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Alpaca Breeder Farm

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With the increased popularity of alpacas, has come the increased number of inexpensive alpacas for sale. As in any industry, cheaper is not typically better.

For instance, I came across an ad for “A starter herd” of 23 alpacas and all of the equipment the owners had (shearing table, fence, etc.) for only $18 000. While it may be tempting to purchase this herd because it is such a great “deal”, there are some things you should consider before doing so. Most people who are dispersing their herd will not be available to help you should you have any questions and, as any alpaca owner will tell you, you will. No matter how much you research alpacas, when you bring home your first alpacas, you will go through a learning curve. If you don’t currently have any alpacas, as the ad is suggesting, the learning curve will be overwhelming.

Another thing to consider is the quality of the animals. What kind of fiber and conformation do they have. The quality of fiber is important if you want to sell it. Even if you are not planning to show your animals, conformation is important for their health.

If you are planning to show the animals, or the offspring of the animals, they must be registered. The registry in Canada (CLAA) requires the parents of all alpacas to be registered with the CLAA in order to register the offspring. CLAA confirms parentage by DNA. For instance, if you purchase an alpaca (Cutie Pie) that is not registered, in order to register the offspring (Darling), Cutie Pie’s sire and dam must be registered and Darling’s sire must also be registered. You would also need to register Cutie Pie before you can register Darling.

In order to register Cutie Pie, you would need to get the signature of her dam and sire’s owner at the time of conception and, if different, time of birth. You also need to know the date of birth and date the microchip was implanted. If there is no microchip, you will need to implant one. While this can be done, we have heard many horror stories of people not being able to get the required signatures, after they have paid for, and taken possession of the alpaca. The same steps would have to be taken to register Darling. The cost of registering an alpaca goes up as it ages. And depending on how many alpacas need registering, the inexpensive herd can quickly become expensive.

Now, if you go to a reputable breeder, the story will be very different. A good breeder will be very willing to offer advice and help you through the learning curve, have animals that are registered with the CLAA , and is responsible for the cost of transferring the ownership, can tell you the approximate grade the fiber is, and will be upfront about any conformation issues.

At Victory Farm Alpacas, we take pride in our animals, and they are all family. We encourage all of our clients to come to us with any questions they have. Brian has been raising alpacas since 2003 and is highly involved in the industry. He is the chair of the Alpaca Ontario Show (the largest show in Canada) and is a member of the Alpaca Ontario Fiber Initiative. He knows the learning curve is a long one. There is so much that is still being learnt about alpacas. If he doesn’t know the answer to your question, he will find the answer.

Victory Farm Alpacas specializes in double registered alpacas and strives to improve each successive generation in terms of conformation correctness and fibre quality. The breeding stock offered for sale are registered in Canada and in the USA. Offspring can also be registered in both Canada and the USA.

Several alpacas owned by Victory Farm Alpacas have been ribbon winners in the show ring. These represent the top quality alpacas resulting from selective breeding of my females to exceptional studs. These alpacas are approaching the "ideal alpaca" being thought by the alpaca industry.

Free agistment for 6 months is a standard offering. Long term agistment can be negotiated as part of the purchase agreement or subsequently. Multiple purchase discounts can always be negotiated.

Breeding males are guaranteed to be capable of impregnating female alpacas. A breeding male unsuccessful in breeding by 42 months of age can be returned in exchange for a breeding male of comparable value or a refund of the purchase price. Pregnant females are sold with a female cria guarantee.

The local Veterinary Clinic has two camelid vets certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to perform TB & Brucellosis tests for cross border transport. As such the required tests and papers for Canadian export of alpacas can be usually obtained in a week. For US purchasers, transportation to the 1000 Islands Bridge border crossing and Canadian fees required to satisfy export criteria are included in the purchase price.

Victory Farm Alpacas is situated 100 kilometres south west of Ottawa in picturesque Lanark Highlands. It is less than an hour from Ottawa the Nation's Capital and just over four hours from both Montreal and Toronto. A scenic 30 minute drive from Perth or Almonte brings you to the little piece of paradise named Victory Farm Alpacas.

At Victory Farm Store, we specialize in top quality products made in Canada (from Canadian fibre) and Peru - many of which are handmade. We carry a wide range of products from yarn, rovings, and duvets (made from the fibre of our own alpacas), to apparel, to cuddly bears and alpaca figures for the kid in us all. A complete Product Catalog can be viewed online and orders can be placed by phone or e-mail. Store is open from 10 – 4 Saturday & Sunday or by appointment.

We are proud of our alpacas and always happy to talk about the growing alpaca industry. Farm visits are always welcomed. At the barn, experience the fluffy, shy, intelligent alpacas up close. Take a walk in the pasture with them, let them eat pellets out of your hand, take their picture, and enjoy the quiet, pastoral surroundings of Victory Farm.

See website for Product Cataloque