Alpacas need a shelter to allow them to get out of the rain and the sun. but they do not need stabling. Alpacas do not run at fences and so a metre high fence is adequate. so long as there is not a female the other side of it! Barbed wire should not be used as their wool can get tangled in it. Do not use electric fences either.

Alpacas are very clean and they have padded feet and therefore do not churn up the ground. They have specific droppings areas and so cleaning up is easier than for many other animals.

Alpacas are a herd animal. They will become stressed if kept alone even for short periods. Groups of three or more are ideal. Alpacas can be kept with other animals such as goats and sheep and provide good protection from foxes.

Alpacas get very few diseases but do need vaccinations every six months and their feet trimming at least five times a year, depending on the ground and colour of alpaca. Alpacas need shearing once a year. An average fleece will weigh between 2 and 5 kg.

Alpacas make excellent pets. They are intelligent, easily trained and are usually very gentle with children. They can be trained in a head collar. They may spit (which smells unpleasant) if provoked such as when they are being vaccinated. Alpacas only have lower teeth which meet on a hard upper pad, and also have fighting teeth.

Alpacas are easy to transport in any covered trailer or horse box. They tend to sit down on the journey. They shouldn't be tied up on their journey.