Welcome to the wonderful world of alpacas. We remember when we first started out, and how much fun it was to learn all about these wonderful animals. We also remember the struggle we had trying to determine the best places to spend our time and energy learning. So, to this end, we have listed some of what we consider to be important and/or helpful ideas/hints/tips for people first starting out on their alpaca adventure. We hope you find this useful. Please let us know if you think there should be something else listed here, or if there is something in particular we can help you with.

In addition to this page, please be sure to see our Resources/Links page for great web sites with tons of information!

Here are some recommended books:

• Dr. Norm Evans Alpaca Field Manual
• Eric Hoffman's "The Complete Alpaca Book"
• Marty McGee Bennett's "The Camelid Companion"
  

These books can be borrowed from the AOBA library, or purchased from one of the Alpaca Supplies links (See Resources/Links page for AOBA and Alpaca Supplies links)

Below, I've listed some ideas for ways to collect more information about alpacas:

• Visit as many farms as you can, not only to visit with the animals, but to also get a feel for people you are comfortable with.
• Ask a farm or two if you can help out with any daily chores, or on herd maintenance day.
• Every chance you get, put your hands on alpacas. The more you touch the fiber, and look at the fiber, the better you will get at evaluating the fiber.
• Join local clubs. This is a great way to meet breeders in your area and learn about local events.
• Join National clubs at the associate level (less expensive). The Alpaca Registry (ARI) provides associate members online access to alpaca records, and the Alpaca Owners and Breeder Association (AOBA) sends out tons of information to new associate members.
• Read, Read, Read (See above recommended books!).
• Go to alpaca shows and events, talk with people, watch the alpacas, and get your hands on them!
• Attend classes and seminars.