Why you need some of your own!
Although gentle natured, their naturally protective natures make them good mothers and great protectors to other animals on the farm, even killing foxes to protect lambs and chickens if needed.
You only need a minimum of three alpacas, they can graze with other species and you can have five to six alpacas per acre, or more if you are giving hard feed and hay. They aren’t as expensive as you may think, with ours starting at £300 and they only cost approximately £5 per week to feed.
They are generally hardy and independent and, as long as you stay on top of their regular medication, shear them once a year and provide them with food, water and shelter, they will live a healthy happy life, giving you hours of joy and pleasure as you either watch them behave naturally from a distance or get in closer, interact with them or even take them for a walk.
We had very little farming experience prior to purchasing our alpacas and, after a humble start with two alpacas, we now successfully run a herd of over 50 and encourage anyone who has always fancied some alpacas to give it a go! It is a very rewarding hobby or profession.