Tuesday, July 5, 2016

What You Need To Know Before Keeping An Alpaca Nashville

By Joyce Taylor


Some people only get to see exotic animals once in their lifetime, and this might be at a zoo. These days, people are not only keeping animals, which are indigenous to their areas. This has led to the farms which breed and keep birds like peacocks, reptiles like crocodiles, and even camelids like alpaca Nashville. In order to keep these creatures, you need to understand their unique nature and habits. This way you can start to get some returns on your investment.

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.

These beautiful animals may look like they come with a lot of work, but surprisingly they do not. You will need to shear the wool, trim their toenails, and occasionally give them dewormers. However, unlike other animals, you will not be concerned about checking their hooves, or bloating when they eat the wrong thing.

Land size is one thing that may disturb a farmer planning to keep alpacas. However, you can keep about six of them one acre. They will need a pen or a barn where they can sleep, and stay in during extreme weather conditions. When it comes to fencing you can use the normal chain link because they are very easy to control. Although they can jump over fences, these fences need to be low, and this seldom happens.

After meeting one alpaca it would be wrong to assume that they are all the same. They have their own personalities, but they are generally quite friendly to humans and not dangerous at all. Unlike cows or horses, which can easily stay alone, alpacas like to be around others of their kind and permanently isolating them could severely affect the animals.

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.

The cost of these animals will stop you from buying them simply because you like them. You, therefore, have to know from the beginning why you are keeping them. You can choose to raise a herd and sheer their fleeces every year for sale. You may also choose to carefully select them and breed a few. Selling the young crias will bring in quite a bit of money.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment