Alpaca Breeding can be an exciting and rewarding business. Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Alpaca Breeding - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association is an organization in the United States dedicated to the promotion of alpacas and their breeders. Additionally, there are many regional groups of breeders.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   An alpaca breeder knows the animals inside and out, and will give you assurance that your alpaca will be well-bred, properly adjusted and healthy.

3. How to Find:

   The best place to start looking for an alpaca breeder is to contact the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association. You can also search on the Internet, talk to a large animal veterinarian, or attend an alpaca convention.

4. What to Expect:

   A reputable alpaca breeder will provide you with comprehensive information on their animals. They will go through a thorough assessment process with you to determine what your goals are, and will help you to select the right animal(s) to help you achieve those goals.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   A good alpaca breeder will have a well-maintained ranch, the animals will look healthy and be active, and there will be plenty of hay and fresh water.

Alpaca Breeding - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   Normally, only one alpaca (called a "cria") is born at one time.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   An alpaca should be one and a half to two years old before it is sold for breeding purposes.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   When choosing an alpaca, you should look for proper body alignment (conformation). Overall appearance should be balanced, and teeth should be in alignment. Another important thing to look at is the quality of the fleece.

4. Registry:

   Alpacas should be registered with The Alpaca Registry. Almost every alpaca in the United States is registered.

5. AOBA Recognized Characteristics:

   Alpaca come in over 100 colors, ranging from black to white, dark brown to cream, and several shades of silver.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   The cost of an alpaca can range from a few hundred dollars, to several tens of thousands of dollars, depending on whether the alpaca is kept only for its wool, or if it is going to be bred.

7. Stud and Dam Information of your Newborn:

   You should be able to meet the alpaca's parents, or research them through The Alpaca Registry.

Alpaca Breeding - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   Most alpaca breeders are in the business because they love the animals, and there should be few negative instances.

2. Pet Health:

   Alpacas have few medical needs, other than rabies vaccinations and monthly worming.

3. Assurances:

   A reputable alpaca breeder will give live birth guarantees, and be willing to help you find the right alpaca to help you to meet your goals, whether it be selling the wool, or breeding your own alpaca.