Alpacas



Alpacas originally come from the South American countries of Chile, Peru and Bolivia.
They have been highly prized for their fleeces since the times of the Incas.

This is still reflected today in the high value garments and shawls made from finest alpaca, however the principle does not apply to the raw fleeces produced by average quality animals. The challenge is still on, for small UK producers, including ourselves, to find satisfying and profitable end uses for their fleeces.

Alpacas belong to the Camelid family, and are closely related to the llama, guanaco and vicuna, all of which come from south America. Alpacas are frequently confused with llamas, although when viewed side by side, it is apparent that they are quite different animals. The llama is bigger and taller, with a lean frame – it is primarily used as a pack animal. The alpaca on the other hand, is smaller, more compact and primarily used for its fleece.

Like llamas, alpacas are intelligent animals. It requires some time and effort, on the part of the people around them, to understand them, and to identify their welfare needs - but most of the time, alpacas ask for very little, apart from the company of others of their own kind, and the basics of sufficient space, food and shelter. They eat mainly grass, with ad lib quality hay, and a little supplement to keep up mineral levels.

Many people ask ‘why keep alpacas?’
In my opinion, there seem to be three main purposes for keeping alpacas:

• Perpetuating serious breeding and show stock
• Fleece production
• Enjoyment as ‘field pets’

Our first alpacas arrived in 2000, and we started keeping them because I (Jane) liked them! We have sold breeding stock since then, and are now looking at possible outlets for the fleeces.

Where new owners have become disillusioned, is that they start off with unrealistic expectations – profitable fleece production does not happen with 5 animals, and a cheerful but motley crew of animals, is not going to set the pedigree world alight – no matter how much you may love them! However, all of us alpaca owners owe it to the future of alpacas in the UK, to be ambassadors for these fascinating creatures, and whatever we choose to do with our animals, we should do it to the best of our ability.

We have adopted a new philosophy this year, namely, that everyone should earn their keep, including the alpacas, so we shall be introducing ‘alpaca walking’ later this year. This will be a walk around the farm and riverside trail, accompanied by alpacas on a halter and leading rein. We hope this experience will give our visitors a chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with these wonderful animals.

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