If you have a little land then owning alpacas as pets can be extremely rewarding. Alpacas are full of character and have a lifespan of roughly fifteen to twenty years, so please do your research before purchasing any animals and ensure you buy from a reputable breeder who will continue to give you support after your purchase.
Keeping Alpacas
If you follow the basic rules below you will embark upon a wonderful journey and almost certainly fall in love with the world of alpacas!
- Paddock size – a minimum of one well drained acre for 3-5 alpacas, preferably more acreage to rotate and prevent overgrazing and reduce parasites/cleaning.
- Stocking density – alpacas are herd animals that need to be kept in single sex groups of 3 or more. They are rotational sleepers who are prey animals, so the larger the herd the less stressed and happier they are. Single sex groups must be just that – even gelded males will cause problems for females if kept together which may not be witnessed by the owner but pestering happens under cover of darkness. Do not overlook older animals especially if buying youngsters, as they are very important for herd stability and calmness. Take great care if mixing with other animals as alpacas are easily bullied even by smaller farm animals, and cross grazing may increase parasite loads.
- Shelter and fencing – alpacas do not try fencing if conditions are correct, so usually 4’ stock fencing is sufficient. Field shelters must be available at all times, facing away from prevailing winds. A three-sided shelter is ideal so long as there is a large opening and lots of light as alpacas do not like dark enclosed spaces. Feed them in their shelters daily and create a catch pen area with 4’ hurdles, so they happily go in and then you can catch them when required. Also consider bio security measures such as badger proof fencing if you are in a TB hotspot.
- Alpaca husbandry – regular faecal testing for intestinal parasites is essential as alpacas have not adapted to our British parasites which can become resistant if treated routinely. Regular clostridial vaccinations are required (including a primary course), Vitamin D injections/drenches are essential over the winter, shearing is required annually (check their teeth at same time) and toenails should be checked and trimmed every 3 months.
- Alpaca care – fresh hay check daily (must always be available), mineral supplements daily, clean water. Check animals twice daily including eyes, lameness and for any subtle behavioural changes as they will mask illness. Clean paddocks and shelters regularly to reduce parasites. Weekly body condition scores should be carried out.
- Alpaca grazing – short mixed grasses (they don’t eat long grass), check pasture for poisonous plants, ensure good quality (not stale) hay is freely available at all times.
Additional tips for keeping alpacas as pets
- Consider joining the British Alpaca Society (www.bas-uk.com) and using their resources.
- Cadbury Alpacas have many animal management and vet student placements on the farm, and you can find lots more alpaca information on our student information FAQ page by clicking here
We strongly advise anyone wanting to keep alpacas as pets to attend an alpaca husbandry course before purchasing their animals, and we also offer these courses to new and prospective owners.
If you are thinking about caring for alpacas and have any questions, or if you are new to alpaca keeping, please do get in touch as we are always happy to offer welfare advice free of charge.