Your First Year
While in the excitement of researching your new alpaca farm, you never think about all that is going to happen to you in that first year.
Who would have thought that bringing your herd home would be like having a newborn baby in the house? There's no sleeping, unless of course, you sleep in the barn.
Who would have thought that you would spend more time in the barn than your own home? This is because you want too!
Who would have thought that because your alpacas are bred when you purchase them, that you would have to do the next breeding?
Who would have thought that the first cria born on your farm would be one of the most precious things in the world? How do you ever sell that alpaca?
Who would have thought that weaning that first born cria would be so heart breaking? After all they are alpacas right?
Who would have thought halter training that first cria would be such a pleasure? They have trusted you for months and now that all pays off.
Who would have thought the first trip to a show or an event would be so exciting for you but so stressful for that alpaca?
Who would have known? So much happens in that first year but there's nothing that says "why did I do this" it's all great things!!!!
Purchasing Your Alpacas
The most important item on your alpaca farm is YOUR ALPACAS!!! Make sure that you have done your research and homework before purchasing anything.
The main objective of an alpaca farm is to sell you alpacas. Unfortunately, this can come at all costs to you the buyer. DO YOUR RESEARCH - about the farm, the owners, their herd, the alpacas that you are interested in.
YOU AS THE BUYER SHOULD:
- check out the sellers herd and make sure the herd looks healthy, well fed, and well treated
- check out the facilities, are there dung piles everywhere, does the facility look kept up?
- check out the animal's health records (you may want to see if you can get a copy because it probably will be a little confusing, then let your vet review them)
- make sure you feel comfortable with the sellers
- ask for a copy of their contract to review
- request an exam from the vet
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