Why alpacas?

After doing some research, I realised that alpacas were the animals I wanted to own and to breed.   Alpacas have  many great qualities, some of which are listed below -

• They're usually quiet and peaceful, and often communicate by a lovely humming sound.
• They are beautiful and calming to look at.
• Lovely temperament and intelligence:  smart (OK, sometimes TOO smart!!)
• Mostly placid, friendly and CUTE!     Yes, Virginia, they do sometimes spit and kick---but mainly at other alpacas.
• Alpacas are gentle and easy to handle.
• They are top-grazers,and so do not pull out grasses and pasture like sheep and cattle.
• Their padded feet (similar to a dog) mean they are much kinder to your paddocks than cloven-hoofed species such as sheep, goats and horses.
• Alpacas are easy to feed.
• They do not require high-quality improved pastures.
• They are also more efficient converters of food to energy than sheep.
• Their size makes them manageable even for a single person.
• Alpacas are hardy.   Less care is required than for sheep. Even for non-farmers, little husbandry training is required, and they almost never get flystruck or get footrot.
• Alpacas have only one cria (baby) per year, ensuring their rarity for years to come.  They give birth usually in daylight hours, making management that little bit easier.
• Alpacas can be managed on relatively small acreage - 5-10 acres is perfect for a small herd.   Their DSE (Dry Stock Equivalent) is about the same as for sheep (ie. 3-4 per acre) though because they're from the camelid family, they consume less water.
• They dung in piles making cleanup easy and their dung makes great fertilizer!
• Alpacas can be trained easily because they are intelligent.
• Alpacas can be transported easily in a van or trailer.
• Their cashmere-like fleece can be harvested without pain or slaughter, and can be used to produce luxury items for sale, or gift giving.
• Alpaca fleece is naturally warm, light, and luxurious.
• Alpacas come in several beautiful colours, with 22 natural shades, meaning that fibre processors do not need to use harsh chemical dyes as much as with other natural fibres.
• The alpaca business can provide tax advantages including expense deductions and depreciation if you establish yourself as a business.
• Each alpaca can be insured for its full purchase price.
• The alpaca community provides an opportunity for friendships and learning.    The Australian Alpaca Association, alpaca breeders, and vets have built up a very large body of knowledge and experience about alpacas over the years, and so you will have plenty of back-up and support should you ever need it.
• You do really need more than one, because like most animals, they are gregarious
• They are fun!

Source: AOBA