by Kimberly Pressley

As the sun sinks low over the Blue Ridge Mountains a strange low hum is heard which sounds eerily out of place. Of the many sounds that are quite normal for the mountains of North Carolina this particular sound is almost mesmerizing. Up until about 20 years ago this humming could only be heard in the mountains of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

This is the peaceful lullaby that could only be produced by a very special creation, the alpaca.
It all started when I was in my early forties. I am not sure if I was looking for a new business or a new hobby, and there are varying views as to why I needed either. My children call it "empty-nest syndrome," but I tend to lean more toward mid-life crisis; my husband bought a vette, and I bought alpacas.
"Why alpacas?" was my husband's key question. My first impression of these remarkable creatures was: "They have got to be the cutest things I have ever seen!" With their huge eyes, teddy bear faces, long necks and bird-like feet, who could resist? Cute factor aside, and on a more practical level, with much research I found alpacas to be a sound, long-term investment, and a hefty tax write off. I also have a keen interest in the fiber arts (spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting and felting), and as this is the primary purpose for raising alpaca I viewed this as a wonderful opportunity. So, with much prayer, the issue was settled.
In pursuit of this new undertaking the first step for me was research. I went online and read, read, and then read some more! I also found a wonderful alpaca forum where I had a plethora of questions answered. I guess the best advice I received was "visit farms, meet other breeders, and find a mentor!" Not one to spurn sound advice that is exactly what I did.
One of the first and most surprising things I found out about alpaca people was their helpful attitude and sharing spirit. In visiting farms I met a wonderful couple, my mentors. They have helped me with healthcare, feeding program, breeding program, husbandry, and even shared their alpaca books for me to read. I do not think it would be amiss to say that without the help of these very special people my alpacas, at the very least, would not be as healthy as they are now.
I have always enjoyed livestock, as I was raised on a cattle farm for as long as I can remember. I enjoyed cattle, however due to their size I found them a little hard to control.

I am finding alpacas a lot easier for a woman in her forties to handle, as they are smaller, and in my opinion smarter.
My starter herd consisted of three Huacaya alpacas (there are two different breeds of alpaca, Suri and Huacaya). Misty, the female, was eleven years old and pregnant. The lifespan of an alpaca is about 25 years, and a female can produce babies until they are about sixteen or seventeen years old.

Misty had a cria (baby alpaca) by her side, his name was Dominick. Dominick was 5 months old so I had the chore of weaning him when he turned seven months old. Apollo was to be my herdsire. He was three years old and had never produced, so he and I would look forward to learning together. I found my herd online as a package deal. I bought them from Washington State and had them shipped across country to North Carolina.
I have only had my little herd for five short months but in that time we have come a long way. With the help of my mentors I have given a shot (vaccination and dewormer), cut toenails, cut guard teeth, weaned the little boy, and now, with much anticipation and prayer, I am awaiting the birth of my new cria.

As I sit on the step of my little barn watching these most unique creations and listening to their peaceful hum, I am truly amazed at God's handiwork! Man what a business!

http://www.helium.com/items/222974-amazing-home-business-success-stories