About Alpacas
Thinking of starting your own adventure with alpacas or maybe you’re just curious and have an interest in these beautiful creatures?
Here are some of the most frequent questions we are asked and facts about alpacas.
How much space do I need to keep alpacas?
As a general rule, you need an acre of land for 6 alpacas. This may vary depending on the quality of the pasture on offer.
Land should be securely fenced, ideally with stock fencing to keep predators out.
Can Alpacas live alone?
The short answer is no. Alpacas are a herd animal and become stressed if they are kept alone. It’s vitally important they live in groups of three as a minimum to ensure they feel safe, secure and maintain proper socialisation.
Can you keep alpacas alongside other animals?
It’s generally recommend that alpacas are kept separate from other livestock in order to best meet their environmental needs – however they can happily live alongside others depending on the space available for all to share and temperaments of the other animals.
Sheep and goats are the most common pasture mates as alpacas can make good flock guardians. Larger animals such as horses and cattle can pose a risk from kicking and injuring alpacas so are not ideal companions.
If in doubt, just ask us and we can help advise you in more detail.
How long do alpacas live for?
On average alpacas live for 15-20 years but some can live as long as 25/26 years.
Are alpacas dangerous?
Alpacas are pleasant, endearing animals and not considered as dangerous.
As with all animals, they can react if they feel threatened but the most severe reactions are spitting, jumping away or kicking.
It’s rare that alpacas spit directly at humans, generally they spit at one another while sorting out their own disputes within the herd, but sometimes you can get caught in the cross fire. Unfortunately, its not the nicest smelling but it doesn’t cause any serious harm as its just regurgitated grass.
Alpacas are sensitive around their hind legs and can tend to kick backwards if they feel threatened from behind. They have soft pads on their feet so injures to humans as a result of kicking are minimal. Good handling and routines with the animals are key.
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas graze on normal grass and need access to hay or haylage and a good supply of fresh, clean water all year round. Forage based supplements are included in their diets at different levels throughout the year.
How much do alpacas cost?
The cost of alpacas range considerably depending on the purpose or quality of the animal.
Pet alpacas cost around £400 – £600 per animal. These are usually castrated males.
Breeding females and stud males can cost considerably more. Prices are based on the animals individual fleece quality, conformation, the pedigree and performance history of the animal.
How often are alpacas shorn?
Alpacas need to be shorn once a year, usually between May – June. It’s crucial to book a slot with a shearer as soon as possible for two reasons. Post shearing – Alpacas can overheat on summer days with a full fleece Pre shearing – Alpacas need enough time to allow for the fleece to regrow for the winter months.
The British Alpaca Society website www.bas-uk.com is also great source of information regarding anything alpaca related.
Or please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
