Re: [AlpacaTalk] new to alpacas, Denver

Hi Lisa -- another great source of education is www.AlpacaNation.com where there is an extensive library, regular columns written by Marty McGee-Bennett (a leading industry authority in camelid behavior and training) and the Alpaca Research Foundation (a group of scientists, veterinarians, etc. who are researching various health issues pertaining to camelids). There is also the AlpacaNation Forum, which has extensive archives you can review (as well as ongoing dialogue among breeders, "newbies" and other industry representatives about various aspects of the industry). There is a significant discussion/argument going on under "Inside the Industry" there having to do with the introduction of breed standards, and some dialogue regarding genetics as well. It could also be helpful to read the farm pages of member farms in your region to get a sense of what your "neighbors" have to offer, their farm practices and philosophies, etc. There is a regional page where you can view
a list of all the member farms in your area. (Keep in mind, however, that not all alpaca breeders are AlpacaNation members, any more than all alpaca breeders are AOBA members, so in each case you will only get a list of the members of that organization -- and in AOBA's case, only a list of those members who pay extra to be listed on their website).

Have fun! It's a very exciting time for anyone who starts dreaming of new opportunities and futures, but there's lots to learn. You should get information about the various sides of each issue you research (whether those issues are husbandry, genetic, political or whatever) so you can use your best judgment in making decisions. And, of course, don't hesitate to come back here to ask questions, to get clarification of things you don't understand, or in any event, to get our respective opinions (they won't always be the same, but at least you won't have a single-sided perspective of things :-))

Judith Korff
LadySong Farm Alpacas, Fleece & Flowers
Randolph, New York 14772
Farm: (716) 354-6355
Cell: (716) 499-0383
www.alpacanation.com/ladysong.asp
Contributor: www.farm-garden.com

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RE: [AlpacaTalk] new to alpacas, Denver

Hi Lisa, My library had nothing on alpacas when I tried to do that several
years ago. If you go to the Northwest Alpaca website there is extensive
information there. I purchased The Complete Alpaca Book by Eric Hoffman and
the Alpaca Field Manual by Norm Evans before purchasing my animals and found
them excellent preparation to owning these animals. I visited farms before
buying and talked to people on the phone and on groups on the internet and
they were so helpful that I was amazed because like you I thought who would
want to help competition. I came to realize that it is to everyones benefit
to help this industry grow and I think others like myself really love to
talk about our animals and educate people about them. I think you will be
pleasantly surprized when you start calling people with your request to
visit and help out. Flossie

Flossie and Joe Carmichael
GentleGrangeAlpacas
Jamison,Pa.
http://www.alpacanation.com/gentlegrange.asp

>From: "Lisa" <lkcrawford@mail.com>
>Reply-To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
>To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [AlpacaTalk] new to alpacas, Denver
>Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2006 04:38:43 -0000
>
>Hi everyone! I'm new to the group. My husband and I just moved to
>Denver. We're planning to buy some land this summer and thinking about
>alpacas. Neither of us has ever raised any type of livestock. I'm
>planning to head to our library next week for some reading material.
>Just wondering if anyone can recommend how to get started researching.
>I have a million questions ranging from local zoning to pasture
>design/plans to health and care. Also about what to look for (what
>is "good" conformation vs "bad" and what makes good fiber vs bad - ie.
>microns and such). It seems the more I read on the forums the more
>confused I'm getting! I'd like to visit an alpaca farm, maybe even do
>some helping out. Is that ever accepted/desired/allowed? In other
>words if I called up a farm would someone think I was crazy or be
>unwilling to help for not wanting "competition" in the market? Any
>help is appreciated. Thank you!
>Lisa
>

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