Hello everyone,
As it happens to smallholder families - just as we decided that we had 'enough' animals to look after our mind got changed after a fox visit. Apart from the chickens (who do get locked up, btw, but working hours and Scottish daylight don't always go hand in hand...) We are also worried about the lambs which are due in April (only got 3 rare breeds but are really attached to the girls).
I have done some research (but actually I always liked the idea of having alpacas
) and we do have space for a couple of boys (I guess those are the ones who guard?). Could anyone help out? We are based near Perth.
We have enough space but there are a few things which I wanted to check first:
1. do they jump fences?
2 do they headbutt?
3. can we please have a couple of placid and docile ones (not bothered about their age really as long as they are healthy and 'non-temperamental')
We had rams and billy goats before and they almost made me give up my vegetarian lifestyle - with all they rowdiness and damage they ended up causing
. We do have children who are responsible and used to being around animals so I am keen for some friendly new members of the household.
I have spoken to a lady who does alpaca trekking but she needs all of hers. An alternative would be, which I am happy to try, to hire them for a season and see how this works? How much would it be for a couple (buying and or hiring?)
Any help would be greatly appreciated - I noticed that forum isn't as active as some of the other ones but fingers crossed we can get this sorted before April
Thanks ,
Chrissie.