Outside of the alpaca world keeping alpacas can often seem like a bit of an odd thing. They look cute, but what do they do?
In fact the number one question I get asked is 'Why do people keep alpacas?' Well, there are a number of different reasons, which I will cover below.
1. The huggable investment
The idea here is that you breed alpacas with the aim of selling a number each year, thus acting like an investment that has the potential for both growth and to generate an income. Unlike other investments, alpacas are extremely cute and huggable!
2. Fleece
The primary purpose of the alpaca is it's fleece. Whilst a small number of breeders do produce alpaca meat, this is certainly the minority. The alpaca fleece has many wonderful properties and is very much seen as a superior product to most sheep wool.
3. Chicken/flock guards
Alpacas will form a protective guard over chickens and sheep and will see off predators such as foxes.
4. Lawn mowers
Of course alpacas love grass, so for some they are kept simply to maintain their lawns.
5. Planning permission
There have been several successful examples of breeders who have purchased agricultural land, set up an alpaca breeding enterprise and then applied for planning permission to live on the land.
So there you have it, that is why people keep alpacas! If you would like more information on any of these aspects, please feel free to get in touch at ivywell@outlook.com.
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