Alpacas
Over ten years ago, we bought our first alpacas, we were losing chickens to foxes, alpaca are widely used to protect chicken and lambs. We had intended to buy 3 alpacas, this turned into twelve, including six breeding females and our alpaca journey grew from there. We had to learn very quickly about responsible breeding, alpaca fibre, husbandry and all things alpaca related.
In the past, we have shown at the National level for a small breeder very successfully, our best results to date were at The Alpaca National Show with our fabulous Fabio 1st in 2018.
In 2020 we have had to make some hard decisions and have reduced our breeding herd, we still have a small number of breeding females, but the bulk of our herd is the boys for our Alpaca experience. These will stay with us as their forever homes, and Alpaca adoption will be available in 2021
All about Alpacas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpaca?
- How long do they live? - Usually about 20 years
- What is the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama? - The llama is approximately twice the size of the alpaca and the llama has a very coarse outer coat over a softer inner coat - as opposed to the alpaca, which has a very fine, single coat. In addition, the llama produces far less fibre per animal than the alpaca, despite its much larger size. The llama has been bred as a pack-carrying animal. The alpaca was domesticated and bred for over 5000 years as a luxury fibre-producing animal.
- How many colours are there? -There are 22 recognised colours from White to Black, Greys, Fawns.
- How big do they grow? -Alpaca grow up to one metre high, the babies (known as Cria's) weigh between 6 & 8 Kg at birth.
- Do they spit? - Only usually at each other, or if they disagree with something we are doing to them, maybe foot trimming or husbandry.
- How often are they sheared? - Once a year, usually the end of May?
- What is a baby alpaca called? - A baby alpaca is called a cria, they usually only have one, twins are very rare.
Keeping Alpacas
- What do they eat? - Mainly grass and an all-year-round supply of good quality Hay, plus a winter supplement. You can keep 3 to 5 per acre depending on ground conditions.
- Do they damage the pasture? - No, Alpacas have padded feet so do not churn up the pasture, they also dung in one pile so pasture management is easier.
- Can alpaca be kept on their own? - No, Alpacas are a herd animal, they will become very stressed if separated from the others. Ideally three or more, they can live happily with goats and sheep.
- How often are they sheared? - Once a year, a good fleece can weigh up to 5 kg.
Alpaca Taster Walking sessions Sorry is not available this year due to COVID 19
- On the camp-site we allow the younger alpaca's to be walked, this is done under supervision and must be booked during your stay, suitable footwear must be worn, no flip flops or open-toe shoes.
- We ask for a fee of £3.50 per alpaca per walk towards the winter feed. (2 children can share one alpaca)
- This a quick taster session to allow interaction with our alpaca's whilst you are camping at Longthorns.
- This is weather permitting and a restriction is placed on the number of walks per day for the alpaca's welfare.
- They enjoy the company, our alpaca being born on a campsite are very used to people.
We now offer The Alpaca Experience for the General Public. This is open all social distance in place and no more than 6 guests.
Available Dates
Alpacas Gallery




