Note for

When you get right down to it, most alpaca owners are "newbies"--some of us are just newer than others! In an industry that is just a little over 20 years old (based on the first alpaca imports) there are still many questions to be asked and answered, and much more to be learned about this fascinating livestock.

That being said, most of us who consider ourselves "newbies" have been bitten by the alpaca bug and are either looking into, or just starting out in, the alpaca livestock industry. More than likely we are just beginning to get an understanding of how much we don't know about these captivating creatures who have stolen our hearts. We don't even know enough to know what we don't know! The good news is that the learning curve is steep and fast once you start the process.

In this section, my intent is not to duplicate excellent information that is already out there, but to give my thoughts and perspectives on my journey to learn more. As this section starts to take place I envision the inclusion of website links; recommended books, etc. I hope you enjoy.

Dianna Jordan

Reflections on the first 10 months...not in any particular rhyme, reason, or order. In the first 10 months I learned:

That, as a whole, the alpaca industry is filled with wonderful people willing to enthusiastically share their knowledge and resources.
That alpaca people know how to have fun.
That attending shows, seminars, and other alpaca events are great ways to "meet and greet" diverse people, with diverse backgrounds and interests, who share a common interest in alpacas.
That the only stupid questions are the ones that aren't asked.
That there is a softness that will rival a babies bottom....the muzzle of a cria.
The feeling of satisfaction that comes when the skittish female, with the import personality, allows you to walk within a foot or two of her when she is cushed.
The importance of having a contract in place, particularly between friends.
That all you have to do is ask for help and it is there.
That nothing stops you in your tracks or brings a smile faster than when a cria starts to pronk--unless a mom starts to pronk and that brings outright laughter.
That a cria eating pellets out of your hand feels like feathers across your palm.
That the squeal of laughter and look of wonder and enchantment on the faces of your grandchildren when they are around the alpacas is priceless.
That wet Huacayas are a pretty pitiful sight.
That after 37 years of marriage, my husband and I are still discovering new worlds and trying new things.
That projects are going to cost more and take longer than originally planned.
That the papers in the "I'll record that information tomorrow file" really pile up fast!
That a morning cup of coffee while sitting on the deck overlooking the moms and crias is a great way to start the day.
That the "nay sayers" are either trying to protect us from ourselves or are jealous, or both.
That our grown children support us in our endeavors as much as we supported them in theirs.
That, as our daughter said, we have life in our pasture again.
That although alpacas may have "spits and spats" among themselves, in time of perceived threat or crisis they band together for support.
That "S - _ - _ - T" really does roll downhill--particularly when your trying to rake alpaca "beans" into a pile.
That some alpacas may form their own groups within a herd, but they all co-exist--regardless of size, color, age, or country of origin.
That there is life after the corporate world and, as Rick Horn would say, that "life is good"

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I enjoyed thinking about and recording them. I will add more to these reflections as they come to me--usually when I am "poop scooping." That seems to be when my best ideas come to me :-).

Recommended Reading:

Alpaca Health and Care

Of the many excellent books available, I consider the following to be essential and "must haves" for alpaca owner breeder's:

The ALPACA Field Manual C. Norman Evans, D.V.M.

If you own and breed alpacas and only have one book in your library, this must be it. Expect this book to become dog-eared and worn...if it doesn't, you are not using it the way it is meant to be used!

Llama and Alpaca Neonatal Care B Smith, K Timm, P Long

A "must have" if you intend to breed alpacas. Basic information presented in a straight-forward, easy to understand manner.

Personal note: if you intend to have cria born on your ranch, please attend a neonatal clinic.....for your peace of mind and the health and safety of your alpacas.

The Complete Alpaca Book Eric Hoffman

The title says it all. This book is a compilation of articles and input from some of today's top alpaca experts. From history and origin to the care of the geriatric alpaca....and all points in-between. This book contains a wealth of information for those wanting to immerse themselves into the world of alpacas.

Alpaca Handling and Training

The Camelid Companion Marty McGee Bennett

Marty McGee Bennett has devoted her professional life to the well being of llamas and alpacas and the education of camelid enthusiasts. Marty brings a variety of experience and qualifications to her work with camelids, including a B.S. degree in Animal Behavior. Marty’s combination of TTEAM, with the principals of balance and leverage and a second sense with both camelids and people make “Camelidynamics” the world’s most popular, and enduring training/handling system for camelids.

Marty has taught the principles of animal handling to veterinarians and veterinary students at veterinary schools around the county and was the only non-DVM invited to contribute to the Veterinary Clinics of North America series on Camelids.

http://www.camelidynamics.com

Links

Farm

There are many individual farm websites that provide valuable information to prospective alpaca owners or "newbies." When I was beginning my research I found the following farm website to be a "one-stop" source of information. For a complete listing of all the available topics and information, be sure to click on the "Site Map."

Gateway Farm Alpacas www.gateway-alpacas.com

Research and Information

AFCNA Alpaca Fiber Coop of North America www.afcna.com

AOBA Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association www.alpacainfo.com

AlpacaNation www.alpacanation.com

Website created and maintained by Dianna Jordan

This site was last updated 01/18/08