Why I Regret Getting Alpacas

Watch this before getting Alpacas- This video is brought to you by Squarespace. For a 10% discount at launch go to www.squarespace.com/anneofall...
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I'm Anne of All Trades. In NASHVILLE, I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm. Whether you've got the knowledge, tools, time or space to do the things you've always wanted to do, everything is "figureoutable."
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[@AnneofAllTrades]

Let’s talk $$$! An average shearing yields 4-10 lbs of fiber. Alpacas are sheared once a year. Alpaca fiber is valued at $2/ounce as opposed to $0.11/ounce for merino sheep’s wool. Alpaca wool is stronger, softer, more eco-friendly, and offers 85% greater wicking capability than merino sheep’s wool. It is also hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. So assuming you get a 5 pound fleece from your annual shearing, at $2/ounce, the raw fleece is worth $160. It costs $32 to shear. There isn’t a huge market for raw fleeces, so most folks will want to have their fiber spun into yarn. It costs $30 to ship the fiber to the mill, $50 to wash, dry and pick the fleece, $140 to mill into yarn, and, with a 30% loss of fiber during the milling process, that 5 lb fleece will yield about 3.5 lbs of yarn. The mill will ship it back for $20, but most mills are currently at a 1 year wait time for milling services. Since alpaca yarn goes for about $125/pound for finished yarn, the total value minus expenses for the year’s fiber, processed into yarn will be $437.50-32-30-50-140-20= $165.50 Monthly shots are $5, feed and minerals comes out to about $20, so it costs about $300/year, assuming there’s no veterinary costs. So you’re at $-134.50/alpaca/year, not including labor. Not the wisest financial choice 😅 but there is where you make the decision: is there other value beyond the fiber? For me, yes. I process some of the fiber myself as a fun, non-monetized hobby. Considering what I *could* be spending on other activities, I’d say an annual cost of $134.50/year isn’t too shabby. But there’s where it really helps to have the numbers: if I didn’t enjoy spinning, and they were miserable to keep, at least I would know they were a cost, not a profit, financially speaking, to the farm, and could easily justify getting rid of them. I think a lot of farmers get in over their heads when they don’t know the real numbers. Keeping chickens for selling eggs, for example, is almost always a losing game, financially speaking, for small farmers- unless you’re running more than 300 birds, the numbers I’ve run have my costs being about $12 a dozen if I’m getting paid less than minimum wage, and most folks aren’t able to fetch that kind of price, but still feed their chickens every day, proud to sell their eggs for $5-7 a dozen, thinking they’re making money. That’s exactly why I don’t sell eggs. I raise what my family eats and have a little extra to barter and trade goodwill with our neighbors, and that’s plenty. So much of farming on a small scale is about doing things for the love of them, not the profit. Don’t get me wrong, small-scale farming can be really profitable, but operations have to stay really lean, and you’ve gotta do a lot of the same thing every day, and I’m just not into that, which is why I still work full time and do this stuff in the mornings, evenings, and weekends before/after work. Knowing the financials of every endeavor really helps me pick and choose what is and isn’t worth it: some things like dairy, beef, and baby goats bring in enough $ to pay for all the rest of the farming endeavors, while some things, like the alpacas, are just for the joy of watching those little llama pops running around the yard and using my homemade spinning wheel by candlelight by the fire on cold winter nights.

[@robertlong9029]

I thought that because of George Bush you get a 100% tax deduction for all costs

[@KPVFarmer]

I love seeing and hearing your breakdown of the numbers!!! What’s the market like for the Alpaca yarn you clean and spin yourself?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@KPVFarmer the opportunity cost of my time makes it about $1000/lb. Unfortunately there’s no market for that 😂🤪

[@KPVFarmer]

@@AnneofAllTrades 💯😜

[@Asherra7]

Thank you for being so open and clear about such topics. I don't know how often I heard: "You could sell that!" Well, maybe. "You could make money!" most definitely not.

[@kahae9858]

I've had alpacas for 25 years. Something that takes a lot of stress out of handling them is having a race (narrow fenced passageway) leading to a yard with a well-designed little "crush" with gate at either end. I shear them in the crush and it's very useful if they have to be given shots or, once, when one got an eye infection and I had to administer eye drops daily. One thing I leaned that resolved a lot of potential health issues: they will self-medicate given the chance and this removed the need for regular shots at least in my climate which is sub-alpine. They have access to a wide range of plants and shrubs and like to nibble a little bit of this, a little bit of that. But yes, like all animals, they die eventually and that can be heart-breaking. They're not ideally suited to small blocks of land.They like variety, grazing a different place each day or two. But they're very special animals with a sort of presence I haven't found in other farm animals. And each one has its own character. Some of the males can be a handful, others are a real delight. Part of life's diversity and challenge.

[@Bildgesmythe]

Definitely need a chute 😂

[@braria9855]

There was some studies done on sheep and self-medicating as well. This stuff is truly fascinsting!

[@danielweston9188]

Yep I had chutes and scales set up to fit them.

[@xhogun8578]

​@@braria9855even zoos are this type of training for their animals.

[@cindyspiess9963]

Very interesting , sounds like a joy ! 🥰

[@glenbriggs398]

My wife thanks you for talking me out of getting Alpacas.

[@KPVFarmer]

“They are constantly inventing new ways to die” 😂 Beautiful animals and so cuddly looking!

[@lauracoussens6207]

There are just a few things to know...all easily treated...to keep them alive that owners need to know.

[@francisfischer7620]

I've had alpacas for over 30 years. And THEY are ANGELS!!!! Absolute ANGELS!!!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I hope you watched the video long enough to hear me say how wholeheartedly I agree :)

[@backpacker3421]

Alpaca wool is also VERY antimicrobial. I wear a lot of it, and unless I sweat a TON, I can easily wear the same pair of socks 3-4 days without any foot funk. A teeshirt will last a week without washing. One of the things they tell you when you buy Alpaca wool clothes is not to wash it nearly as often as you think you need to.

[@houndgirl7365]

Fun fact alpacas don't have wool, but they do have what are called fibers. The less guard hairs within those fibers the higher quality of fibers that alpaca will produce. I got to intern on an alpaca ranch and got to learn a lot including how to tell the quality of the animal. I also learned wool and fiber are 2 completely different things plus alpaca fleece is softer. Just petting a cria and it felt like a soft comforter that you could fall into. I'll be it they had INCREDIBLY high quality high valued alpacas!

[@noogman]

I have no Alpacas but this was really educating and relaxing to watch. Thank you so much.

[@garlenseong38]

Their hair cuts is adorable!!!

[@TheSirGoreaxe]

I supper appreciate your dedication to your alpacas. I'm heart broken over how many people took in dogs during the pandemic then decided that after a one to two years to send them to the pound because they didn't want to care for them anymore. That is so devastating to a dog to be left like that.

[@OakwiseBecoming]

I got two during lockdown but it wasn’t because of lockdown, it was because I moved in with my fiancé and it was always part of the plan. My pups were walked outdoors running free in wide open spaces daily and meeting other dogs. So it was shocking to me to find all these dogs that never left the house for two years and had serious anxiety issues. I moved to UK to marry my fiancé and honestly the fear anxiety seems MUCH worse in UK than in America.

[@singingstars5006]

​@@OakwiseBecomingLockdown and fear mongering were worse in the UK and Germany (where I as an American live) than in America. We had some of the longest lockdowns in the world.

[@rebeccacampbell8020]

Many people in the USA rely on Jesus Christ to keep them immune from fear. From the beginning, many handed their fear to him, and then when they learned how the gov was using the illness for graft and power they had to hand their anger to him,

[@excapeplan1282]

Poor babies 😢 You’re such a good compassionate soul. I just love your spirit.

[@bobchannell3553]

Thank you for talking about the difficulties of keeping Alpacas. My wife desperately wanted to get Alpacas because she saw how cute they were in farm magazine advertisements. We didn't have a farm though, which is why we never got any. Thank goodness for that. Just taking care of our cats and dogs over the years was enough for us. We never did get a farm. We bought a house in the suburbs and just kept the cats and dogs.

[@davidwilken3584]

When we had Lamas and Alpacas, I would hum as I walked up to them. It helped most of the time when I tried to catch them.

[@deborahweinstein1634]

There are several very good shearers who also trim teeth and nails during shearing. Get everything done at once! We’re not far from you (NC) and can recommend several.

[@dixiedandy7]

Wow! Such honesty. The his will help so many people get everything in line before bringing a couple home. Our neighbor has 2, we will continue just visiting with them 😊

[@dreadnought1914]

I love your honesty, I hope this helps other farmer's make good decisions.

[@c.a.5808]

THANK YOU, So much for your honesty❣️It's so important to educate people on the importance of not impulsive purchases! Everything has its pros & cons, and you're one of the most fair and honest people that can keep others from heartbreaking mistakes. Please keep it up😇! Invaluable and priceless information about genuine animal husbandry, Great job, ma'am! 🥰🤗

[@danielleevans8387]

Well my friend, you have successfully talked me out of these animals. Thank you for sharing your hard won knowledge!

[@Campzzyzx]

You made an incredible point and I wish we could get the word out there. Small farmer farmers homesteaders do not have access to the simpliest meds for our livestock. Just to have a vet come out to our small farm in looking at $200 most of my emergencys don't happen during working hours or during the week so I have to pay an additional fee on top of that. We are capable of doctoring our livestock but goverment is restricting access to meds. People don't realize little by little we are losing this way of life to corporations and goverment overloards

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Soooo true. Something I wish I’d articulated better was that my frustration wasn’t even with the vet for not knowing what to do, it was far more that I knew what to do, but didn’t have access to the meds I needed to do it at home without having to put Paul through the added stress of transport when he was so sick.

[@Campzzyzx]

@@AnneofAllTrades Your Vet knows whats up and anyone with a farm and livestock knows what you said. Appreciate you

[@cindyspiess9963]

Yes we are ! and THAT is CRIMINAL !

[@nanciguestrdphd]

All my rescue Alpacas have been sweet and I have never seen an Alpaca spit?? I know Llamas do! We didn't see any disease, but I agree more work than most people understand!

[@kelbyfrazier6849]

Poor John. I'm sorry for your loss. ❤😢

[@bonnielong6530]

If you decide to get alpacas, buy from a reputable breeder who will help and guide you after the sale. Many of the issues presented in this video don’t have to be issues. I’ve owned and bred alpacas for over 10 years now and there are many other breeders out there like me who are willing to help new owners.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

This is SUCH a good point and I’m so glad you brought it up. I chose to go the rescue route when I first started getting animals and not having resources like you definitely helped expedite the “hard lessons” learning bit of livestock ownership.

[@cindyspiess9963]

Always a pleasure Anne !😊 Thanks much for your straight forward "no bullshit" info ! I love taking care of my animals . Two barn cats and a horse that i raised and is now turning 27 ! 😮 That's down from 8 animals and one son , previously . Shew don't know how i did it and a full time job , uh... by myself 🥵😁 Working toward my own farmstead now . 😁 Can't wait ! You are keeping me inspired ! Thanks so much for that ! ❤

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I’m so glad you’re here ❤️❤️

[@MrLeedebt]

Great video....honesty and down-to-earth stuff.

[@georgeaguirre5437]

It’s always a surprise to me that veterinary school is so expensive. You’d think that would be endorsed as a required public service in the US. Although I’d say the same for doctors and nurses…

[@cindyspiess9963]

Yes That is a great idea ! but we all know the only thing that matters to the gov. is $$$, nothing else .

[@kit2130]

I always use favorite foods as a distraction for animal care on my farm. As soon as they start eating do the medicine quick without them seeing it. It’s over so fast & they hardly know anything happened. Once you start chasing them down for things they don’t like it breaks the trust bonds & makes daily life less pleasant than it should be. Gotta keep the sweetness, amusement & fun to enjoy each other’s company.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That's a great way to do it, and the way we go for most of our animals as well! Unfortunately with alpacas, food isn't really ample enough distraction for shots.

[@lilo2876]

I'm so sorry for the loss of John :( It apparent that you love them so very much! Thank goodness you're so hands-o with them!!! I stumbled upon your page while looking for "tiny home ideas."

[@sophiabright8371]

Wherever Wilbur is now, his loving spirit is spreading joy!!!

[@paullewis5203]

I was a registered Alpaca breeder for more than ten years and enjoyed every moment that I had them between my neighbour and myself we had over forty Alpacas, a couple ofLamas and a couple of horses. Itwas a steep learning curve at first yet I never had any of the problems talked about here. We had to sell the farm for health reasons and I miss my animals every day.

[@Ulnvtcydr]

CASTRATION TOOTH?! I'll pass thx.

[@kalizya]

Same 😂😂😂

[@ATumblelinaTruth7777]

Oh come on you scarreeeed??? Lol lmao 😂 🤣

[@cindyspiess9963]

🤣

[@susanphillips944]

I feel ya. This, is one heck of a great video. My best to you and your animals

[@CountryLivingExperience]

Thank you Anne. Extremely informative. We were thinking about getting them but this is giving us much more food for thought.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NickNardone]

What an incredible video! Thank you for taking the time to create this.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Anne-FromQc]

I enjoy your videos sooo much! You are extraordinary and I love your big heart!

[@marianmartin9441]

Aw! what a sad story. I feel for you! You had to learn the hard way! Glad you are warning others what they are getting into; Thanks!

[@user-po1th4ce9f]

I have a few llamas and a couple of alpacas. I have never seen the alpacas act as guard animals (they mostly stand around, looking cute), but the llamas most certainly do. The fiber is coarser, in general, but can still be used for blankets or things not worn against the skin. If you are fascinated by the lama family (all the mysteries of the world are in their eyes), I advise llamas over alpacas.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I would say the same. And generally, you need a lone llama, not a pair. Which is what we did at our last place, we had a llama that ran with a couple alpacas and did a fantastic job keeping everyone, the goats and chickens too, safe.

[@melenunez6924]

​@@AnneofAllTrades0:46

[@enawaldstein]

​@@AnneofAllTrades in Germany having a lone Lama wouldn't be allowed because they are in need of other camelids for feeling happy. One lama and at least one other lama or alpaca would be ok though.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@enawaldstein excellent point and exactly why we also had alpacas with our llama ❤️❤️

[@TimeWithBekka]

Just beginning our journey into being interested homesteading and your videos are so incredibly wonderful and educational! I've learned more about Donkeys and Alpaca than I've known my whole life! I'm so glad I've found your content! Thank you for using your gifts and sharing all of this!

[@markdonohue5977]

Never had alpacas so please take my suggestion with a grain of salt. I did work for a farm supply store and was often times sent to the major training events to learn from the experts and then bring the info back to my team members. One thing I learned first from a customer and then more from my the experts was the use of food grade diatomaceous earth. The customer was from the islands and said where she came from they put it in their food to remove parasites. It is also used by people who raise organic chickens to keep their birds healthy. I do live in a small acreage and an familiar with horses and of course have had way to many barn cats. We started using diatomaceous earth in can food to worm them and then my wife started including it in their dry food. She would stir it in real good and not only did the cats eat it without hesitation but it also kept the bugs from gathering in the plates probably just from the residue. Our barn cats looked like house cats fat happy and beautiful coats. Oh and if you have kittens and want to keep fleas off them just rub som if the same food grade into their coats, it’s non toxic and it works. If you happen to stop into one of those farm stores that doesn’t sell tractors, hint hint, they have it in large bags and small containers, always remember to use the food grade product.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Diatomaceous Earth is a fantastic product for so many purposes around the farm, but, (to my understanding at least) it is only viable when in a dry, powdered form. The crystals in the DE dissolve the exoskeletons of many insects, which is likely why you had the experiences you had with the cat food and fleas, etc, but, when ingested, though it’s harmless to the animal, it’s rendered ineffective, due to the fact that it’s no longer in its crystalline form. As you mentioned, it can be an extremely effective product for chickens, because many chicken issues stem from external bugs, against whom DE in it’s dry, crystalline form is able to combat, but it’s much less (likely completely) ineffective in this application.

[@stylishranchgirl]

@@AnneofAllTrades Not true. DE does not dissolve in water or in the digestive tract, therefore is extremely effective as a dewormer. There are a multitude of benefits, plus it's inexpensive. I've used DE mixed with grain for years. There's a DE facebook group and tons of testimony of parasite expulsion from DE. It's much more than just a dry dust for the farm. It's best taken internally, in water, in a mush, etc.

[@rebeccacampbell8020]

We use diatomaceous earth at my daughters house to get rid of a terrible flea infestation. The fleas came from her cat.

[@lisaharmon8401]

Thanks! I'm going to try this!

[@shawnsg]

​@@stylishranchgirlyes true

[@PhatFreddysCat]

Ive learned a lot about alpacas. Thanks! 😊

[@Theselfiechick]

Glad I watched this video, had no idea 😊

[@CJ-tf5yd]

Excellent information. People often don’t take the time to read up on how much work owing this type of animal is.

[@melissaoleary8196]

We've had alpacas for 15 years. And yes, they are stressful. I hear you! 😊

[@smoideen]

I don’t know why KZbin decided to show me this video but I couldn’t help watching it from start to the end. Thanks for the video 👍

[@glennhosick1514]

Just happened upon your channel Anne.😊 You're an amazing woman. The Care..&.. Compassion.🤗 Knowledge.&. Understanding you yourself glean! So they may live healthy happier lives. Is simply beautiful♥️within intent. You can tell your tone through voice .&. also within how you speak. whilst talking with your animal friends is beautifully refreshing. .. I love listening.&. watching all your animals whilst learning a little as i do. So T.y.. Anne. Your efforts are very much appreciated

[@kathleenyes-cp2uf]

“Strange little land clouds” Thanks for the advice!

[@user-gj1ym6dq3b]

Here in the Netherlands they have the reputation of being easy to keep. Better climate for them I guess?

[@sparklyfree8911]

Thank you for sharing! After watching your video I’m not sure why the Internet continually advertises raising alpacas as “easy.“ I’m so glad I watched your video!

[@clifc6351]

Super Cool Video sharing the insights you've experienced. Thank You for making the video.

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

The music when you were tying up Ringo had me rolling 🤣

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Adam has a very special talent for these things.

[@xsteflaks]

As someone who has owned a large herd of alpacas for an equal amount of time as you have, some of these difficulties come as a surprise to me. Your local climate and area must be exceptionally bad for parasite issues as I have never needed more than a biannual oral drench and a watchful eye for skin mites. Take note of what your local wildlife might be introducing to your area, perhaps taller fencing or an annual pestiside could help. It is all depend on your local environment. I would recommend that you take time to learn how to skirt your fleeces as this should bring your 30% loss in wool at the mill to approximately 10%. Your castration tooth concern can be solved with a narrow nose pliers. The nerve on those teeth are very small, so have no fear in snapping the point off of them. Just make sure to get all 6 castration teeth. Your other dentistry issues are best solved with a soft disk on a grinder, but I have found genetics play a large factor in this issue as overgrown teeth are often a result of a hereditary poor jaw alignment. I hear you on the lack of veterinary knowledge out there. What I tell anyone is to think equine for diet and bovine for disease and treatment. I have however never encountered an issue that does not have a solution. Lastly I have seen other comments on this. Your fencing layout would benefit with a narrow path in order to herd the alpacas into when you need to handle them. It takes a lot of stress out the process, also halter training is a great way to socialise and get better cooperation out of them, not in every case of course it is dependent on their personality. Let's also not just focus on the negatives as alpacas have a number of positive traits that are not seen in other domesticated animals. From a breeding point of view, I can not stress how convenient it is to have an animal that will never give birth at night and will without fail wait for sunlight giving you as the owner so much peace.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you so much for this comment! You are totally right, our climate is a huge player in our parasite issues. When in Washington, it wasn’t NEARLY the concern it is here. With regard to native animals bringing in parasites, you’re also correct, they’re coming in mostly on deer. The first two years we were here, M worm in particular wasn’t as big an issue because our livestock guardian dogs kept all the deer and other critters off the property. Some new neighbors started complaining about the dogs barking at night, which resulted in us having to barn the dogs at night, which, no surprise, resulted in a huge influx of native animal issues again. I’ve just put up high electric lines that should help with deer, but we also can’t really help what gets washed downhill from the forest. While I’ve never intentionally bred our alpacas, we did rescue a female who had a surprise cria, and you’re totally right, after breeding dairy goats and jersey cows, the daytime births are a huuuuuuge plus. With shearing, I’m getting better every year, but it is definitely a learned skill. The first few years, I helped shear at a local breeder’s place and they were very kind, patient teachers with 25+ years i the alpaca industry. I miss having them as neighbors!

[@CJ-tf5yd]

Great info. I hope she read this!

[@chrisw5829]

​@@CJ-tf5ydshe replied lol

[@2wired4work]

I've seen several alpacas give birth at night. The rest of your information is pretty spot on though.

[@TJ-gi3jo]

Great video and very informative! I remember a couple of decades ago seeing lots ads encouraging alpaca ownership, and while I knew I couldn't because I didn't have enough property, I had dreams about it for awhile. I never knew about the "castration tooth." That's wild! I'm so sorry about your loss of John. He sure was gorgeous - my favorite color for alpacas.❤You are doing a great service with this video.

[@LisaMyEclecticLife]

New subscriber, I really enjoyed your video. This video is the first time I have seen your channel. I think it came into my feed because I am a spinner and watch a lot of videos about spinning and fiber animals. So happy to see that you are taking advantage of the lovely soft fiber to spin. I will go to your channel and see what other fun videos are there. Blessings.

[@donnacreager8428]

You and Adam make such a great team. I love the way this video came together. Such great information, honesty and humor. ❤️❤️

[@adamofnotrades]

Thanks for watching as always, Donna 🙌That means a lot to hear that.

[@donnacreager8428]

@@adamofnotrades always ❤️

[@P1nkBanj0]

You're great!

[@marcusrobinson1778]

Jeez. Thank you for this

[@karenmoreau4589]

thank you for your lovely videos and great info. May I make a small suggestion. Having raised, trained, etc. large horses and mini's with and without help and now a mature age and hefty body :) I have found that handling all of my stock the same way I work all farm animals - a gathering pen attached to a chute with a 'squeeze'. A commercial 'working chute' is not necessary but cattle panels are a God send. Set together at the correct width/distance the work of shearing, vaccinations, worming, hoof/feet trimming, vetting, grooming, milking, etc., all go faster, smoother, safer and honestly keep me sane. Just a thought. Praying your business grows and becomes smoother for you and your four legged friends.

[@airtow6766]

My family doctor raised alpacas and was accidently killed by one of her herd, when it ran to greet her as she opened a gate and the animal slid and stumbled into her. Sad!

[@Morgan-gv6mi]

I recommend a tooth-o-matic for the teeth! It has a shield so you won't cut them and it won't take the teeth down too far. It's easy and quick.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Oh amazing! I’ll look into that. Thank you so much

[@eddjordan2399]

Big Love from the Uk Amzing work Anne. and big love to your man too. xxx

[@teodosiomeza]

There are a lot of Peruvian vets that will be willing to work with your current vet in order to keep these beauties safe.

[@skival]

Mine could be a pain, but man I miss them.

[@danielherrin]

Very enlightening

[@the2012fad]

I am so sorry for your losses.

[@danielamorin9874]

You are super awesome!

[@shaunhall6834]

I appreciate you doing this video. I plan on going off grid and was thinking of getting some but now I'm not. I'm moving to an area with others who have alpicas and I think I'll make myself available to my neighbors to help them when they need it. I definitely want to be able to care for my animals 100% and if I can't I won't have them.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Having neighbors with the animals you want is literally the best possible scenario. You can help your neighbors care for them and get friends out of the deal, while having to bear none of the financial burden! And you can still go on vacation ;)

[@loniz7193]

Doesn't matter what anyone says... You weren't hotheaded and you didn't do anything drastic... you handled things well and got a very good outcome and maybe even a new friend and better neighbor

[@aviendha1154]

It’s kind of ironic that John the alpaca died. Obviously tragic, but also very accurate to life

[@Doxymeister]

I appreciate your video, even though I don't have alpacas myself. They are indeed adorable, and I'd probably really enjoy shearing myself then spinning into yarn. But that's just a daydream, as I know from my own experience with horses that it would never turn a profit. At one time, we had 7-10 registered Arabian horses, and 11 miniature horses/American Show Ponies. We showed the minis and ponies during summer and fall (learned the hard way not to show in winter!) which costs a lot in show tack, last minute farrier costs, nice pajamas (when clipped the minis/ponies have to wear "pajamas" to keep them from chilling) not to mention show fees, stall rental, gas and food/drink, etc. In our area, Arabians were nice to look at but rarely did we get stud fees because Quarter Horses are ubiquitous in this area. We got tons of attention at parades, as we'd ride in Arabian costumes--just didn't translate into stud bookings. My miniature stallion got a few bookings as he did show well, but you just can't make enough on stud fees to cover their annual upkeep expenses. I've loved horses all my life, and would still have a couple if I weren't severely disabled, but fully admit that if I did still have horses, it mostly as pets/riding. It's just difficult today to financially justify owning horses. I'm glad you made this video, folks should be knowing what they're getting into.

[@user-ui2lv8df1m]

I would highly highly recommend taking Marty McGee Bennett's camelidynamics training. My husband and I went from a similar situation every month to me being able to do it own my own without a single spit or fight. She is the alpaca whisperer and can help you be one too! You will be happier and so will they.

[@user-ui2lv8df1m]

Also that sweet guy needs his front teeth trimmed! I'm surprised he can even eat with them like that. Check out sheeringalpaca. They can trim teeth, including fighting teeth, and toenails, and sheering all in one go. They are biosecure and mostly travel to small farms all over the east of the US.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I’d really like to get it trimmed, though it was like this long before I got him and I’ve been watching it pretty closely, and it hasn’t grown/changed, nor has it seemed to bother him much, I have a tooth saw and a basic understanding of what needs to be done, but given the risk of messing it up when it hasn’t seemed to cause much of an issue for him, I’ve opted not to do anything yet. I’ll look into sheeringalpaca! Thanks for the info.

[@sherrybacon8041]

You can use a small diamond blade on a hand held saw to do there teeth.

[@michaelriddick7116]

"Strange land clouds from another planet." 🤣😂🤣😂

[@laaaaaau6687]

Wow thank you so much for sharing your experience, I live in a house with only dogs and a cat lol but is my dream to have a small farm someday and alpacas are my favorite besides goats, but now I understand it's not as dreamy as it seems 😅 I'm suscribing to your channel hoping to learn more! Greetings from Argentina 😊

[@nancyseiley4190]

Nowing the type of climate alpacas come from and staying in a similar climate is also helpful.

[@karee-pacaswest8209]

Camelidynamics will really help your handling 😁

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

And you have goats, who are hilarious and a pain in the butt to manage. Your dogs are gorgeous

[@SinkrSwim]

Lunar cycles make sense, more light to forage/hunt during so parasites would have extra nutrients in the hosts body to feed on increasing gestation rates.

[@teresaellis7062]

I have learned the same way with chickens. I tried to learn as much as I could, but unfortunately, some knowledge has to be learned through experience. I don't think I will ever get a larger animal, plus I am allergic to everything furry. 😥But I am glad to have chickens in my life. And yes, chickens can be jerks too. I have one hen who I have to wear tall boots and long skirts around otherwise she will try to take chunks out of me and she has left bruises!

[@user-cj4tm4kc6w]

Your supposed to soup those and but new pullets

[@marilynwade9448]

They are so cute

[@wolfgangschmidtke8023]

Hallo Anne und vielen herzlichen Dank für deine Nachricht und tschüss aus Düsseldorf Germany 🥳🥳🇩🇪🇩🇪🇺🇸🇺🇸🌶️🌶️🤵

[@brucejohnson4462]

I had several alpacas and four llamas for a few years. All were kind of local rescues. Hadn't been sheered in a few years they were a mess. I trimmed hooves clipped teeth and used the fleece to insulate my chicken coop. Llamas were a lot more personable. Both were ok if you take the time to be with them.

[@louferguson7048]

Wow. Thank you!!! I definitely don’t want to do this. You saved me much buyers remorse 😂

[@KPVFarmer]

“Land Clouds” love it!!!

[@carlyh6913]

Ok this chick is dope. I do hope people can see that a creator engineered these creatures and not just a wild explosion of chance

[@tarawhite4419]

Let me guess you regret it cause it's too much cuteness overload

[@randymartin5521]

I have friends in Georgia that have raised alpacas for many years, they've won several awards for showing them, who knew that was even a thing? They also raise other animals and sell meat. They sometimes sell alpaca meat as well, I think that's how they deal with the unruly ones. He shears, trims teeth, etc. If you need any advice, I'm sure they would be glad to help.

[@kathymcmc]

Is that North Georgia? I'm in Savannah.

[@randymartin5521]

@@kathymcmc in Monroe, about 50 miles east of Atlanta.

[@houndgirl7365]

Alpacas are not easy, though rather work with them than a billy goat that is musking. Definitely not a species for the feint of heart and they do take a ton of work, but it was nice getting to watch the sunset with them all. I have been spat on, but the worst was when i did grab one to be taken to be sheered; the alpaca decided to run I held onto that lead until I was almost brought right into a post (we were in a pen for easy access). That day was both memorable and kind of crazy saying I was sooo sick and pushing to help.

[@nahannilove]

ohmegoodnesses 😮.. i have four horses (take care of seven) and 2:00 minutes in,,, yeah nope… don’t need Alpacas, box checked. Thanks for posting 😅

[@susanpage8315]

My son and his fiance will have alpacas. She uses the wool for blankets and clothing.

[@meepk633]

If I got parasites that easy, I'd probably look terrified all the time too.

[@Avocadomushroom]

Wow thanks for this video I don’t want alpacas anymore 🙂🙂🙂

[@DJ-uk5mm]

If you have worm problems have you tried growing willow and Artemesia ( wormwood) and feeding this to the animals ;-) also mob grazing on new pasture each day.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yep, check out some of my other videos, we do rotational grazing and there are natural dewormers available in every paddock. M-worm is a different beast than most parasites.

[@Deborararora]

ouch that looked painful at the start there

[@Dekiams]

This was so interesting! So far I haven't really heard much negative about having them and the struggles of keeping them in health and the lack of knowledged vets. We were actually planning on getting alpacas and offering alpaca experiences etc on our very first small farm in the near future. We don't want an actual farm were meat and milk is used, but having the animals as part of family for friendship and possibly offering walks and experiences with them. But I've also come across micro cows which are also supposed to have a friendly personality, goats, donkeys, smaller sized ponies, ... If not alpacas, which animals would you suggest that are fairly easy to get started with, friendly and cooperative, and might enjoy going on walks or being groomed?

[@s-c..]

Such a useful, informative video. Thanks so much for this!

[@gungadinn]

I guess I'm fortunate that the area I live had/has a lot of alpaca farms and a couple of vet practices that specialize in various large animals as well as small animals. My vet does in-house small animal examinations and the majority of their large animal works is done on the farm. They've got close to 20 vets on staff and hire a few new ones each year. 10 or so years ago, there was federal money/income tax benefit for raising alpacas. I was told that this exemption went away and the number of alpaca farms dropped in half. Good luck with your spitting friends.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

There was also a really fascinating Ponzi scheme involved in the early importation of alpacas- if you ever want a fun rabbit trail to read, check it out. Some folks were paying $150k+++ for breeding stock and really lost their shirts when the industry didn’t pan out the way it’d been promised to.

[@ontariotreestructuresandfo1839]

Apple cider vinager in the water, might help

[@blessildajoy]

I was gung-ho on alpacas 4yrs ago. Luckily I came to my senses😂. Let's see how sheep project unfolds...

[@leannmeddings4068]

Sheep aren't that difficult. You have to be careful with the parasites, especially in the younger ones . You can give them shots of some meds but most are given as a drench, which is oral. And like alpacas they are very creative in finding ways to die. Get a liveatock gaurdian dog. Fence all around and we even put up electrical fence. They don't try to escape but if grass looks better on the other side of the fence, they will go for it. Babies are some of the sweetest and cutest around. My first babies will be born in Novemeber. I have a small flock of 7. 3 ewes should be pregnant, and I'm really excited about that. Get on line and read everything you can about them. That's what i did. I also have a close neighbor that introduced me to the sheep life. It's nice having him close by. Very sweet animals. They do get big and can be pushy. There have been several times i thought i was going to hit the dirt, but i stayed on my feet.

[@vintagelady1]

Is their susceptibility to parasites perhaps due to the fact that they are native to a cold climate & high altitude where there are fewer parasites, & thus haven't evolved with natural immunity? Their native habitat is a pretty severe environment & I'd expect a fairly specialized animal to evolve there. As I often say to other KZbinrs who have animal channesl, thanks so much for doing all the hard work so I can enjoy the cutenes fruits of your labor!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yeah, that is definitely a factor, though in hot, humid climates like this, parasites tend to be an issue no matter the animal- even the native deer struggle with them.

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

Do not regret the experience of this life. What else where you going to do?

[@skydivingcomrade1648]

As a Paramedic, I couldn't understand the jokes about vet medicine......as a dog lover and owner of 5, I finally understand the disdain they get.

[@elizabethmilward8301]

The comment about the difficulty of 'finding a vet that knows more about alpacas than you do' I keep pet geckos, and I have the exact same problem with finding a reptile vet. And even once I find a reptile-competent vet, I go in with the assumption that I probably know as much or more about the specific needs and quirks of the species I am keeping than the vet, though the vet knows more about health issues and medicine of reptiles generally and has the resources I don't to deal with things.

[@kathynj6479]

Oh! I broke my ankle playing duck, duck, goose with my students and for some reason I needed to WIN so I leapt my 58 year old body into the air and landed wrong. It was a 12 week break meaning 12 weeks in a cast - the first 6 weeks couldn't put my foot down. When I got the cast off it stank AND my skin peeled off in sheets. It was gross. So thinking of you with my own fond memories. 🙏🥰🤣😎! (Serious note: on advice of my dad, who had done the same, do ALL the PT even though it made me cry then - I still do them 15 years later and never have trouble with my ankle. Walked 7 miles yesterday. I'm 73 now. )