Llama & Alpaca Business: Customize to Maximize

Whether you have 2 animals or 20, your llamas and alpacas can help pay their way. Most of us aren't going to make a living iwth our llamas and alpacas, but that doesn't mean that they can't help pay for their care and feeding -- and in many cases, a whole lot more.

Many of the folks who have purchased here at Wier World are able to produce income from their animals.

Eagle Eye Alpacas in Spanish Lake, Missouri (www.pettingzoohaven.com) are new owners, but they have already found a "niche market" in their neck of the woods. They take their llama and alpacas into the community -- and are able to pay for feed, hay, care and transportation. They are also spreading the word in the community about camelids and the joy of owning these wonderful animals. Look for them in the 2009 St. Louis Labor Day Parade. Way to go, Denise and Gary!

Wild Flower Farm in Dittmer, Missouri purchased llamas and alpacas for a very practical reason. Don and Peggy McCallie raise Shetland sheep, and they were having a problem with predators. The llamas that arrived from Wier World have ended the trouble. This increased protection of their fiber herd allows Peggy & Maggie to continue spinning, knitting and selling awesome fiber products. Their alpaca purchases are another fiber "bonus" and a way to produce yarn and product. Great job McCallie's!

Greatting Horse Farm in Fults, Illinois purchased llamas and alpacas for their travelling petting zoo. Julie and Allen offer birthday parties, school visits, camels for Christmas displays and horse-drawn trolley carriage rides. "Our animals have to pay their own way," Julie said. And they do! Hire the Greatting's and enjoy the fun!

Baron & Kim Cooper in Kenton, Tennessee are new to the business of llamas and alpacas, but their recent purchases were with an eye toward "resale" in the future. The Cooper family will enjoy their camelids in the meantime, until they are ready to sell some critters to support the herd!