What You Need To Know Before Keeping An Alpaca Nashville

By Joyce Taylor


When you think about keeping domestic animals cows, sheep, goats and horses are what come to mind. Most people keep these animals not just because they like them, but because they provide them with income. Currently, more people have started keeping alpaca Nashville. These small camelids are gentle, easy to take care of and can also give you good money if you invest in them properly.

Alpacas are originally from South America, but these animals are so adaptable, they are currently being raised in different parts of the world. Originally, they were kept for their wool and also for meat. They cannot be used as beasts of burden because their small size, does not allow them to carry heavy loads. The breeds that are easily available are two. Although they are both similar in size and habits, but their fleeces look different.

Keeping alpaca is not as challenging as keeping cows, or horses. These creatures are very hardy, meaning you do not need to keep worrying about calling a veterinary. They also do not have hooves, so all you will need to do is sheer of their fleece, at least once a year.

If you have a small piece of land, about one acre, you can keep about six of them because they do not take up much space. Feeding them will not be difficult either because they are grazers. In this case, you will need a regular supply of grass and hay, as well as lucerne once in a while. If you decide to keep them in pens you can easily fence it with anything because alpaca will not damage the fence.

These animals are curious and pretty intelligent but also come with a range of personalities. You might end up with some that are shy, others which are friendly, and even some which are proud. However, one thing they all have in common is that they are very social. Therefore, keeping them on their own will actually affect their wellbeing.

Most camelids have been reputed to spit at people, but this is very rare. Spitting is normally used mainly between two alpacas who are fighting, or when an older one is trying to discipline a younger one. You will find that these animals are docile in nature, and tend to lie on the ground instead of running when they are in fear. Over-socializing between humans and these creatures is discouraged.

If you plan to start keeping these animals, you first need to decide why you want to keep them this will determine the breed you buy the sex and also their age. If you are keeping them for their wool, most people advise going with gelded males. However, you can also buy two teenage animals of either sex and keep them both for breeding, and for the wool.

As with every venture, you have to be prepared before investing. You can do this by doing some research, and even visiting a farm where these animals are kept. From here you can talk to your accountant, and come up with a business plan.




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