Hi
We are just about to invest in some Alpaca's but we currently only have 4 acre's so we cannot work towards profits from breeding and I wanted to question our motives and options before we paid out for anything.
Our intentions are to use them as an attraction for the holiday lets, to use the fibre for crafts, possibly craft workshops (we will eventually have 4 holiday lets and live in walking distance from 3 decent sized caravan parks, so profiting from holiday makers could be possible), to guard the chickens and maybe sell one or two.
On this basis we are looking for friendly animals with good a good fleece.
Currently we are bringing in an income from other work which we hope to reduce /give up in the near future and this is why I am questioning our motives, we want alpaca's but can we make them at least pay for themselves.
I wondered if there was anyone out there making a profit or covering their costs or should these be considered a luxury animal (I am not bothered about the initial purchase price, just running costs so to speak).
I also realise there are alot of farmers who have strong opinions about these been a waste of time but I was interested to hear from anyone who had alpaca's.
All info/experiences/advice welcome
Thanks
K