We started farming alpacas with 3 females (one pregnant) and one wether (neutered male).  They were not the best quality, and while we could have bought in better stock, we chose to breed up with the aim of improving the fleece and the genetics.  This is not the easy route, but we are seeing results now with our babies (cria).

Like all animals, the more you handle them, the more they will do. They can do obstacle courses with children, go for walks on the beach, or carry small packs or they can just be a pleasure to see out in your paddocks. 

Their biggest asset is their fleece – soft, hypo-allergenic, can be used alone or with other natural fibres and extremely light and warm, not to mention the wide colour variety. There are now several processors to assist with getting a fleece to various stages, whether just carded or made up into yarn or completed garments.

Pacific alpacas collect, process and pay for fleeces if you are not using them yourself – we are a collection point for fleeces.  If you want to know or join their network visit www.pacificalpacas.com

Alpacas are easy care – they do not need intensive care, but there are some basics they should have:

Hay should be fed all the year round to assist with digestion.  Nuts are an optional extra, except for females in the last 3 months of pregnancy and when lactating – at this time extra nutrition is needed and Lucerne will also help with this.  Ensuring quality nutrition in the 3 months pre-birth increases the likelihood of a better fleece on the cria.

They should have access to shelter – from the heat and the wet.  Some alpacas will use this more than others, but a shelter belt, barn or sheds should be available.

They require vitamin ADE injections for the first 2 years of life to prevent rickets and also worming – according to numbers kept and whether they are grazing with other animals, especially sheep and goats and injections against clostridium.

They do not get fly strike or foot rot, but can get rye grass staggers and facial eczema – prevention for the latter can be by spraying the  paddocks and/or giving zinc nuts during the at risk season.  They do need their feet trimmed – some more times than others.

They are not keen on dogs, but will get used to your own if you have them.  While they can spit, this is not common and usually saved for their paddock mates or the vet!  Their droppings are wonderful for the garden.

Minffordd Otis

Minffordd Otis started work this season and his first cria will be due in January 2015.  His fleece is not the finest, but he has great bone and presence from his sire – Khandahar, and when we showed him locally in his first season, he consistently won his classes and the judges commented on his stature and presence. Mating fee $400 Plus GST - Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Otis is also for sale for $800 plus GST.

Gilt Edge Toledo

Gilt Edge Toledo  our white stud – His first cria were born last Spring and all were healthy and active from day one.  They  all of them have fine fleeces and good temperament. He is a small but compact alpaca with density in his fleece. Stud fee $600 plus GST T & C apply, available on request.

We will do an assessment of your property for suitability for keeping alpacas.

After service within 50 Km including help with mastering basic skills such as injections and feet trimming.  Support via e mail for longer distances.

Reduced mating fee for mating with one of our studs within 12 months of purchasing a female – where this is appropriate genetically.

Matings – we prefer to have your female here and ensure she is pregnant and spitting at 4 weeks before sending her back, but we can discuss mobile mating if you wish.  Option to bring your alpacas here for shearing in November.

Buy back option on fleeces (conditions apply).

Our aim - happy alpacas.