There are many questions that anyone considering owning an alpaca should first ask. I have set up the information on this page as a frequently asked question (FAQ) page; however, you will notice that each question links to a page that is more in depth and more informative, for those who have more time to investigate and read.

1. How much care is involved with alpacas?

Alpacas are relatively easy animals to care for. The daily routine involves getting fresh water, feeding the grain, giving them some hay, and scooping the poop. On our small farm this can be done in as little as 45minutes, although, I usually take time to get my paca kisses and talk to them a little so it usually takes me an hour.

2. What do I need to get started in terms of land, fencing and barn?

You will need land, of course. However, the amount of land is not as much as you would think. Our farm is only 2 acreas. Alpacas require at least a 3 sided enclosure and fencing.

3. Can I make money in the alpaca business?

Yes, many people make money in the alpaca business. However, this is not a lazy man's business. You will need to research fiber, alpacas, tax laws, marketing, and website design. You need to be creative with your selling techniques and you marketing plans. Selling alpacas is only one way to make some money. I know many individuals who make money off of their fiber crafts or by doing seminars on topics ranging from fiber crafts, web marketing, to alpaca 101.

4. What do I do with the fiber?

The funnest answer is to make something out of it. I enjoy felting. Many enjoy spinning. For the rest of the alpaca owners, they may send their fiber to a fiber co-op or to a mill. We recently spoke to another small farm that belongs to a fiber co-op and makes $700 to $1000 each year selling her goods around Christmas time.

5. What is ARI?

6. What are some of the advantages of alpacas?

The tax deductions are great. You can insure your investment. They are gentle animals, that will steal your heart.

7. What should I look for in a contract?

This is a very important form to read. Do not assume they are all the same...They vary greatly from farm to farm. Make sure that all the details for rebreedings, additional breedings, agisting, insurance, payment, situations of return, health, and transportation, are clearly written. Ask to see a contract before you purchase your animal and read it carefully. Make sure that all of the registration information is correct and that the person you are buying the alpaca from either has the ARI papers in their name or if it is a consignment sale make sure that you can get can get the owners to sign the ARI papers promptly.

8. What payment options does Yellow Rose of Virginia Alpaca Farm offer?

We are very flexible. Just give us a call and we will work with you.

We often offer a discount on the alpacas if you can pay in full at the time of purchase. However, We have mainly had to purchase our alpacas with financing plans. Therefore, our financing plans are designed for those, like us, who may need a little more time. Many farms say that they have plans, but these plans consist of paying 25% every 3 months for 1 year. I know that type of plan would have been difficult for us. Therefore, we offer the 25% plan every 3 months for one year with no finance charge. But we also offer a more flexible monthly plan. Our monthly plan has a small finance charge, but consists of a monthly payment schedule that you can stretch over 1 to 5 years.

For more information visit the why buy from us page