Alpacas with their gentle nature and cute faces seem like the perfect animal to have around. And I can definitely say after having them for more than 20 years that they are wonderful animals.

But there are some things you need to know before deciding to bring a few home.

  1.  Alpacas should always be kept with other alpacas. We will not sell single alpacas.  Alpacas are herd animals and need to be kept with other alpacas of the same sex to feel safe and not stressed.  3 is minimum, 4 is better. The more the merrier! 
  2. Alpacas are not cuddly pets. Most of them prefer not to be touched. Yes, I know the internet shows it differently, that’s because when they agree to be touched we take lots of photos! 
  3. Breeding pairs might seem like a good idea for dogs, but it really doesn’t work for alpacas. If you do want to get into breeding alpacas, please be prepared to keep your males separate from females. You will need several separate pasture areas to keep males, females, weanlings, breeding areas, etc.
  4. Curious about keeping alpacas with other livestock? Please read this article by Jill McElderry-Maxwell.
  5. Alpacas do need shelter. They need protection from wind, sun, rain and snow. A barn with visible escape routes will make them feel safe. A shelter with no exits will look to them more like a trap.
  6. Alpacas do need to be shorn once a year.
  7.  Alpacas are browsers and enjoy pasture but they are not big weed eaters. They can be particular about what they eat and do well on orchard grass hay in the winter months. If you are looking for an animal to clear weeds from your land, better to consider a goat.
  8. Depending on where you live, you might need livestock guardian dogs to protect the alpacas. Stray dogs have killed more alpacas in N. America that any other predator. Their natural defense would be to run and we take that away from them as we fence them in. To provide them protection seems like a good idea to me.
  9. I’ve seen the cute videos of a sweet little alpaca (usually male) being treated as a pet. These animals will most likely become dangerous as they mature and then it’s not very cute. I know many owners who were attacked by a male llama or alpaca, who was previously a sweet pet, even after gelding, when the animal had not learned to respect humans and thought of them as equals. Search for information on Berserk Male Syndrome in alpacas should you doubt me. There are many articles to read.
  10. My intent is not to discourage anyone but rather to educate. Alpacas and their new owners deserve the best.
  11. PLEASE take a few minutes and watch this video about Berserk Male Syndrome (BMS) that affects male alpacas, also llamas, when they are not handled properly or when they are raised apart from a herd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWWsG_nrsp0&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR26OKKtXkSJmMvfyJSYdQELwb_e_WGTZM_qgTQ4Q7vo_eD_-yxHyJuQorc

An excellent article for anyone considering alpacas – even if they are free! Click here

More information is here:

Frequently Asked Questions

For New Owners

Herd health