Parris Hill Farm Alpacas
Selectively Breeding Exceptional
Alpacas
with
Pride,
Commitment &
Success
Tips for
Prospective Alpaca Breeders
Visit as
many farms or ranches as possible of current breeders (we recommend at
least six), varying in size and
location if possible. Understand each farm's philosophy and approach to
raising and breeding alpacas. Notice barn and pasture layouts. Look
closely at fencing for ideas that might be useful to you. Keep in
mind that no two farms will be totally alike. What works at one
farm may not work at another. Be
aware of the demeanor and attitude of the alpacas on the farm,
particularly when it comes time to purchase. Ask lots of
questions, and remember, there is no such thing as a "stupid
question". Take notes.
Subscribe to
Alpacas
Magazine. This publication contains a wealth of
information important to new breeders. It is published five times a
year. It is also a good idea to consider ordering back issues as
well. Another excellent
magazine for Alpaca resources is American Livestock.
Develop a philosophy and approach to
the business for your farm. What will be your long range objectives? You can always modify these objectives
as you gain experience. Possible options are:
- Fibre Arts - Focus on fibre quality from the start purchasing alpacas whose bloodlines have yielded consistently dense, fine and uniform fibre characteristics.
- Breeding and Showing - focus on confirmation and appearance of alpacas. However, don't forget that fibre quality is 50% of the measure in the show ring!
- Pets - Look for value and animal disposition, as well as the level of halter and lead training. When looking for pets, you do not have to settle for animals with an obvious problem.
Whenever
possible, include
a series of paddocks in your pasture
layout. As your male and female population grows and with the
periodic need for bio-security quarantining of Alpacas coming on to
your farm, there are always needs to segregate.
If
your initial purchase is to be
2 or 3 alpacas, think about purchasing
a bred female or a pet
quality animal. Chances are there are good males to breed your females
to within a short range of your farm and the need for a "quality" male
is in direct proportion to the number of your breeding females.
Don't "bottleneck" your gene pool by constricting the males in your
breeding program.
Include
a veterinarian in your buying
decisions when possible. At the least, have a pre-purchase veterinarian examination of
the alpaca you are about to purchase. Check jaw position (bite), teeth,
eyes, legs and topline for correctness, heart, lungs exterior
reproductive organs and over-all confirmation.
Early
on, get recommendations for and locate
a good veterinarian - ideally one with camelid experience,
although this is not always possible. Understand his or her fee
structure. No matter
the experience level of your vet, get "involved and participate"
yourself in the medical care as much as possible. Most
importantly, ask questions. Because of their short time here in
North America, Alpaca care is a learning experience for all of us, even
for the most experienced vets.
When
visiting farms looking for animals to buy, notice how much "hands on care" is evident. This can be determined by
how the breeder interfaces with the animals in your presence, as well
as through questions about the daily routine of the farm. Purchasing
Alpacas who are used to being touched and haltered makes start-up
easier.
Locate a good source for hay. You
are going to need roughly a bale per week per Alpaca in the winter and
somewhat less in the summer. The "dry matter" protein level should be
about 12 to 14%,
not higher or too much lower. It is a good practice to do a
comprehensive analysis of your hay that will include protein content, at least the first time you use it, and
then periodically from then on. This can generally be arranged through
your local feed store. Once you find that source for good hay
(use the experience of other breeders in your area in your search), if
the protein levels are slightly off of the recommended amounts, you
can, to a certain extent, compensate by adjusting the grain
intake. It goes without saying you should
arrange dry storage for hay.
A feed
supplement is recommended, particularly for the winter months.
There are several kinds of feed programs, and this is a good topic to
cover during your initial farm visits. Everyone has there own thoughts
and there are a number of approaches that will work. Parris Hill Farm
uses an "alpaca specific" feed developed by Dr. Norm Evans, a renown
and well-respected camelid vet. It comes in two varieties - a
"Growth & Lactation" mix for young cria and pregnant &
lactating females and a "Maintenance E" for the rest of the
herd. We also give our herd "free choice" mineral supplements and
to a selective group, fiber nutriments for enhanced fiber development.
History of the Alpaca
| Alpacas 101
Links & Affiliations
Linda & Bill
Ley
637 Brownsville Hartland Road | Brownsville, Vermont 05037
Phone / Fax (802) 484-3200
Leys@ParrisHillFarm.com