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Article Research - Week Four

So this week I decided to read some articles that could help me develop my business. I started by researching any tips on starting an alpaca farm from people who have been in similar circumstances. This helped me to find out how much land I actually need for a small herd and what kind of plants need to be removed that are poisonous to the alpacas.
This article also helped me to establish how to build shelter that will be compatible with the needs of the alpacas and the British weather. This includes no metal roof to stop overheating and something secure from rain to stop fleece damage.
I also found that the taxation process involved with running a business and how being an owner that participates in the active running of the business can benefit greatly from tax benefits!

I also researched what Veterinary care alpacas needed and what could be administered through the staff at my farm. These include worming, vitamin supplements to combat lack of sunlight in winter, the halter training process that is required to carry out walks and the microchipping that is required by the British Alpaca Society.

I also researched ways of starting a cafe with little money or funds. This would allow me to prioritise my alpaca business and then build up the cafe over time. From the research, I found that a lot of cafes started with hot plates and toastie makers and didn't need an industrial kitchen. They also extended their business hours in the evening through a liquor license, creating another 20 hours of business opening hours a week!

Another research article I looked at was published by the British Alpaca Society (BAS) on how to buy an alpaca and what to look for when buying them. They provided guidelines on the appropriate questions to ask when buying an alpaca including the transferring of ownership, how to tell if the alpaca is in good shape and the code of conduct that sellers must adopt when professionally selling their alpacas.

Finally I researched the advantages and disadvantages of opening an alpaca farm and how profitable the different types of alpacas can be according to their gender, whether they are pregnant, or what genetic makeup they have. This lead to me to look at the breeding process and what the gestation process is for alpacas and how to care for newborns, including the weaning process and the birthing.

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