Some of the articles in this category are published with the author’s permission; however, many of the articles were composed by yours truly (Kally) for various speaking engagements. The opinions and ideas set forth in them come from my real life experiences and through trials and tribulations. They are what we have found work best for us, our alpacas, and our area of the country. We at Cushy Alpacas are in a constant learning mode and every alpaca owner is different. Talk to as many as you can and form your own opinions and ideas.
Alpaca Terminology
Alpaca Terminology
Huacaya (wah-KI-ya) - The “teddy bear” alpaca, whose full coat presents a round woolly appearance. The Huacaya fleece is crimped and very dense. Suri (SIR-ee) - The alpaca with dreadlocks. The Suri has long, non-crimped, lustrous “pencils” growing [...]
Benefits and Risks of Alpaca Ownership
Risks of Alpaca Ownership
Risks. It is important to recognize that there are inherent risks to alpaca ownership just like in any other livestock or financial investment. Therefore, as in most investments, it is best to not invest more [...]
Benefits of Alpaca Ownership
Benefits. The stock market is experiencing wide swings on a daily basis. Investors are not sure from day to day whether or not their profit will hold another day let alone another year. Stock market [...]
Biosecurity for Alpacas
Biosecurity Cost/Benefit
An outbreak of disease could harm your alpacas and affect other animals quickly spreading through your area. The economic consequences of a disease outbreak in your area could be devastating. Biosecurity measures need to be [...]
Biosecurity Protection
Animal Movement. Be sure all testing, vaccinations, and dewormings are up-to-date. Quarantine alpacas coming on to or returning to your farm. Quarantine herdsires used for drive-by breedings. Keep pregnant females as far away as possible [...]
Biosecurity Categories
Quarantine. New arrivals, visiting alpacas, and alpacas returning from events must be quarantined. The USDA recommends 30 days. The bacterial/viral prepatent period is 14-21 days on average. Parasites/coccidia prepatent period is 3-6 weeks. Quarantine is [...]
Biosecurity Top Risks
Animal Movement. Transporting, breeding, shows/events, purchases/sales, auctions, illness, health days, shearing. People Movement. Farm visits, veterinary visits, deliveries, pasture/herd management, feeding time. Environment. Feces, body fluids, bedding, feed, water, pasture, birds, insects, rodents.
Cria Kit
Cria Kit
Be sure to have a lawn chair, some rope, and a camera on hand. Sit in the chair, tie yourself to the chair so you don't unnecessarily interfere, and take all the pictures you'd like! [...]
Key Sections to a Business Plan
Key Sections to a Business Plan
TITLE PAGE Crisp and clean. Includes your logo, title, date, and author of the document. TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT IS AN ALPACA? Brief summary of what an alpaca is. Most people are unfamiliar with these [...]
Lagniappe From Cushy Alpacas
Livestock Disaster Plan
Farm Disaster Assistance
You do not have to face a disaster alone. Many members of the alpaca industry have survived disasters and are there to help. They have “weathered the storms” so to speak. Get in touch with [...]
Disaster Recovery
Disasters, by nature, are catastrophic events that overwhelm the ability of individuals, communities, and regions. During such catastrophic events, many things get damaged including transportation, communications, emotions, and thinking. Animals are like people in that [...]
Evacuation Planning
If evacuation is the appropriate choice, preparations should be made as far ahead of time as possible. In most cases it will be impossible to make last minute preparations for such things as animal transportation [...]
Staying Put and Sheltering in Place
If disaster strikes without warning you will need to shelter in place. In other cases you may decide that sheltering in place is the best option. Deciding to stay put and ride out a disaster [...]
Show Supplies
Show Supplies
Handlers Show # Holders White/Light Shirt Black/Dark Pants/Jeans Closed-Toe, Closed-Heel Footwear Lodging Papers Show Entry Papers Animal/Permit Papers AOA Show System Handbook Camera Ice Chest/Cooler Vehicle/Trailer Check Oil & Fluid Levels Check Tire Pressure Padlocks [...]
The Alpaca Markets
The Alpaca Markets
Market. An alpaca is a superior investment opportunity with excellent tax write-offs and financial gain compounded through the years. The lovable, curious, and fun disposition of the alpaca provides many hours of enjoyment and entertainment [...]
Transporting Alpacas
Self-Transporting
If possible, it's best to transport your own alpacas by themselves. Keep tracking records on all alpacas transported. Know your route and any planned stops. Disinfect the trailer and trailer equipment after each use. Disinfect [...]
Hiring a Transporter
There are many reputable alpaca transporters out there, but it never hurts to check them out even if you've used them before. Check out references provided by the transporter. Check the transporter's reputation through other [...]
Transporting Alpacas
What you decide to use depends on many factors. Funds available, distance to travel, number of alpacas to transport, time limitations, etc. Alpacas tend to cush when the vehicle they're transporting in is in motion [...]