RE: [AlpacaTalk] Breeders and references
Thank you, Allison. The breeder we had a major problem with came across as VERY well versed in alpacas and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, AOBA, in all honesty, seemed to be and do everything a responsible breeder would do.
Unfortunately, our issue was regarding one male of three we purchased. He was 4 years old and knocked me down two weeks after we had him. He jumped on my husband, also. The breeder didn’t want him back and then reluctantly agreed to take him back but would not give us a refund or credit towards another. She was basically in denial about him and then blamed me. Said he was a sweet boy who would come when called and gave her kisses. (that should have been red flag #1) We drove over 500 miles to pick up this package deal and she wanted us to drive back to return him. His aggression escalated to the point we felt the only answer was to euthanize him. Three other farms turned him down after hearing our issues and the vet agreed that his aggression was dangerous to us, especially our children. He weighed 185 pounds and was very strong.
Our last interaction with him, prior to the decision to euthanize him, resulted in my husband using a lightweight fence panel as a shield to keep him off of him and when he couldn’t jump on him, he bit him! It was all very scary. She blamed me for my lack of alpaca experience (yet I have horses, goats, herding dogs, lgds etc) She feels we shouldn’t have euthanized him- we should have put him in a rescue facility. Well, I couldn’t find any around here and the closest thing was another farm and they didn’t want him because of the liability with visitors, etc. I was also very reluctant to rehome him due to the liability issue.
So, while we did get a good package deal on the boys and one girl, we had a horrible experience with this male and the breeder did NOTHING to help us. I did tell her that if I learned anything through this, it was that I need to support anyone who buys from me and my reputation is far more important than the few lousy bucks she pocketed for my dead alpaca.
I am still very bitter about this and will be very gunshy about buying in the future, especially long distance. I do have to admit, though, that the majority of alpaca people I have met have been wonderful. The breeder we bought our first five from is a good friend and even took the time and patience to teach me to crochet!
Thanks, again, for your tips and advice. I do appreciate it!
Laura Roberts
R Half Pint Farm
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posted by Chaddo at 6:18 PM
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