Who buys alpacas?
Alpaca breeders come from many walks of life. For some, alpacas are a source of income, for others a source of pleasure. Young couples with children might own three or four alpacas and enjoy caring for them. Retired couples, who have raised their kids, sold their business, and retired to the country, are often owners. The family whose members include a handspinner might own two or three animals for fiber production. Several large breeders are veterinarians who have found the ownership of alpacas to be more rewarding than practicing veterinary medicine. Many herds are owned by families where one spouse has a city job, and the alpaca business is managed by the other on their small acreage in the country. A large number of breeders are working couples who tend to their herd in the evening after work. All of these alpaca breeders, big and small, enjoy their animals and feel good about owning an investment they can hug. Some owners don’t actually raise their animals on a day-to-day basis. T
Alpacas are purchased by various types of people for a wide range of reasons. Teachers, doctors, pharmacists, psychologists, bankers, business managers, accountants, real estate brokers, corporations, housewives, the young, the middle-aged, and active investment-conscious retired people are all purchasing alpacas. Some enjoy the investment potential and see alpaca farming as an exciting new vocational vehicle, some enjoy it as a second and more relaxed career, and some just enjoy the animals as pets.
Alpaca breeders come from many walks of life. Increasingly, alpacas are becoming an important source of income for many people. Entire families are full-time alpaca breeders. Young couples with children might own three or four alpacas and enjoy caring for them. Retired couples, who have raised their kids, sold their business, and retired to the country, are often owners. The family whose members include a hand-spinner might own two or three animals for fiber production. Several breeders are veterinarians who have found the ownership of alpacas to be more rewarding than practicing veterinary medicine. Many herds are owned by families where one spouse has a city job, and the alpaca business is managed by the other on their acreage in the suburbs or the country. A large number of breeders are working couples who tend to their herd in the evening after work. There are even city dwellers who have discovered the option of boarding (or “agisting”) alpacas, thereby giving them an operational a
Alpacas are purchased by a variety of people for a wide range of reasons. Doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, pharmacists, teachers, psychologists, bankers, accountants, real estate brokers, veterinarians, housewives, young, middle aged, and retired people are all alpaca owners. Most are technically savvy, and internet users. Some are professional people who are looking for a lifestyle change. Some enjoy the investment potential, some enjoy it as a second career, and some just enjoy the animals as pets.
Anyone can become a breeder, for some, the alpacas are a source of income, for others a source of pleasure. Young couples with children might own several alpacas and enjoy caring for them. Retired couples, who have raised their kids, sold their business and retire to the country, are often owners. Many herds are owned by families where one spouse has a job and the other manages the alpaca business. Others are looking to get out of the rat race of Corporate America and are looking for a career change to a slower life style. Yet others, decide to board their alpacas and enjoy the financial security of an additional income in addition to their current jobs. Ultimately we enjoy social aspects of showing and meeting new friends and “The Alpaca Lifestyle”.
