RE: [AlpacaTalk] Breeders and references
Hi Laura,
I wish there were such a system and there is not. Oh, one can usually begin to tell after a few years in the business…and each of us has anecdotes both good and ill of other breeders, other relationships we’ve had and what became of them.
However, there are some signs that a breeder is of good repute. Are they active in their industry?
Do they speak here and elsewhere with a good attitude and common sense?
Do they offer to help others?
Do they offer the usual additional items in a sale, for instance, all health records, a fitting halter and lead, hay from their area and minerals that the animal has been eating, so that you can slowly adjust the new animal to your food/minerals?
Can you see, feel, lead their animals? Are they tractable?
Do they belong to the Grange in their area, the local Chamber of Commerce or the BB for their area?
Do they belong to their local alpaca affiliate and/or AOBA?
Have they sold to others at farms nearby and are the animals there of the quality that was paid for?
When you query other nearby breeders, do they speak well of their neighbor?
Also, do you see their animals in other’s herds doing well?
Do you see them in the show ring doing well?
Some folks don’t show…but if their animals are quality and have been, they will be bought and shown by others over time.
When you go to their farm, does it look like the animals are well cared for, valued, loved as individuals?
You can usually tell if your inquiries are widely cast…
And, your mentor farm may have a few concise comments about other breeders…
I have known some farms that have bought good studs, but where I won’t breed unless I can have drivebye…which means the studs are good but I’m not too sure that the care is great. When that happens, I will honestly state my concerns before I let someone who is asking for my opinion be injured.
It is like any other industry. None of us wants to bad-mouth someone, but most will tell you truthfully what their own experience is if they’re directly asked.
And, unless I know for sure about another farm, I follow the “Thumper rule”….”If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all”…
It takes a while to earn a reputation, but at least when you are active here and on the other sites, you go to the educational meetings and seminars in your area when you can, you soon learn who tries to inform themselves and who conducts their business openly and in an upright manner.
Best of luck learning about your locality!
Allison
Allison E. Moss-Fritch
New Moon Alpacas
Santa Clara, CA
http://www.newmoona
408/248-3581
From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogro
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 9:24 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogro
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Breeders and references
Hello,
We are pretty new to alpaca farming. Bought our first five last October and another five last June. Had wonderful experience with the first breeder and have an ongoing relationship – she is mentoring us, taught us how to shear and helped with ours this past Spring- even taught me to crochet!
This may be taboo, but are there any lists where you can learn about the ethics and professionalism of different breeders. I understand that the alpaca community is small, however growing. There are so many animals being marketed all over the country and it would be nice to know if there are certain breeders to avoid and of course, breeders that come through for buyers with flying colors.
Our experience with the second breeder was not favorable and I am hesitant to buy long distance without some type of input as to a breeders honesty and integrity.
If only this alpaca community had a rating system like E-bay! I would love to know who the five star breeders are vs the one star!
Any thoughts on this?
Laura Roberts
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA
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posted by Chaddo at 12:47 PM
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