| ABOUT ALPACAS |
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History
Alpacas are the smallest members of the camelid family and have been domesticated as livestock for over 5,000 years. Alpacas are originally from the chilly regions of the Andes mountains in South America. They are fine fleece producers. Their cousins, the llamas, are pack animals (think of sheep vs. mules). Their fleece, often referred to as "the fiber of the Gods", clothed the royalty of the ancient Incan civilization and has been called the "fiber grown closest to heaven" or "Gold of the Andes".
Personality
Alpacas are gentle, curious, shy, and intelligent creatures. Their temperament strangely resembles that of a domestic cat... somewhat aloof, sometimes loving, always curious and intelligent. They are, by nature, herding animals, requiring the company of other alpacas for their health and well being. Occasionally alpacas will spit, but this is mostly directed at other alpacas -- especially when vying for position at the feeding trough. Spitting can also be a reaction to feeling threatened. Alpacas are safe around people, earth friendly, and easy to care for
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Financial Aspects
Alpacas are indeed a very profitable venture if handled as a business. Section 179 of the tax code allows you to deduct up to $120,000 of alpaca-related business expenses. But as with any business, you must keep records, have a semblance of a business plan, use an alpaca-savvy accounting service, and above all, take a leap of faith. You have a lovable animal that you shear and breed and that gives you valuable babies (cria). You have to do due diligence, talk to a lot of people, and ask a lot of questions. (For further information, see our Ten Key Reasons Why Raising Alpacas Is A Wise Investment.)
If you had asked us ten years ago whether we thought we'd ever own any form of livestock, we'd have laughed. But we'd do it again in a heartbeat, an opinion shared by all in the Alpaca business.
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