What is "The Alpaca Lifestyle"?

A Gentler Lifestyle

Alpacas could be a calming addition to your family's lifestyle. They are quiet, gentle animals which are a joy to be around. They're quite curious and inquisitive, loving and playful animals. Alpacas are a bit timid, especially at first. You'll want to earn their trust, they don't give it away until they get to know you.

They can offer fun and joy to the entire family.

A Relaxing Lifestyle

Watch alpacas as they graze in a field. Listen to the humming of a group of these gentle animals in the barn. See how they relate to each other and to you. Alpacas allow you to enjoy a peaceful expression of yourself.

Many families enjoy raising alpacas as part of their life. There are many advantages but one which is often appreciated by a family is that alpacas are used for fiber, not food. So love 'em all you want, give them an annual "haircut" (shearing) as the weather gets warm, and enjoy their long lives (estimates of 17-25 years).

An Alternative Lifestyle

Many alpaca owners moved toward the alpaca lifestyle for reasons such as:

• A part-time calming alternative to a high-stress career.
• More space at home and yard for an empty-nester.
• Want a renewable, natural source of fiber for their crafts.
• An investment or income for retirement.
• Dropping an old career for one more in touch with the natural world.
• Moving from city to enjoy country living.
• Feeling a need to make some productive use of your land.
• Just something new to enjoy as part of life!

The highly valuable fleece of alpacas is enjoyed by home spinners and fiber artists. These artisans produce items for sale in cottage industries or share the creations with loved ones. Many farms market their own raw fiber after shearing or have it processed into yarn or garments for sale. With alpacas, many options await you and your creativity!

A Profitable Lifestyle

Alpacas can be a great investment! For many people, the tax advantages alone makes raising alpacas a financial win. If you're looking for a way to enjoy life around the home, save on your tax bill and produce an income, you owe it to yourself to look closely at alpacas.

Whether operated as a part-time venture or a full-time business, alpacas could also be a part of your long-term retirement plans.

There are great options available for investing in alpacas without having to raise them personally. This approach still offers tax advantages and profits for the investor. Besides, at Island West, you can visit your alpacas as much as you like!

1st Choice Alpacas will work with you to create investment possibilities. We offering multiple options for the new and existing alpaca owner. No matter what the desired level of investment, there is a way you can invest in alpacas and begin realizing tax savings and profits! For details, please take a look at our investment section and feel free to contact us.

A Simpler Lifestyle

Alpacas need little room compared to other livestock. The animals will stay near each other most of the day and will sleep close together as well. A small farm can host many alpacas, especially if the animals are fed hay as well as grazing grasses. A simple barn can be a three-sided shelter. Many shelters built for other animals can be adapted for alpacas.

New owners will often board (agist) their animals at an established farm while they prepare their own land. Some owners agist their alpacas permanently and own alpacas solely for their investment returns.

Some of the nicest people you'll meet own alpacas! Perhaps it's the animals that make them that way... or perhaps the nicest people gravitate toward these peaceful animals. You can meet "alpaca people" at their farms, at county fairs, special alpaca events, regional events, or area owners meetings. There are also on-line chat groups for "alpaca people". People from all walks of life are involved in alpacas. You'll find friends and business partners and fun as your alpaca adventure continues.

An Easier Lifestyle

Alpacas are easy to raise. "Easier than the family dog" many will tell you. Alpacas can be managed in just a few minutes each day. Although alpacas are intelligent and friendly, they can very easily keep themselves company. You won't need to worry if you're not home for a day or more to keep them entertained. Try THAT with your cat or dog! If you need to go away, petsitters will love taking care of your herd. You probably won't have any problem getting volunteers either!

Of course you'll be the one who wants to be with your alpacas! Not to worry, they won't mind... especially if you bring along a little of their favorite grain!

Enjoy a healthier, less stressful lifestyle raising alpacas!

At 1st Choice Alpacas, our services we'll help you do just that!

Learn more about the alpaca lifestyle by reading these books.

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