Resources for Online Learning

Anyone interested in alpaca farming should research and learn before they buy their first alpacas. Learn about the care of alpacas, visit alpaca farms, and learn from the experience of others. Responsible alpaca owners will continually evaluate and learn from their experience and adjust their practices accordingly.

A few excellent online resources for learning include:

• Alpaca Owners Association, Alpaca Academy
• Suri Network
• Midwest Alpaca Owner and Breeders Association
• Camelid Community
• International Camelid Institute at The Ohio State University

Here are a few books that are helpful resources:

1. Alpaca Field Manual - Fourth Edition, by C. Norm Evans, DVM
2. Caring for Llamas and Alpacas - A Health and Management Guide, by Clare Hoffman, DVM, Ingid Asmus 
3. The Art and Science of Alpaca Judging, published by AOBA  (now AOA)
4. The Camelid Companion: Handling and Training Your Alpacas & Llamas, Marty McGee Bennett
5. The Complete Alpaca Book, Eric Hoffman 
6. Llama and Alpaca Care,  Cebra, Anderson, Tibary, Van Saun, Johnson

Here are some helpful articles:

• Plants that are poisonous to alpacas

• Minimum Standards of Care

• Recommended Practices in Caring for Llamas and Alpacas
• ​Keeping Alpacas with Other Livestock - Yea or Neigh, Jill McElderry-Maxwell ​(From Suri Network)
• Heat Stress in Alpacas 
• Geldings are not always good guys, Jill McElderry-Maxwell ​​