How To Buy An Alpaca

Here at Charnwood Forest Alpacas, we have helped countless prospective alpacas owners across the country find the perfect group of animals to start their herd. We have a wide range of quality alpacas that are perfect for all purposes, be it as a fleece producer, as part of a breeding programme that you want to set up, or just to have on your land as a pet! We’re incredibly passionate about furthering the species in the UK, where we are known for producing award-winning alpacas and an exceptionally high-quality breeding programme.

If you’ve never bought alpacas before, there are a lot of things to take into consideration, and a lot of technical, industry-specific terminology that is used. If you’ve purchased livestock before, you may be familiar with a lot of this terminology, however, there will always be alpaca-specific considerations and concerns that alpaca owners should be aware of. In this guide, we thought we’d break things down in a super simple and easy to understand way so that, by the end of it, you’ll be armed with everything you need to know about buying these animals.

For over a decade, Chris and our team here at Charnwood Forest Alpacas have been offering excellent male and female alpacas for sale to members of the public. So, if you already know a little about these animals, and understand the long-term commitment and costs involved, then be sure to get in touch with our team to discuss the male and female alpacas that we currently have for sale. We look forward to chatting with you about your circumstances, creating a package that works for you, and ensuring the animals you buy are happy, well looked after, and suitable for their intended purpose.

Give us a call on 01283 552854 or feel free to fill out the contact form on this page and a member of our team from our East Midlands-based alpaca farm will be in touch.

Thinking Of Owning Alpacas? Here's What You Need To Know

Like any livestock investment, there are lots of different factors to take into account when you’re looking to buy and own alpacas. As exciting as alpaca ownership is, from their potential economic benefits to the fact they have lovely temperaments and, therefore, make great domestic pets, there are several important things that you’ve got to keep in mind when looking to purchase.

The first, and arguably most important thing to consider, is whether you have the appropriate set up in place to own alpacas. Whether they are stud males, pregnant females, or cria (the term used for baby alpacas), alpacas don’t require a great deal of specialist care or equipment. However, there are certain basic things that you must have. An appropriate amount of land is a key thing to have, as alpacas are outdoor animals and need space to roam. Their diet also consists of mainly hay and grass so you should have plenty of these in order to care for your alpacas properly.

Another thing to ensure you have is shelter. Old stables, a barn or a three-sided field shelter is perfect for your alpacas, as long as lots of light can be let in, as well as a dry, secure place to store hay and feed. Alpaca also require natural shade by way of trees or hedgerows in the summer to prevent them from getting heatstroke. There are some plants and trees that aren’t suitable for grazing alpacas, but like all aspects of alpaca care, our team will be able to advise you if you’re unsure.

Another vital thing that we stress to anyone looking to purchase is that alpacas must be bought as pairs.

Alpacas are pack animals and do not enjoy living alone so we strongly encourage that if these are your first alpacas, you purchase two.

When your alpaca arrives at your new home, don’t worry if, for a few days or weeks, it doesn’t seem comfortable. Unlike horses, for instance, alpacas take a long time to get used to their new surroundings. We have advised, in the past, that you take home with you some manure from their old home and put it in the new one, as having familiar smells around has been known to help them settle in a little quicker.

And finally, never buy an alpaca that isn’t registered with the British Alpaca Society. Without that registration, you can’t guarantee that it has been looked after to a good standard which may put your investment into doubt, and raise concerns about the welfare of your alpacas. Needless to say, all our alpacas here at Charnwood Forest Alpacas are registered and we are highly involved members of the society.

Find out More

What To Look For In Alpacas When Buying

So, we’ve covered the general things you need to have to look after an alpaca, as well as some other things to keep in mind, however, there are also things to think about when it comes to the alpacas themselves. The qualities that you want in your alpacas will differ depending on why you’re buying them – if you’re starting or enhancing a breeding programme, genetic markers and conformation of the animal will be your highest priority, whereas if you’re buying pet alpacas, their temperament will be far more important. However, there are a few indicators that you should always be looking out for on strong, healthy alpacas.

Look For Straight Legs

An alpaca’s legs can tell you a lot about how they have been looked after, and can go a long way to determining whether or not you choose is a sound investment. Look for a vertical line from their shoulder, through the knee, right the way through to the toes. A healthy alpaca will stand upright and take on a squarish posture. Their necks should be around two-thirds the length of their back, and their legs should be around the same length as their necks.

It’s essential that, when buying an alpaca, you examine it to determine whether or not it is of sound conformation – conformation is a technical term that refers to the shape and size of an animal, and is a phrase you’ll hear a lot.

Feel The Alpacas Fleece

As well as their conformation, the fleece of an alpaca is another key thing you should examine closely, as the state of the fleece gives you a strong indication of the quality of breeding and the overall health of the animal. You don’t have to be an expert, simply feel the fleece and its texture. If it feels silky, soft and full, that is a good indicator that the alpaca is well looked after.

Part the fleece with two hands and check if there is a crinkle structure on each hair (this is called a crimp), the better the crimp, the better the fleece.

Our advice is to examine as many fleeces as possible, as the more you look at them, the better you’ll get at determining a good one over a bad one.

Ask For Records

Like any investment (and alpacas should absolutely be considered a financial investment), you’ll want to know its history and look at records to determine whether or not it will retain value over the coming years. When viewing an alpaca, ask the owner of the farm if you can see its parents, depending on the age of course, or any progeny (descendants or siblings). Any good owner will be able to provide you with access to records, veterinary health certificates, and a history relating to vaccinations, worming, age and birthing too, so be sure to see those too before making your decision.

Understand Why You Want To Own An Alpaca

Before viewing any alpaca, work out what it is you want from this investment, as this will determine the things you need to look out for. For instance, if you want an alpaca because you want to use their fleece to make yarn and fleece products, or sell it wholesale, then looking for a quality fleece is going to be the most important thing.

Or, if you want alpacas because you want to breed them, and increase your return on investment, then you must understand that animals’ breeding history, male or female.

How To Buy An Alpaca

Thinking Of Owning Alpacas? Here's What You Need To Know

Another vital thing that we stress to anyone looking to purchase is that alpacas must be bought as pairs.

What To Look For In Alpacas When Buying

Look For Straight Legs

Feel The Alpacas Fleece

Ask For Records

Understand Why You Want To Own An Alpaca

Positive Alpaca Traits

What Do Alpacas Eat?

How Long Do Alpacas Live?

FAQ's

Consectetur Adipiscing Elit?

Consectetur Adipiscing Elit?

Consectetur Adipiscing Elit?

Consectetur Adipiscing Elit?

Consectetur Adipiscing Elit?

Address

Get in touch