The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Camelids => Topic started by: Part time dabbler on February 07, 2018, 01:24:06 pm

Title: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Part time dabbler on February 07, 2018, 01:24:06 pm

I am thinking about keeping 2 or 3 Alpacas and would like to speak to anyone who has or did keep a small number for pros and cons. I am not concerned about trying to make money out of them.

I am based near Looe in Cornwall so would be very happy to visit anyone nearby

Thanks

Richard

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Malcolm Brown on February 07, 2018, 05:12:45 pm

Being heavily involved with Angora Goats I am perhaps a bit biased, but....   They are friendly and they are very good guard dogs if you have a couple with goats or sheep. 

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Bionic on February 07, 2018, 07:39:18 pm

I have a friend who has 4 alpaca. Mostly they seem easy to keep. I look after them when my friend is away and find that they aren't very friendly. They aren't nasty but just don't like being handled so you can't give them a cuddle.
Hers live out mostly but have access to a barn all the time and come and go.


It seems it's not always easy to find a vet who knows anything about them either.
The other issue is finding a shearer. Sheep shearers won't do them and alpacca shearers are more expensive

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Clarebelle on February 08, 2018, 07:10:58 am

I don't really know much about them , just that they must be pretty hardy as someone keeps them on one of the tiny islands near here in Orkney. It has to be a sheep shearer who shears them, as there would be no one else within travelling distance. All I know is that the alpaca shearing is a calendar event for the ladies in my spinning group and the fleece gets snapped up quickly! Maybe a small scale sheep shearer would consider it is you spoke to them?

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: nutterly_uts on February 09, 2018, 10:25:39 pm

I think TB is a bit of a hot potato with them too. My understanding is they can be carriers but are not routinely tested?

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Bionic on February 10, 2018, 08:14:46 am

Quote from: nutterly_uts on February 09, 2018, 10:25:39 pm

I think TB is a bit of a hot potato with them too. My understanding is they can be carriers but are not routinely tested?

I agree with you nutterly.  Last year my friends closest farming neighbour had tb in his cattle last year and as a result she was forced to have her alpacas tested. They were clear but it wasn't a pleasant time

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: nimbusllama on February 10, 2018, 11:31:17 am

I just typed an in depth response to this post, and when I tried to review it, it said it was too big and then it disappeared!  If part time dabbler would like to PM me I will try again.

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: nimbusllama on February 14, 2018, 11:11:29 am

I have emailed you a PM  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Thinking about alpacas but want to speak to people first
Post by: Part time dabbler on February 14, 2018, 12:03:37 pm

Thank you, I will take a look tonight when I get home.