Spudland Alpacas to hold first-ever pen sale
Staff Writer
BLAINE — If you’ve ever considered getting into the business of raising alpacas or just want more information before making the decision to do so, now’s the time to do just that.
No matter where you live,
alpacas offer very attractive business and farming opportunities.
Many also raise alpacas for companionship,
SPUDLAND ALPACAS is hosting a ‘pen’ sale May 1. Located at 130 Bubar Rd. in Blaine, the business is run by the Porter family, who encourage anyone with an interest in alpacas to come to the event, get additional information and check out the stock available for sale.
Spudland Alpacas will be holding its first pen sale on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, see and/or purchase one of these beautiful animals.
“Please join us for a fantastic opportunity to acquire high-quality alpacas from one of the largest alpaca farms in the County,” said owner Richard Porter.
Alpacas are known for being alert, intelligent, curious yet predictable animals, according to Porter.
“They are social animals that seek companionship, communicating softly by humming. Alpacas can weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and have an average height of 36 inches at the withers. The average lifespan is about 20 years,” he explained.
Porter said alpacas are a small and relatively easy livestock to maintain.
“They need basic shelter and protection from heat and foul weather. They require minimal fencing, being pastured at five to 10 per acre. They are virtually disease-resistant animals. They do require periodic de-worming. They also need occasional nail and/or teeth trimming,” said Porter.
Alpacas’ main source of food is grass or hay. They eat approximately 2 lbs. her 125 lbs. of body weight per day. Porter said a single 60 lb. bale of hay can generally feed a group of about 20 animals for one day.
The animals are known for the high-quality coats that are turned into fibers to make a variety of products.
“Alpacas are valued for their wonderful fiber that is as soft as cashmere and lighter and warmer than wool. This fiber, available in 22 natural colors, is hypo-allergenic and contains no lanolin. An adult alpaca might produce 5-10 lbs. of first-quality fiber per year. Alpacas are sheared yearly in the spring, without harm to the animal,” said Porter.
Alpaca owners and breeders come from all walks of life. From young families to empty-nesters, raising alpacas offers many options for everyone.
“Our business has been family-owned and -operated for six years. We now have three generations involved, with my grandkids lending a hand now from time to time,” said Porter.
“No matter where you live, alpacas offer very attractive business and farming opportunities. Many also raise alpacas for companionship,” he said.
Spudland Alpacas is one of approximately 70 farms currently operating in Maine. Information is readily available, both from in-state and out-of-state sources.
“One source is the Maine Alpaca Association. It shares common goals for education, information, communication and marketing of alpacas,” said Porter.
Now that it’s spring, this is the perfect time to establish a farm. The Porters can provide first-hand knowledge of the business and welcome inquiries.
“We’re hoping folks will take advantage of this first-time-ever opportunity to purchase alpacas from Spudland Alpacas. Pricing for pet quality animals starts at $400, with bred females starting at $6,500. Prices will vary for starter packages — consisting of two or more females and one male — depending upon animal quality,” said Porter.
For more information, visit the new website at www.SpudlandAlpacas.com or call 551-3002.
