Big Sky Alpacas
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Big Sky Alpacas |
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Below we have listed some of the more frequent questions people ask us. Give us a call at 610-235-7295 or “Contact Us” and we will be happy to send you information about alpacas. Where are Alpacas from ? Alpacas originally hail from South America, specifically Chili, Bolovia and Peru. Alpacas were first imported to the United States in 1984. Since then our national herd has increased to over 30,000 alpacas
Why should I consider investing in alpacas? For most people, raising alpacas is truly a change in lifestyle. By their very nature alpacas create a relaxing environment. An owner or breeder can expect annual net returns of 25% to 50% once they have achieved the size herd they wish to sustain. Are alpacas difficult to take care of? Alpacas require very little daily maintenance and are very hardy, disease resistant animals. They can be raised on a minimal amount of acreage. About 5 to 9 alpacas can graze on one acre of good pasture. We feed them pellets specially formulated for alpacas, once a day in the summer, and the females are feed twice a day in the winter. They are given orchard grass with 10% alfalfa on a “free feed” basis year round. Mineral blocks are used as well as a free feed dish of granulated minerals. Fresh water should always be available and ideally changed twice a day.
What does it cost to take care of one alpaca for one year? The answer is subject to many variables based upon where you live, availability and price of hay, cost of veterinarian care in your area, and your own ability to provide some basic alpaca maintenance. Basic care is very easy to learn, and part of the instruction we provide free of charge when you purchase alpacas from Big Sky Alpacas. How much do alpacas cost? Alpacas could cost as little as $1,000 to as much as $265,000 which was the highest price ever paid, for a spectacular male herdsire this past year at an auction. Why are alpacas so valuable? The value of alpacas lies in the superb fiber they produce as well as their limited numbers. Since alpacas have an 11 month gestation period, half of births are males and artificial insemination is not an option. Unlike ostriches and emus, alpacas cannot increase exponentially every year thereby decreasing their value. E-mail us! Call Us at 610-235-7295
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