alpaca leads by
To get your alpaca to walk with you, you will need a lead to attach to
the halter. We like to use 9 foot lead. Ours are lightweight nylon
leads with a small smooth hook for clipping to the halter.
A Brand New Cria Born During the Tour by
Alpaca Information by
The HaSu Alpaca information seminar series is gearing up. The 2011
classes are being scheduled. This year we'll be covering all you
need to know about alpacas for sale, raising alpacas, taking alpaca pictures, marketing alpacas and how to develop an effective breeding program.
Asgaard Poses for the Kids by
Alpacas to be highlighted on The Martha Stewart Show by
Martha Stewart's crew recently spent two days filming at a New York
Alpaca Farm, Faraway Farm. They filmed a wide variety of scenes
including alpaca feeding and care, shearing, and the creation of an
alpaca garment from fleece to finished product.
The segment has yet to air, but we will keep you posted as soon as the date is posted.
A Pause in the Parade by
Ashie's Closeup by
A New Dawn in the Ancient Andes by Mike Safley
The Michell Company, a vertically integrated Peruvian textile manufacturing conglomerate that is known to almost everyone associated with the specialty fiber business.
Alpaca Bedding by
If your farm is located in a cold climate, you will need to have some sort of ground covering/bedding for the alpacas to cush on during the winter. Their thermal zone, where they lose heat most, is around their bellies. So providing a warmer surface than bare soil, clay or concrete is essential.
Alpaca Facilities by Mike Safley
This excerpt taken from the book The Alpaca Shepherd, written by Mike Safley and illustrated by HaSu Ranch owner, Susan Muther, walks both new and experienced alpaca breeders through the process
of building barns and fences appropriate for alpacas. Susan's detailed diagrams and drawings clearly illustrate the successful techniques Mr. Safley has learned in his more than 15 years breeding alpacas, dozens of trips to Peru, and countless conversations with alpaca breeders from all around the world.
Alpaca Fiber from the Textile Point of View by Mike Safley
Once alpaca fleece is in the bag, what is it worth? Understanding what qualities the buyer desires most is the key to getting maximum value from alpaca fiber production.
alpaca halters by
We recommend adjustable (not fixed ring) halters, smaller rather than larger. 2-way adjustable is preferred. You will need one per alpaca.
Alpaca ID Tags & Collars by
Even though it may be easy for you to distinguish one of your alpacas from the another. There will come a time, when confusion arises. To avoid this, it is best to find some method to identify your alpacas, especially those that are just visiting perhaps to breed to your herdsire!
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association by Alpacainfo.com
alpaca tip #22: selecting a herdsire by
The easiest way to improve your herd is through your selection of herd sires. A single herd sire can affect the quality of an entire generation of alpacas on your farm.
Breeding any livestock to reach specific goals requires a certain amount of knowledge and education. The science of genetics -- dominant vs. recessive traits, genotype vs. phenotype, breed type vs. breed standards, sire selection (prepotency and progeny testing), and the random nature of inheritance -- all make planning a breeding program seem quite complicated. But common sense, patience, and practical experience are part of a successful breeding program. You can drive yourself crazy with color, density, fineness, coverage, fleece weight, crimp(huacaya) or lock(suri).
Start simple. Focus on a one key trait first that you decide will ground your alpaca herd. Once you have established your goals, you can select herd sires that will help you accomplish those goals. Read more about Alpaca Herd Sire Selection.
For a guarantee, we look to dominant genes and more importantly, alpacas that are homozygous for their dominant trait, for example, please see our homozygous full-Accoyo suri male, Accoyo Tiago Primo.
alpaca tip #41: correct halter fit by
alpaca tip #48: hydration during transport by
 |
|
Prior to the trip, make sure your alpacas have had all the clean fresh water they want. During transport, they cush (lie down) while the vehicle is in motion and don't drink. Therefore, you should stop at least every 2 hours to offer them water. A good practice is to carry water from home with you. Water obtained along the trip may have a different mineral content. And your alpacas may find it unappealing and decide not to drink. The trip itself and the unfamiliar surroundings may already be creating stress for your alpacas, especially if they are new to traveling. The taste of strange water may add stress and worse cause them to become dehydrated. To prevent this, take enough water for a round trip. Large plastic water jugs with handles and spouts are ideal. You can even find some that are collapsible. |
alpaca tip #57: Planning for Heat by
 |
|
During the summer there are many ways to keep alpacas cool with shade being one of the easiest. Providing adequate shade should be a part of any farm planning. Trees obviously are a natural and readily available shade resource. If there are no trees available, artificial sources should be provided. When using artificial shade such as barns and shelters, we need to recreate the "tree" effect. Trees are tall and broad, allowing nearly unlimited movement of air. A tall roofed broad barn with excellent airflow creates a cool, comfortable environment. A good breeze is worth a thousand words. Take care to ensure the wind can get underneath the animals where their "thermal window" is located. Fans should blow across the barn at floor level (not down from above). Fans placed in series (e.g. all facing the same direction) can create a tunnel effect and cool the barn. Keeping several barn doors or windows open also helps create natural air movement and cooling throughout the barn. Barns should have cross-ventilation so that stagnation does not occur in any area. |
Alpacas Down Under by Mike Safley
This is an old fashioned "on the road" story about traveling the backroads and highways surrounding the city of Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne can easily lay claim to being the alpaca capital of Australia.
Alpaca Facts 1, 2, 3 by HaSu Ranch Alpacas
Few people can see an alpaca and not fall in love. After all, they are adorable, endearing, and quite enchanting. Not a sheep and not a camel. So what are they, where do they come from and what's the big deal about them?
alpaca tip #57: Planning for Heat by
|
|
Prior to the trip, make sure your alpacas have had all the clean fresh water they want. During transport, they cush (lie down) while the vehicle is in motion and don't drink. Therefore, you should stop at least every 2 hours to offer them water. A good practice is to carry water from home with you. Water obtained along the trip may have a different mineral content. And your alpacas may find it unappealing and decide not to drink. The trip itself and the unfamiliar surroundings may already be creating stress for your alpacas, especially if they are new to traveling. The taste of strange water may add stress and worse cause them to become dehydrated. To prevent this, take enough water for a round trip. Large plastic water jugs with handles and spouts are ideal. You can even find some that are collapsible. |
Alpaca Taxes; Why Not Have Uncle Sam Help You Buy Your Alpacas by Mike Safley
Uncle Sam will pay for a portion of the cost of acquiring your herd, assuming
you are currently paying income tax and plan to continue paying income tax over
the next six years. Learn how the new
tax laws can benefit you when purchasing alpacas.
top