Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Friday, February 04, 2011

[AlpacaTalk] Peruse our perfectly pleasant Persnickity Poltergeist!

 

We're passionately pleased and proud with our Crossfire's Persnickity Poltergeist! "Persnickity" is by far one of the loveliest females we've bred. She is loaded with bright luster (and I mean BRIGHT) and drapped with tight pearl locks from her top knot to her toes. This female is downright gorgeous! Look at our lusterous, blindingly white Suri girl at:

http://www.openherd.com/alpacas-for-sale/32983/crossfires-persnickity-poltergeist

Roger and Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas, LLC
Marydel, MD
www.dragonflyalpacas.com

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posted by Chaddo at 4:36 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] A Sweetheart Deal!

 

Valentine's Day is upon us once again. Roses never last and chocolate can be fattening. Instead, we are offering a deal that keeps giving for years to come!

For the month of February, Dragonfly Alpacas is offering a 10% discount on any Suri alpaca on the farm! Visit our web site and take your pick and surprise your sweetheart with one of these beauties.

www.dragonflyalpacas.com

This does NOT apply to any package deals.

Roger and Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas, LLC
Marydel, MD
www.dragonflyalpacas.com

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Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
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posted by Chaddo at 3:49 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

            Did you mean this for Jessica?  I have 21 alpacas and they are separated by gender and the boys by size and age.  My big studs are with the gelded llama and my little boys are together.  All my girls are together (13) unless we have nursing moms and then I keep nursing moms and cria separated from “all the single ladies” because we give more alfalfa mix hay to nursing moms in the winter. 

 

            As far as shearing goes, I learned two years ago and have assisted multiple farms during shearing and we have sheared our own for two years until this year.  With 21, it takes too long and I am too exhausted when it is over at midnight or 1 am.  Also, I think the pro can give me a better blanket and fewer seconds.  My jobs didn’t look bad except our one big male at 180 lbs who absolutely refused to let us flip him onto a table or be restrained on the ground.  Even with drugs!  I need the pros to show me how it’s done.  And he is a beautiful fawn boy with fiber to die for so this year, we’ll get all of it and he will look good, too!

 

            If I only had ten or less, we would do our own.  It is not the difficult and can save money, but it is tiring and I want it all done in one day.

 

Laura Roberts

R Half Pint Farm

Spotsylvania, VA 

 

From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Wayne Smith
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 9:50 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

 

Hi Laura:
Definately keep them seperated. That way you there will be no surprises.

By for now, Wayne
http://jubileeacres.net
http://wordsmith.fateback.com
http://bramblewoods.com/

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posted by Chaddo at 3:29 PM 0 comments

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Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

                 Jessica get a hold of Steve and he will be able to help you with a shearer,worming needs in your area,preg.testing,ect.You are lucky to be so close to a leader in the industry.He won't mind helping you.My guess is if your girl is fertile she is likely pregnant already.Alpacas are happiest with a friend but keeping these guys together is not a good idea for many reasons.I would not stress them right now due to this weather.I would wait till the temps get back to normal then moving them across the gate from each other would be a good idea.You can call me antytime  or e-me if you have a question....BUT Steve is close and can really help ya.   I have had Alpacas for 11 yrs.

Tina Hunt 636-459-8930

Elkhorn Alpacas
traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
From: jessica67401 <jessica67401@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, February 4, 2011 9:54:26 AM
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Yes, both the boy and girl are ARI registered and I have all of their paperwork. I know the boy is proven, I'm not sure if the female has had any prior cria's but I can find out. Like you I didn't care too much about details. I just wanted some Alpacas. We came across them at a reasonable rate because their owner was having health issues and was selling off livestock to fund medical expenses, sad really. At any rate I'm assuming that they probably kept the boys and girls together so they may have bred before I even got them. Its been almost a week since we got them and the past 3 or 4 days they haven't done much but huddle together because its been snowy and cold here. Alpacas are social animals so will the girl not be lonely if I graze and house her seperatly?

There is no way that I would even attempt to shear anytime soon. I will be paying someone for that!


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posted by Chaddo at 8:14 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Well my intention was never to build up a herd, they are indeed just pets for the time being. If we decide its something we enjoy I guess we might think about that down the road so its good to get as much info as possible.

--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, hrpufnstuf13@... wrote:
>
> Hi Jessica,
>
> Unless you plan to breed fiber animals, I would make sure your animals have the breeding qualities you will need in order to build up your herd. The last thing you need in this economy, is lots of animals you can't sell other that "pets".
> Good fleece quality is equally as important for fiber production. There are many sources for information out there, enjoy the "learning journey".
>
> I think everyone's advice to get in contact with Steve Hull is spot on!
>
> Dede Crout
> Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
> Marydel, MD
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>

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MARKETPLACE

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Get great advice about dogs and cats. Visit the Dog & Cat Answers Center.

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posted by Chaddo at 8:02 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Yes, both the boy and girl are ARI registered and I have all of their paperwork. I know the boy is proven, I'm not sure if the female has had any prior cria's but I can find out. Like you I didn't care too much about details. I just wanted some Alpacas. We came across them at a reasonable rate because their owner was having health issues and was selling off livestock to fund medical expenses, sad really. At any rate I'm assuming that they probably kept the boys and girls together so they may have bred before I even got them. Its been almost a week since we got them and the past 3 or 4 days they haven't done much but huddle together because its been snowy and cold here. Alpacas are social animals so will the girl not be lonely if I graze and house her seperatly?

There is no way that I would even attempt to shear anytime soon. I will be paying someone for that!

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
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posted by Chaddo at 7:54 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Steve's Alpaca farm is just a few miles down the road from us. I visited last year during National Alpaca Farm Days. They keep their males and females seperate which is what made me question the notion that they "precautions" didn't need to be taken to avoid an unexpected cria.

--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, Tina Travis <traviselkhornalpacas@...> wrote:
>
> Yes Jan!!!  Steve is a good suggestion.I second that.Jessica I can get you more
> contact information for Steve. Would you like that Jessica??
> Tina Hunt 636-459-8930
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Jan Davis <jandavis@...>
> To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> Cc: "Hull, Steve" <steve@...>
> Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 6:56:54 PM
> Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question
>
> you have been misinformed that breeding must take place covertly. an
> open female and a healthy stud will have NO PROBLEM breeding wherever
> the female is positioned.
>
> I suggest you have a chat with an experienced breeder (not the person
> from whom you purchased your alpacas), before you consider doing any
> breeding. Save yourself time, money and heartbreak.
>
> If you are anywhere near Steve Hull (Arcadia), you couldn't get much
> better advice.
>
> Jan Davis
> Derwydd Alpacas
> 24497 County Road 23
> Esparto CA  95627
> 530-787-0007
> cell 530-908-1506
>
>
>
>
> On 2/3/2011 4:38 PM, jessica67401 wrote:
> >
> >
> > I have a 1 girl who is 3 a boy who is seven and a rather elderly
> > gelding who is 14. Right now while I am learning they will be for
> > fiber. I would like to try breeding some day though. Incidently, the
> > people I got them from said they wont just "do it" out in the open.
> > They have a rather large 3 sided enclosure but I have a gate that
> > divides it into 2 sides if I want to. The previous owner said if I
> > wanted to try to mate them I'd need to give them an enclosed private
> > area. Has that been your experience or do you think I need to keep
> > them seperate? Oh and for everyone who asked I am in Central Oklahoma
> >
> > > Good luck. Sounds like fun. I have only been an alpaca
> > > owner/breeder since October 2008. We started with five and have
> > grown to 21
> > > and a llama. We had four for four crias born healthy this year..3
> > girls and
> > > a boy. I have two female Suris and two male Suris and the rest Huacaya.
> > > Love them all!
> > >
> > > Laura...still working on our website..a work in progress
> > >
> > > www.Rhalfpintfarm.com <http://www.rhalfpintfarm.com/>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Laura Roberts
> > >
> > > R Half Pint Farm
> > >
> > > Spotsylvania, VA
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _____
> > >
> > > From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:AlpacaTalk%40yahoogroups.com>
> > [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:AlpacaTalk%40yahoogroups.com>] On
> > > Behalf Of jessica67401
> > > Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 11:42 AM
> > > To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com <mailto:AlpacaTalk%40yahoogroups.com>
> > > Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Fleece and Shearing Question
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I am a newbie to Alpacas so bear with me on these questions. I have 3
> > > Alpacas that I just recently purchased. I have always loved Alpacas
> > and we
> > > bought them more as pets than anything. I do spin and knit so they
> > will be
> > > my own personal fiber supply and I hope enough left over to help
> > suppliment
> > > the cost of thier food and care.
> > >
> > > As I'm sure you know, they love to roll around in the dirt and
> > leaves and
> > > such and they currently have all sorts of VM stuck in their fleece. Do I
> > > need to be concerned with trying to get it all out before they are
> > sheared
> > > or do I need to somehow try to prevent them from getting dirty in
> > the first
> > > place?
> > >
> > > Also, I have heard there are places where you can send the fleece to
> > have it
> > > tested for microns and such. Where can I learn more information
> > about that?
> > >
> > > Again, I'm new to all this so pardon my ignorance but apart from the
> > fleece
> > > I will be processing myself where does one send thier fleece to have it
> > > processed and how much does something like that cost?
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily
> endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of
> this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is
> the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and
> civility.Yahoo! Groups Links
>

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 7:44 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Hi Laura:
Definately keep them seperated. That way you there will be no surprises.

By for now, Wayne
http://jubileeacres.net
http://wordsmith.fateback.com
http://bramblewoods.com/

----- Original Message ----
From: jessica67401 <jessica67401@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 7:38:16 PM
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

I have a 1 girl who is 3 a boy who is seven and a rather elderly gelding who is
14. Right now while I am learning they will be for fiber. I would like to
try breeding some day though. Incidently, the people I got them from said they
wont just "do it" out in the open. They have a rather large 3 sided enclosure
but I have a gate that divides it into 2 sides if I want to. The previous
owner said if I wanted to try to mate them I'd need to give them an enclosed
private area. Has that been your experience or do you think I need to keep them
seperate? Oh and for everyone who asked I am in Central Oklahoma

> Good luck. Sounds like fun. I have only been an alpaca
> owner/breeder since October 2008. We started with five and have grown to 21
> and a llama. We had four for four crias born healthy this year..3 girls and
> a boy. I have two female Suris and two male Suris and the rest Huacaya.
> Love them all!
>
> Laura...still working on our website..a work in progress
>
> www.Rhalfpintfarm.com <http://www.rhalfpintfarm.com/>
>
>
>
>
>
> Laura Roberts
>
> R Half Pint Farm
>
> Spotsylvania, VA
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of jessica67401
> Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 11:42 AM
> To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Fleece and Shearing Question
>
>
>
>
>
> I am a newbie to Alpacas so bear with me on these questions. I have 3
> Alpacas that I just recently purchased. I have always loved Alpacas and we
> bought them more as pets than anything. I do spin and knit so they will be
> my own personal fiber supply and I hope enough left over to help suppliment
> the cost of thier food and care.
>
> As I'm sure you know, they love to roll around in the dirt and leaves and
> such and they currently have all sorts of VM stuck in their fleece. Do I
> need to be concerned with trying to get it all out before they are sheared
> or do I need to somehow try to prevent them from getting dirty in the first
> place?
>
> Also, I have heard there are places where you can send the fleece to have it
> tested for microns and such. Where can I learn more information about that?
>
> Again, I'm new to all this so pardon my ignorance but apart from the fleece
> I will be processing myself where does one send thier fleece to have it
> processed and how much does something like that cost?
>

------------------------------------

Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily
endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of
this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is
the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and
civility.Yahoo! Groups Links

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 6:50 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Hi Jessica,

Unless you plan to breed fiber animals, I would make sure your animals have the breeding qualities you will need in order to build up your herd. The last thing you need in this economy, is lots of animals you can't sell other that "pets".
Good fleece quality is equally as important for fiber production. There are many sources for information out there, enjoy the "learning journey".

I think everyone's advice to get in contact with Steve Hull is spot on!

Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 20:17:24 -0600
To: <alpacatalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

Hi Jessica!
 
Welcome to the world of alpacas!  You'll love em!  We started in April 2008 and bought ours sight unseen.  Yes, that was not a good idea, but we love our girls and all the babies they've given us.  We were just so excited about getting alpacas that I let my heart make a site unseen purchase!!  You didn't mention whether they are registered with the ARI?  If you plan on keeping most of the animals and just doing fiber, then it's not so important.  But, if planning on raising to sell someday...most want registerable babies or adults.  I see a lot of the mills state that if you send dirty fiber they may send it back if too dirty.  They will also charge you more if they have to clean your fiber of VM before processing it.  It gets quite expensive if you send dirty fiber.  I have all my fiber in my basement waiting to find a mill close by and having the courage to send it in and see what I'll be charged for processing!  It can range from $25 to $45 a pound to make it into yarn.  I am always afraid there will be hidden fees??  I may try the mill in Michigan...the one that starts with a "Z".  The alpacas are a herd animal and feel more comfortable with pen mates.  The female is prime breeding age and they can breed any time of the year.  If you have them in the same pen....she may already be bred.  I would watch this summer and see if you have a FOURTH alpaca!!!   LOL!  Nature will take it's course!  You should read the articles and chats on the alpaca sites.  I learned a lot from reading the blogs on "alpacanation" where people chat about all subjects of raising and taking care of alpacas. I also set up an inexpensive website through "intuit" and it's a lot of fun.  Down the road you may want to set up a website to share your adventures and alpaca products with the rest of us!  Have fun and I guess you had probably be thinking about a "BABY" "CRIA" name!!  Take care!  Wish we were closer.  I have made several friends in the area and we share in the spring shearing chores by helping at each others farms.  Oh, and if you are considering trying to shear yourself.....unless you have a lot of money to spend on the proper shears....like I found out were expensive....well, it's worth the $25 to $30 per animal to have a professional do it!  Your animals will be much prettier looking for the rest of the summer!!  :)  
 
Take Care!
Jody 

Jody Ehler
Solon, IA 52333
J & J Alpacas
Check out our adorable alpacas!
www.jandjalpacas.com
 
 



 

 







 

To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: jessica67401@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:38:16 +0000
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Re: Fleece and Shearing Question

 

I have a 1 girl who is 3 a boy who is seven and a rather elderly gelding who is 14. Right now while I am learning they will be for fiber. I would like to try breeding some day though. Incidently, the people I got them from said they wont just "do it" out in the open. They have a rather large 3 sided enclosure but I have a gate that divides it into 2 sides if I want to. The previous owner said if I wanted to try to mate them I'd need to give them an enclosed private area. Has that been your experience or do you think I need to keep them seperate? Oh and for everyone who asked I am in Central Oklahoma

> Good luck. Sounds like fun. I have only been an alpaca
> owner/breeder since October 2008. We started with five and have grown to 21
> and a llama. We had four for four crias born healthy this year..3 girls and
> a boy. I have two female Suris and two male Suris and the rest Huacaya.
> Love them all!
>
> Laura...still working on our website..a work in progress
>
> www.Rhalfpintfarm.com <http://www.rhalfpintfarm.com/>
>
>
>
>
>
> Laura Roberts
>
> R Half Pint Farm
>
> Spotsylvania, VA
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of jessica67401
> Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 11:42 AM
> To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Fleece and Shearing Question
>
>
>
>
>
> I am a newbie to Alpacas so bear with me on these questions. I have 3
> Alpacas that I just recently purchased. I have always loved Alpacas and we
> bought them more as pets than anything. I do spin and knit so they will be
> my own personal fiber supply and I hope enough left over to help suppliment
> the cost of thier food and care.
>
> As I'm sure you know, they love to roll around in the dirt and leaves and
> such and they currently have all sorts of VM stuck in their fleece. Do I
> need to be concerned with trying to get it all out before they are sheared
> or do I need to somehow try to prevent them from getting dirty in the first
> place?
>
> Also, I have heard there are places where you can send the fleece to have it
> tested for microns and such. Where can I learn more information about that?
>
> Again, I'm new to all this so pardon my ignorance but apart from the fleece
> I will be processing myself where does one send thier fleece to have it
> processed and how much does something like that cost?
>


__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 4:14 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Free Marketing Help, Every Week...

 

In new articles at http://marketingwithellie.blogspot.com/ or if you'd like them delivered to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter --send an email to
 
Every week, new articles with ideas to help you sell better, make a better living!  Better marketing supports the rural lifestyle!
 
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Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

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posted by Chaddo at 4:01 AM 0 comments