Tathara Alpacas

Please be aware that while we provide hints & frequently asked questions we are giving simple responses and each property, district & state will experience different environmental conditions.We are acutely aware of the concerns and questions newcomers may have, having been potential breeders ourselves not so long ago. Please ask your questions, as we are happy to share our knowledge and experience with curious people.

How many Alpacas can you run to the acre?
The number of Alpacas you can run to the acre depends on your property location but as a general rule you can run the same number of alpacas per acre as sheep.

How long do Alpacas live?
Alpacas have a known life span of 15-20 years.

Are there any other things you need to do within Alpaca husbandry?
Feet and teeth need to be checked and trimmed if necessary, Vitamins such as A, D & E have value in some areas and 5 in 1 treatment is given twice a year.

How many times a year do you need to shear?
Once a year shearing is the average required using conventional shearing equipment. Some properties, depending on location, will shear twice.

Do Alpacas come into season?
Alpacas are induced ovulators and can be mated at any time of the year. Many breeders are trying to mate for Spring or Autumn births. More information is best obtained from specialist Veterinarians

How long is a pregnancy?
Gestation period is approximately 330 to 360 days. Alpacas normally have single births that mostly occur during daylight hours. Re mating can take place at around 21 days.

Do I need special fencing?
No, Alpacas can be contained with conventional sheep fencing, however we have not found a need to use barbwire. The occasional cria has been known to slip through five strand wire fences and we would suggest a more secure fencing for a nursery paddock.

Do you need to worm Alpacas?
Worm tests are preferable to wholesale worming of animals as Alpacas have specific dung piles, which they rarely eat around; this reduces the likelihood of ingestion of worm eggs. We do worm animals if they have been purchased from another property prior to introduction to the herd.



Where to start?

·Visit at as many alpaca farms or properties of current breeders as you can, varying in size and location if possible. Understand each farm's approach to raising and breeding alpacas. Take notice of shed, yard and pasture layouts. Look closely at fencing for ideas that might be useful to you. Ask questions.

·Include a series of small paddocks in your pasture layout. As your herd grows, there are always needs to segregate. Alpacas are by nature very quick to move, and it is easier to corner them for haltering in smaller areas.

·Subscribe to Alpaca Magazine. This publication contains a wealth of information important to new and established breeders. It is published quarterly, and it is a good idea to contact the AAA (Australian Alpaca Association ) don't forget to order back issues as well.

·Develop a philosophy and approach to the business for your farm. What will be your long-range objectives? You can always modify these objectives as you gain experience. Possible options are:

Fibre - Focus on fibre quality from the start, purchasing alpacas whose bloodlines have yielded consistently dense, fine and uniform fibre characteristics.

Breeding and Showing - focus on confirmation and appearance of alpacas. However, don't forget that fibre quality is 60% of the measure in the show ring!

Pets - Look for value and animal disposition, as well as the level of halter and lead training. When looking for pets, look for an alpaca with a friendly disposition you need to assess how you can handle these animals. Ask the breeder why the animal has been designated as a pet quality.

· If your initial purchase is to be 2 or 3 alpacas, think about purchasing bred females with a wether animal as companion. Chances are there are good males to breed your females to within a reasonable distance of your property or mobile mating's can be arranged with other breeders.

· Educate yourself or have veterinarian examination of the alpaca you are about to purchase. Check jaw position (bite), teeth, eyes, legs for correctness, heart, lungs and over-all conformation our PDF's on this page will give you this information

· Early on, get recommendations for and locate a good veterinarian - ideally one with camelid experience, although this is not always possible. Understand their fee structure & travel costs etc.

· A feed supplement may be required, particularly for the winter months. There are several kinds of feed programs, and this is a good topic to cover during your initial farm visits. Everyone has their own thoughts, many are closely linked with the climate you will be living in.

· Locate a good source for hay. Depending on your regional weather you may need to feed out in differing quantities all year round. It goes without saying you should arrange dry storage for feed. Feed is expensive & you will need to protect it from the elements & from rotents, keep in mind that mouldy hay is believed to cause miscarriage.