Think Steveyos read this before getting a bunch of Alpacas?
seems like one of those "get rich quick" skeems that only legitimate farmers or internet wasteoids would take seriously
http://www.ealpacafarming.com/
Quote:
For thousands of years the Peruvians of South America have run successful alpaca farming enterprises. The alpacas were always used for their fibre, their meat and their milk. Now alpaca farming has become common in many countries, both for their fibre and their meat.
85 Alpaca Farming For The Beginner
The main reason that alpacas are so highly sough after is for their fibre or wool. Alpaca fibre is soft and luxurious, and is a highly sought after natural fibre in the garment industry. Alpaca fibres are spun into wool, which is a beautiful and versatile natural fibre, as it easily accepts dyes, and is easy to use. The fibre is also hypo-allergenic and not itchy. Alpaca wool is warmer than sheep’s wool, and contains no lanolin, and is not prickly, but rather soft to the touch, and glossy to look at. Another benefit of alpaca wool is that it is flame resistant. The market for alpaca wool and fibre is large, and you will be sure to find a profitable market for your alpaca fibre.
Another benefit of farming with alpacas is that the meat is also highly sought after in many countries. The meat is tender, and healthy, as it does not have a high fat content. Selling alpaca meat can offer a generous additional income to your alpaca farm. The milk of alpacas is not generally used for income anymore, as the alpacas only produce enough milk for their offspring. The milk and cheese also have a strong taste, which not everyone enjoys.
Alpaca manure also supplies a good additional income. Because the alpacas do not eat fruits and seeds, their manure is clean, and can be used as it is, without first going through the composting stage.
Alpacas are hardy animals, which adapt easily to varying circumstances. They are used to the extremely harsh climate of the Andes Mountains. They eat only approximately 1 – 2% of their own body weight each day. Feed is made up of fresh grasses and hay. This means that an alpaca will generally eat approximately 120 lbs. (54 kg.) of hay per month in the dry seasons when grass is not readily available. They will also eat young leaves from plants and bushes. Make certain that no poisonous plants are in the paddock, such as acorns, bracken fern, fireweed, azaleas and more. Another tendency that alpacas show is to pick up and chew any plastics they find. This can be fatal, and therefore it is important to keep the paddocks clear of litter.
Alpacas very seldom require special housing for the winter and severe weather, as they are hardy, and well able to withstand the cold. When they have been freshly shorn, this however is not always the best option in severe weather. Extra vitamins and minerals will be needed in cases of poor quality grasses and hay and water found in the area, but generally are also not needed.
You will find that alpaca farming is an exciting development in the agricultural sector, that is well worth investing in.
