- Alpacas are probably the easiest large animal to care for.
- As herd animals, they need to be kept in groups of at least three.
- They need a supply of fresh water and food and a shelter.
- From Spring to Autumn they will graze grass and browse on hedge rows.
- During winter they should be given hay.
- We give food supplements to ensure ours get all the vitamins and minerals they need, especially when growing or pregnant.
- When sunlight is short in winter months, they should be given extra vitamin D.
- Alpacas are happy living in open fields.
- We provide all of ours with access to shelter, so they can find shade, or respite from heavy rain.
- An alpaca’s fleece isn’t oily like a sheep’s, so they’re not as waterproof.
- They cope well with cold weather. We’ve often seen ours waking in the morning under a blanket of snow.
- We bring all newborns into a stable for their first night, partly for shelter and partly to allow them to bond with their mother in peace.
- We also sometimes fit youngsters with a dog coat in bad weather.
- Alpacas can easily be trained to walk on a head collar and lead.
- Almost all of our alpacas are head-collar trained, and we handle them frequently
- Head-collar training isn’t done just for fun. It makes carrying out husbandry tasks much easier and safer.
- Some of our younger animals are available for walks, which need to be booked in advance.
- If you're interested in knowing more about keeping alpacas please feel free to contact us (see About US -> Contact Us)