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Author Topic: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas  (Read 17595 times)

Bionic

  • Joined Dec 2010
  • Talley, Carmarthenshire
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #15 on: May 06, 2012, 08:18:11 am »
I was really keen on the alpacas but it looks like a bad move.  So once we get the piggie settled in I will look round for some friendly sheep.
Thanks everyone
Sally
Life is like a bowl of cherries, mostly yummy but some dodgy bits

colliewoman

  • Joined Jul 2011
  • Pilton
  • Caution! May spontaneously talk rabbits!
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #16 on: May 09, 2012, 01:29:14 pm »
Sheep are in my opinion, much more fun :love:
Some of mine will come and lie down next to me if I snooze in the field, they don't have a dung patch, they don't spit and should you end up with one of less than trustworthy character you can eat it or sell it easily ;D
If you do get alpacas do yourself a favour and buy quality, halter trained animals. No point buying someone elses problems ;)
We'll turn the dust to soil,
Turn the rust of hate back into passion.
It's not water into wine
But it's here, and it's happening.
Massive,
but passive.


Bring the peace back

Bionic

  • Joined Dec 2010
  • Talley, Carmarthenshire
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #17 on: May 09, 2012, 01:37:28 pm »
Thanks Colliewoman. 
I was thinking of buying a couple that have good fleece and are halter trained and therefore prepared to pay more for them.  However, I have no intention of taking the risk of introducing TB so I think sheep it will be.

Sally
Life is like a bowl of cherries, mostly yummy but some dodgy bits

bloomer

  • Joined Aug 2010
  • leslie, fife
  • i have chickens, sheep and opinions!!!
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #18 on: May 09, 2012, 01:39:01 pm »
remember rule 1

sheep taste good!!!

Bionic

  • Joined Dec 2010
  • Talley, Carmarthenshire
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #19 on: May 09, 2012, 01:39:33 pm »
yum yum  ;D
Life is like a bowl of cherries, mostly yummy but some dodgy bits

Fowlman

  • Joined Apr 2012
  • Wiltshire
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #20 on: May 09, 2012, 01:49:17 pm »
Our shetland sheep are nicely bucket trained and have fantastic fleeces which come in many colours. Being a small breed easily handled.
Tucked away on the downs in wiltshire.

Anke

  • Joined Dec 2009
  • St Boswells, Scottish Borders
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #21 on: May 13, 2012, 09:26:12 pm »
Please don't do it! The cheaper animals often have awfully bad fleece....and I speak from lots of experience  ::)
The price is dropping fast and many just cannot sell their animals and what with the TB problems aptly put above....just don't would be my advice  :-\

So has the Alpaca bubble burst then?

Re sheep vs Alpacas - you can buy a hell of a lot of sheep for about a grand...

Most sheep if coming from a small flock will already be bucket trained, my Shetlands are really friendly, don't escape and have wonderful fleece. If you don't need to run your holding with the aim of making a living from it, a mixed coloured flock (and different breeds) would give you a lot of fleece to play with, you can eat them and if you live in  :sheep:country your neighbours will be able to help and advise...

Bionic

  • Joined Dec 2010
  • Talley, Carmarthenshire
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #22 on: May 14, 2012, 09:15:49 am »
Anke,
I am not sure that the bubble has burst exactly. I would still like them but won't be buying any.

My grass is nearly knee high in places so will need to get it cut before I think about sheep though. 

Sally
Life is like a bowl of cherries, mostly yummy but some dodgy bits

Blinkers

  • Joined Jan 2008
  • Carmarthenshire
  • Carmarthenshire/Pembrokeshire border
    • Glyn Elwyn - Faithmead Herd
    • Facebook
Re: Interested in getting a couple of alpacas
« Reply #23 on: May 14, 2012, 11:15:30 am »

My grass is nearly knee high in places so will need to get it cut before I think about sheep though. 

Sally

That's your winter fodder sorted then  ;)
Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again !!
www.glynelwyn.co.uk

 

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