From Maryland To California The New Investment: Alpacas
There is a new breed of investors out there. From Maryland to California these investors are enjoying the time they spend with their investment - Alpacas.
Alpacas make a unique investment, because they are an animal that you can breed, show or keep as a pet. Alpacas are one of the few animals that are used in commerce that don't need to be slaughtered for their commodity. The alpaca's commodity is their fiber. Like cotton or cashmere the alpaca's fiber makes beautiful sweaters, blankets and rugs. Some alpaca owner's prefer to own them to make money from their fiber, because you don't have to breed them to make money by selling their fiber.
There are alpaca fiber co-ops that buy the fiber from the alpaca owners to convert it. Some alpaca owners have gotten involved in converting the fiber themselves and selling their own products.
Alpacas owners have found that alpacas make great pets, because they don't spit like their cousin the llama and they are gentle. Parents enjoy watching their children play with the alpacas without the worry of their children getting hurt. Raising alpacas is a learning experience for children especially, because they get to learn about the cycles of life by watching a new cria be born (cria's are baby alpacas).
Alpacas have two different types of fiber that comes in 22 colors recognized by the textile industry. The suri has long straight fiber and the huacaya has shorter more curly fiber. Their fiber can be sheared up to twice a year depending on the climate. Alpacas average about 36" at the withers (the area where their neck and back meet) and they weigh around 100 to 175 pounds.
The average life span of the alpaca is 15 to 20 years which provides a life long investment opportunity with their fiber. Their reproductive cycle last about as long as they live. The gestation time for an alpaca is 11 to 12 months. Females must have live coverage by male alpacas to stimulate ovulation by the female.
Alpaca farms offer open houses frequently to educate those who are interested in pursuing this investment opportunity. If you are in Maryland, California or any where in between take a look at this investment opportunity.