Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

Suzi,     while I don't ever foresee eating my alpacas, I have seen many discussions and info from people on facebook that do.     Old animals are apparently fine for ground meat (beef fat added), sausage and meat stick products.

Carolyn Marquette
2251 Sesame St
Mogadore, OH  44260
330-699-2182
330-618-9769 cell
TheAlpacaRosa.com
 PartyLite.biz/carolynm
ZestyDishes.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Suzi Dubay <powderpuffpacas@gmail.com>
To: AlpacaTalk <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 10, 2013 3:41 pm
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
I have remained mute on this topic so far, but now I have to begin asking questions.  I understand the whole livestock plan and lifecycle.  While I'm not a meat-eater, I understand and support it, as long as the animals are treated humanely.
 
My question revolves more around the issue of slaughtering those animals that are older or infirm, not producing young, not producing great fiber.  Are those animals appropriate for the meat industry?  Wouldn't you have a much better meat product using those animals that are younger, healthier, and less................grizzly for a lack of better description?
 
And let's say that you are producing alpacas for each of the alpacaworld facits, show, fiber, manure, meat, etc., wouldn't you be selecting those animals that don't product the best fiber as your meat offering?  And that being the case, that still leaves us the old and infirm.
 
You can see that I go around and around about this in my mind -- Your thoughts?
 
 
 
Suzi Dubay
Powder Puff Pacas
Lenox, MI
586-295-7105

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:49 PM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:
 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA



--

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (6)
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 5:45 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

There is a very lively market for alpaca meat, which is extremely lean, cholesterol free and very healthy food. While I haven't tasted it myself, the repeat customers of those who are selling it would seem to testify to its high quality and flavor. I know that older animals are typically harvested for ground meat, sausage or jerky. Younger animals yield steak, loin, sausage, ground and jerky. The average size adult alpaca apparently dressed out at around 90 pounds. 

To date, the majority if the alpacas slaughtered in our area have been culled primarily because of behavioral issues rather than lack of productiveness. As the meat market grows, however, and input costs to raise and maintain adults fail to decrease, the farmer must weigh the benefit of maintaining that animal for fiber over culling it for meat sale and making room for a better producing animal. 

Judith Korff
LadySong Farm
Randolph, NY
(716) 499-0383
Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 10, 2013, at 4:46 PM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:

 

     If I were to buy alpaca meat or have any of my older, non-producing animals processed for meat, it would be for pet food, most likely.  I would never knowingly have a diseased animal processed, but even an older or infirm animal has meat to be had on it. I am thinking the end product may be similar to deer meat........but I don't know for sure.

     I can't see anyone raising these animals primarily for meat, but as a secondary outlet.  

     As with any animal.........be it horse, alpaca, goat, sheep..........I would rather they be processed and fed to those wanting/needing it then to see them suffer due to inadequate feed, care, shelter, etc.  

Laura

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 3:41 PM, Suzi Dubay <powderpuffpacas@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I have remained mute on this topic so far, but now I have to begin asking questions.  I understand the whole livestock plan and lifecycle.  While I'm not a meat-eater, I understand and support it, as long as the animals are treated humanely.
 
My question revolves more around the issue of slaughtering those animals that are older or infirm, not producing young, not producing great fiber.  Are those animals appropriate for the meat industry?  Wouldn't you have a much better meat product using those animals that are younger, healthier, and less................grizzly for a lack of better description?
 
And let's say that you are producing alpacas for each of the alpacaworld facits, show, fiber, manure, meat, etc., wouldn't you be selecting those animals that don't product the best fiber as your meat offering?  And that being the case, that still leaves us the old and infirm.
 
You can see that I go around and around about this in my mind -- Your thoughts?
 
 
 
Suzi Dubay
Powder Puff Pacas
Lenox, MI
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:49 PM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:
 

 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.


     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA




--


__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (5)
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 1:59 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

     If I were to buy alpaca meat or have any of my older, non-producing animals processed for meat, it would be for pet food, most likely.  I would never knowingly have a diseased animal processed, but even an older or infirm animal has meat to be had on it. I am thinking the end product may be similar to deer meat........but I don't know for sure.

     I can't see anyone raising these animals primarily for meat, but as a secondary outlet.  

     As with any animal.........be it horse, alpaca, goat, sheep..........I would rather they be processed and fed to those wanting/needing it then to see them suffer due to inadequate feed, care, shelter, etc.  

Laura

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 3:41 PM, Suzi Dubay <powderpuffpacas@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I have remained mute on this topic so far, but now I have to begin asking questions.  I understand the whole livestock plan and lifecycle.  While I'm not a meat-eater, I understand and support it, as long as the animals are treated humanely.
 
My question revolves more around the issue of slaughtering those animals that are older or infirm, not producing young, not producing great fiber.  Are those animals appropriate for the meat industry?  Wouldn't you have a much better meat product using those animals that are younger, healthier, and less................grizzly for a lack of better description?
 
And let's say that you are producing alpacas for each of the alpacaworld facits, show, fiber, manure, meat, etc., wouldn't you be selecting those animals that don't product the best fiber as your meat offering?  And that being the case, that still leaves us the old and infirm.
 
You can see that I go around and around about this in my mind -- Your thoughts?
 
 
 
Suzi Dubay
Powder Puff Pacas
Lenox, MI
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:49 PM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:
 

 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.


     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA




--


__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (4)
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 1:46 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

I have remained mute on this topic so far, but now I have to begin asking questions.  I understand the whole livestock plan and lifecycle.  While I'm not a meat-eater, I understand and support it, as long as the animals are treated humanely.
 
My question revolves more around the issue of slaughtering those animals that are older or infirm, not producing young, not producing great fiber.  Are those animals appropriate for the meat industry?  Wouldn't you have a much better meat product using those animals that are younger, healthier, and less................grizzly for a lack of better description?
 
And let's say that you are producing alpacas for each of the alpacaworld facits, show, fiber, manure, meat, etc., wouldn't you be selecting those animals that don't product the best fiber as your meat offering?  And that being the case, that still leaves us the old and infirm.
 
You can see that I go around and around about this in my mind -- Your thoughts?
 
 
 
Suzi Dubay
Powder Puff Pacas
Lenox, MI
586-295-7105

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:49 PM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:
 

 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.


     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA




--

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (3)
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 12:41 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 

Dectomax and Ivermectin are the sane drug but with different carriers. Both will do the job given every 30 days. Neither will last longer than the other. The only difference is that the carrier in Dectomax stings less than the carrier in Ivomec. Both are in the avermectin class of drugs. There are also numerous generic forms that perform equally well for much less money. 

Judith Korff
LadySong Farm
Randolph, NY
(716) 499-0383
Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 10, 2013, at 1:43 PM, Tina Travis <traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com> wrote:

 

Dectomax is not the best choice.Ivamec injectable has been found to be most effective at preventing m-worm.Given every 28-30 days.
Tina Travis
ElkHorn Alpacas
31655 ElkHorn Glen
Warrenton,MO.63383
636-456-4838
636-459-8930
traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
Alpacas are a rare treasure to share
From: Heather Zeleny
Sent: ‎1/‎10/‎2013 12:09 PM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 

I would not take a chance on rumors when M-worm is at stake. I have heard too many stories of animals getting an M-worm infection when using dectomax at 45 days or 6 weeks.



Heather

Heather Zeleny
White Lotus Alpacas
Creswell, OR

541.895.0964

Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece


On Jan 10, 2013, at 10:01 AM, Laura Roberts wrote:

 

I have heard that dectomax at twice the rate of ivermectin is good for 45 days.

Laura

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:23 PM, Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I agree, in today's market, $5-600 for a pet boy is rather high. Last year, we sold four pet boys for $100 each, and the lady who bought them was and still is very impressed by the fleece quality, fineness, and handle of our boys compared to the boys that she bought from another farm previously. 


Check around at other farms in your area, check OpenHerd, AlpacaNation, the local breeder group, etc. 

As far as the M-worm boy, I can't say either, I have heard that it can be quite a lot of work caring for M-worm survivors. And - very important - protocol is that in M-worm areas, they MUST have ivermectin every month, every 6 weeks is not adequate, and a break during winter is absolutely not advised. 


Heather

Heather Zeleny
White Lotus Alpacas
Creswell, OR


Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece


On Jan 10, 2013, at 9:10 AM, Jody Ehler wrote:

 

Hi Maria
 
Glad you are asking before buying!  At least you are trying to do your homework.  I am not sure about the worm issue.  I am sure there are some with a lot of experience with this that will jump in.  I am worried about the cost of the $500-$600 for pet quality males though.  There are a lot of farms with boys that have been handled and would make good pet quality for around $100 to $200 possibly.  I just feel $600 is a bit high for pet quality with out breeding rights unless they have very high quality fiber and that is what you also want.  :)  But for pets and friendly, you may find someone with a very small boy that shouldn't be bred, but was handled by the family.  We had such a boy and I was just glad to find him a home!  You should just put an ad on alpaca market asking for a easy handling pet quality boy for small fee.  Just my 2 cents worth!  :)  Some males that are gelded have high quality fiber and may have an asking price higher than that of pet quality.  I think you would be disappointed with boys that are not handled. 
 
Unless you have a lot of time to spend on the handicapped alpacas I am not sure you would get the enjoyment out of them as you would with less time consuming animals.  But, then the bonding may be better and more friendly??  :) 
 
Jody

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

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: burnsfamilycentral@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:55:49 +0000
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 
Hello,

I'm the newbie who has posted on here these last few weeks. I have another appt to meet some 1.5- 2 yr old male/pet quality alpacas to adopt. (these are my first alpacas) We just want pet quality, no breeding.These animals are on Sugarloaf Farm in MD where there are about 150 animals. The animals are obviously not handled as much as the ones they show so they are not used to humans so much. The cost is about $500-600 each.They seem clean and well cared for. They are given rabies shots and menegeal worm shot ever 4-6 weeks.

I was just approached by an aquaitence who is moving. She has 2 alpacas. One is a 7-8 yr old male who had menegeal worm 4 yrs ago.He is healthy but has a difficult time getting up from a standing position. He gets a lil bit of special care during the warmer summer months she said. (he likes a specific flavor of gatorade to stay hydrated she said.) He cannot breed and is considered completley handicapped.(these are her words)

The other is a female 4 yr old who is perfectly healthy. The only thing she has wrong is that she was born without her female plumbing. (uterus and such) When she was born the vet had to sew an artificial hole for her to urinate.

These two latter alpacas have been raised with children and loved so the benefit is that they are used to being handled.I don't know enough about menengeal worm and its long term effects. I would appreciate info on that. I like the idea of rescuing these two but fear I don't know enough about these issues. They have gotten rabies shots and menegeal shots only in the warmer mnths.

I would LOVE any info you guys have to share please!

Thank you,
Maria








Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (10)
Recent Activity:

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (11)
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 10:51 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 

Dectomax is not the best choice.Ivamec injectable has been found to be most effective at preventing m-worm.Given every 28-30 days.
Tina Travis
ElkHorn Alpacas
31655 ElkHorn Glen
Warrenton,MO.63383
636-456-4838
636-459-8930
traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
Alpacas are a rare treasure to share
From: Heather Zeleny
Sent: ‎1/‎10/‎2013 12:09 PM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 

I would not take a chance on rumors when M-worm is at stake. I have heard too many stories of animals getting an M-worm infection when using dectomax at 45 days or 6 weeks.



Heather

Heather Zeleny
White Lotus Alpacas
Creswell, OR

541.895.0964

Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece


On Jan 10, 2013, at 10:01 AM, Laura Roberts wrote:

 

I have heard that dectomax at twice the rate of ivermectin is good for 45 days.

Laura

On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 12:23 PM, Heather Zeleny <alpacatalk@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I agree, in today's market, $5-600 for a pet boy is rather high. Last year, we sold four pet boys for $100 each, and the lady who bought them was and still is very impressed by the fleece quality, fineness, and handle of our boys compared to the boys that she bought from another farm previously. 


Check around at other farms in your area, check OpenHerd, AlpacaNation, the local breeder group, etc. 

As far as the M-worm boy, I can't say either, I have heard that it can be quite a lot of work caring for M-worm survivors. And - very important - protocol is that in M-worm areas, they MUST have ivermectin every month, every 6 weeks is not adequate, and a break during winter is absolutely not advised. 


Heather

Heather Zeleny
White Lotus Alpacas
Creswell, OR


Holistic Farm and Elite Fleece


On Jan 10, 2013, at 9:10 AM, Jody Ehler wrote:

 

Hi Maria
 
Glad you are asking before buying!  At least you are trying to do your homework.  I am not sure about the worm issue.  I am sure there are some with a lot of experience with this that will jump in.  I am worried about the cost of the $500-$600 for pet quality males though.  There are a lot of farms with boys that have been handled and would make good pet quality for around $100 to $200 possibly.  I just feel $600 is a bit high for pet quality with out breeding rights unless they have very high quality fiber and that is what you also want.  :)  But for pets and friendly, you may find someone with a very small boy that shouldn't be bred, but was handled by the family.  We had such a boy and I was just glad to find him a home!  You should just put an ad on alpaca market asking for a easy handling pet quality boy for small fee.  Just my 2 cents worth!  :)  Some males that are gelded have high quality fiber and may have an asking price higher than that of pet quality.  I think you would be disappointed with boys that are not handled. 
 
Unless you have a lot of time to spend on the handicapped alpacas I am not sure you would get the enjoyment out of them as you would with less time consuming animals.  But, then the bonding may be better and more friendly??  :) 
 
Jody

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

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: burnsfamilycentral@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:55:49 +0000
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Not sure what to do.....

 
Hello,

I'm the newbie who has posted on here these last few weeks. I have another appt to meet some 1.5- 2 yr old male/pet quality alpacas to adopt. (these are my first alpacas) We just want pet quality, no breeding.These animals are on Sugarloaf Farm in MD where there are about 150 animals. The animals are obviously not handled as much as the ones they show so they are not used to humans so much. The cost is about $500-600 each.They seem clean and well cared for. They are given rabies shots and menegeal worm shot ever 4-6 weeks.

I was just approached by an aquaitence who is moving. She has 2 alpacas. One is a 7-8 yr old male who had menegeal worm 4 yrs ago.He is healthy but has a difficult time getting up from a standing position. He gets a lil bit of special care during the warmer summer months she said. (he likes a specific flavor of gatorade to stay hydrated she said.) He cannot breed and is considered completley handicapped.(these are her words)

The other is a female 4 yr old who is perfectly healthy. The only thing she has wrong is that she was born without her female plumbing. (uterus and such) When she was born the vet had to sew an artificial hole for her to urinate.

These two latter alpacas have been raised with children and loved so the benefit is that they are used to being handled.I don't know enough about menengeal worm and its long term effects. I would appreciate info on that. I like the idea of rescuing these two but fear I don't know enough about these issues. They have gotten rabies shots and menegeal shots only in the warmer mnths.

I would LOVE any info you guys have to share please!

Thank you,
Maria








__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (10)
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 10:43 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 

Laura
 
You make a good point about the alpaca and wanting to have it considered "livestock" for tax purposes.  I guess I was saying the lower prices on pet quality reflect what we would do if this livestock is unproductive for the farm.  I feel that the alpaca needs to move from the "exotic" label to the "common livestock" state to make them more productive in the fiber industry for their viable future.  Anything new is "exotic" until it becomes saturated or in high enough quantities to give it a strong economy or desirability in the community.  Many still consider them a scam!  Many think we are only in it to raise and sell and nothing more!   I still get funny looks when I mention I raise alpacas.  Some give me that look like, hmmm, you got taken for a ride.  I personally enjoy raising them and selling them.  I feel as Laura does, we need to treat them more like livestock and not high quality pets to get them more accepted by "Farmers"!  :)   Most think we are just quirky alpaca people!  Sorry, but that is what I see when I take my rose colored glasses off.  I don't feel I would sell someone an undesirable livestock for high quality prices.  I think we should have the alpacas drop in price to be more reasonable livestock if that is what we want to claim them to be.  Don't get me wrong...I am still paying  off my first $15,ooo purchase!  I won't pay that price again for a couple alpacas.  Alpaca fiber is so nice, but we are not at the point where they will be accepted in the large fiber mills like wool is.  If sheep cost the price off alpacas, they probably wouldn't be any further along either.  Remember, just my thoughts!  :)
 
Jody

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

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: lauraroberts518@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:49:54 -0500
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA


__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (2)
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 10:10 AM 0 comments