The primary purpose of this web site is to provide information to people interested in having alpacas as pets. Among other things, you will find answers to the following questions:
- Why do alpacas make good pets?
- Why do I need to have more than one pet alpaca?
- Where do I find a reputable alpaca breeder?
- How much land do I need for my alpaca pets?
- What kind of fencing and yards do I need?
- How often do I need to vaccinate or worm them?
- What kind of shelter should I provide for my pets?
This site is new and, as such, it certainly isn't known to all of the alpaca breeders in New Zealand. If you are working with a breeder that is not listed on this site, it probably means that they aren't aware of this group's existence. Having visited this site, you will at least be in a better position to ask questions of the breeder who is wanting to sell you some pet alpacas.
If you've been looking for pet alpacas for any length of time, you will have seen them listed on TradeMe and advertised in local newspapers. We encourage you to look beyond the price you are going to pay for your pets. Visit a few farms, observe the
relationship between the alpacas and the breeder and look at the condition of the entire herd. Are their toenails nicely trimmed or are they long and cracked? As you walk through the paddocks, do the alpacas run away from you or do they seem interested and not afraid of you? Ask the breeder if he or she is going to support you should you need some advice on how to look after your pets in the future.
You shouldn't expect alpaca pets to be like dogs. If anything, they are more like cats. They may come around to have their neck scratched or to eat out of your hand, but they will soon be off, preferring to have their own space. |
This site is aimed at providing information to potential buyers of your male alpacas. If you are a member of the Alpaca Association New Zealand, you are welcome to be listed on this site, free of charge, as long as you are happy to answer the questions that buyers are encouraged to ask.
As an alpaca breeder, you will have your own vaccination protocols, your own view of when to castrate males, and your own schedule for worming, trimming toenails, etc. You are encouraged to convey that information to prospective buyers of your male alpacas.
As mentioned above, there is no charge to be listed on this site. You shouldn't have to spend your hard-earned money to prove you are a reputable alpaca breeder.
Once you agree to be listed on this site, we will work with you to create a full web page (free of charge) devoted to you, your farm and your alpacas. While the intention is not to list individual alpacas for sale, you will be able to describe your herd, your breeding goals, and anything else you wish to mention. This site is not about selling your females or hiring out your stud males.
We hope that you will decide to be listed on this site.
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