowledgeable and trustworthy. Some herds, quite frankly just look better than others. Some farms are cleaner and more orderly. Some herds are quieter, more calm while others are jittery and not so confident acting. I have found that alpacas from the latter types of farms takes quite a while for the alpaca to trust you and to settle down than one from a tranquil farm. As a general observation that I have, the first farm you buy from will be the one you depend upon for help 24/7. Make sure that these folks are available to do that for you. Ask for a reference. Plain and simple. It is just good business protocol to buy from someone whom you are going to be able to rely upon. If you buy from someone else, and expect to get the same courteous response as when you were on that farm as a prospective buyer, well think agian, they are not going to be as receptive to you. It really does not matter to the other farmer that you got a "deal" from one of the 4 Ds (disease,death, divorce or drugs). You cannot expect someone " not to blame you" for taking advantage of 20 alpacas for such a low price! The other farmers are in business to make a living, not to be part of understanding your business decisions. You may be on your own! It gets mighty lonely at midnight and everyone's asleep and you are in a deep trench with a sick cria.
Also, read the contract very carefully.
What color is the best choice? Whatever you like! There is no quarantee on color. You may have a surprise even with the best controlled matings. So, tis better to like them all for you will eventually get all the colors! Read Dr. Sponenberg's paper on color inheritance.
When do I consider buying a herd sire? I believe that this is the most serious of decisions. For when you add boys to your farm, everything changes. That sweet litte group of girls now has a heavy breather in the next pasture. When the little yearlings leave their moms and go to the "big boys" pasture, it is now time to prove prowess and "king of the mountain" on a daily basis if any of the girls are open (unbred). When all are pregnant, things are peaceful. When your herd grows, tis a good idea to try to have a macho pasture that is out of sight and smell of the girls. so plan your pasture enclosures carefully to accomodate for growth and varying stations in the pecking order of your herd.
Is it better to buy a proven dam or a maiden? Do not overlook the dams that have been great producers and have a date of birth that is 1994. These females are not your most beautiful compared to how they were when they were maidens (look at us humans, same deal!) They are worth their weight in gold if they are good moms.
Look at the cria if at all possible, call the owners of the offspring and see how the progeny did as moms when they began to reproduce. To a novice having a problem birth when you are just starting is not fun. It really takes the pleasure out of farming for the fear level is intense. As you get more experience this will wear off and you will be more confident. A maiden who is unproven as a successful birther and/or mom comes with a lot of unknowns. However, most alpacas, when left to Mother Nature, do just fine on their own. It is those few that you have to be prepared for. We will cover these in another session.
Where do I find farms in my area? The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association web site and their Farm and Ranch Guide is your best source.
The web site is AOBA.org. I have not put a link for you on this for there is not an easy way for you to return to this site to finish your study.
Is it safe to transport alpacas across the USA? Yes. This is a very important question. Choose your transporter with care. Get a reference from a farm that you know has used the transporter. Many of the transporters own alpacas or llamas themselves, so are very familair with how to care for them while on the road. One thing I am adamant about is never to transport into the deep south in the summer months unless it is absolutely critical. So try to time your purchases, breeding and transport very carefully. AND MICROCHIP!!
