Alpacas

As a new alpaca owner (herd to come home in early June), I am very excited to start working with the fleece. I have made some sales already, and I haven't even created the products yet. Most people give me a funny look when I tell them we bought a small herd of alpacas, and say there is no money in them. I have found there is either support or there isn't. We will not take the nay sayers comments to heart, as they are most likely uneducated in the world of alpacas. When people ask if there is money to be made with alpacas, I tell them yes...with proper management. It is the same with any business...there has to be proper management.

Alpacas are not as costly to raise as cattle due to their smaller size and less feed requirements. Plus they are raised for their fleece so there is no need for slaughter. These beautiful creatures can live up to twenty five years; that is a lot of fleece. As I was telling a friend about them yesterday, she told me I had to call her as soon as I brought them home. She loves them and can't wait to see them. When I saw her partner later in the day, she had already told him I was getting some. He asked if I was going to knit mittens and socks; if so he would buy some from me. See, sales and I don't have the herd home yet!

I know I have a lot to learn about the alpacas themselves and their fleece. I am planning on making my own yarn, so will be in need of wool carders and a spinning wheel. I will be a very busy girl in the months to come! My daughter and I will be working with the alpacas; perhaps I can teach my son to do the spinning. It would give him the perfect opportunity to do something creative with his hands. (With his limitations due to cancer and surgery, being on his feet for long periods of time is not an option.)

Our main goal in the next two weeks is to build another pen so we can keep the boys separate from the girls. Once we get them home we will be able to let the breeding commence; we should have a few babies next spring. I am limited for time this week however, as I have taken a temporary position as a Census Enumerator. It is interesting and I am hoping to come across an alpaca ranch in my travels. I have seen many cows, horses, sheep and even elk so far...but no alpacas. Maybe today!