Are alpacas easy to keep?

Are Alpacas Right for You and Your Set-Up?

I often get asked, “Are alpacas easy to keep?” The short answer is yes, but only if you know what they need. Alpacas are gentle, intelligent, and endlessly fascinating to watch. They hum to each other, roll in the dust for fun, and will happily spend hours grazing. They’re not only wonderful companions and natural lawnmowers, but they can also be part of something bigger, from farm stays and trekking experiences to producing that luxurious fibre that we all love.

But here’s the thing: alpacas aren’t like having a dog or a cat. They’re livestock, they can be quite aloof, and they do have some particular needs. Let me walk you through the essentials.

Are alpacas herd animals?

Yes, they are herd animals at heart! Alpacas are never happy on their own. They need a group, three is the bare minimum, and the more the merrier. They live in a very structured social hierarchy, and watching that dynamic play out is part of the fun. A lonely alpaca is a stressed alpaca, and stress leads to health problems.

Mini alpacas: fact or fiction? Let me tell you the truth on this…. read more here

Boys with boys, girls with girls

Unless you’re breeding, males and females should never be kept together. Males can become aggressive and territorial toward females, leading to unhappy animals and frustrated owners. Same-sex groups are the way to go for harmony. It's better for the female and safer for the humans, but I will talk more in-depth about this at our next alpaca workshop.

Food, water, and shelter for alpacas

Clean water, good quality grass, hay, and a safe shelter are non-negotiable for me. Alpacas are hardy, but they don’t cope well with extremes such as hot sun, wild wind, and soaking rain, all of which take their toll. Shade in summer and protection in winter will keep them happy and healthy.

What they need and what do we recommend?

Shelter Info

Feeding Buckets we use

A little extra care

There are some routine jobs that come with the territory: toenail trimming, body scoring to check condition, keeping that wonderful fringe neat (especially on Suri's), and of course, yearly shearing. In the colder months, alpacas also need Vitamin D supplementation, something that surprises many new owners. And let’s not forget parasite control, which is essential to get right; an invaluable tool is FEC management (fecal egg count). It could be days that your alpaca is ill and you don’t know it, so running FEC tests and FAMCHA is a great thing to do.

Dung Piles (Yes, you need to collect it!).

At our workshop, we will demonstrate toenail clipping, vaccinations and vitamin injections.

Handling the alpaca way

Alpacas don’t respond like sheep or goats. They have their own handling techniques, which, once you learn, make life much easier for you and them. It’s about building calm, respectful interactions, thinking less wrestling and more guiding and also having the correct pen set-up.

Training Alpacas

Building Trust

Mixing with other animals

A quick word of caution: alpacas don’t always mix well with other livestock species. Their parasite risks and behaviour can be very different, so you’ll need to understand the dos and don’ts before introducing them to other paddock mates. I will talk more about this at our workshops.

Choosing where to buy alpacas

This is such an important step. When you purchase alpacas, you should also be gaining knowledge and support. Sadly, more alpacas are being sold without proper information these days, and we’re seeing preventable illness and even heartbreaking losses. Please make sure you’re buying from someone willing to guide you and be there when you have questions.

There are lots of livestock scammers out there, so a trip to the breeding farm is essential and highly recommended; otherwise, get some references from other breeders. It’s a small network, and we all know each other.

Australian Alpaca Association

Breeding Coloured Alpacas here

Where to find support

The good news is there’s a strong alpaca community here in Australia:

• Your local regional alpaca group is a great place to start.

• The Australian Alpaca Association offers resources and connections nationwide.

• We have a lovely little alpaca network in the Hunter/Central Coast, so that we can refer you to some excellent breeders.

• And of course, we run workshops here at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney. These are designed for new and potential owners. We cover everything from health checks and handling to simply enjoying the unique nature of these beautiful animals.

Alpacas can bring so much joy to your life and your property, but they do need the proper setup and care. Get that part right, and you’ll discover just how rewarding it is to share your world with them. Daniela

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Frequently Asked Questions on Little Valley Farm.

Weekend stay at Little Valley Farm

Interesting Facts about Alpacas

See our videos on YOUTUBE

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About Daniela Riccio & Little Valley Farm

This article is written by Daniela Riccio, co-founder of Little Valley Farm, a boutique alpaca farm based in Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley, NSW.

Daniela and her partner established Little Valley Farm in 2012 after years of working overseas, with the goal of living sustainably and sharing practical, real-world knowledge about alpacas and small-scale farming. Today, Little Valley Farm is home to a carefully managed herd of alpacas and donkeys and is known for its hands-on alpaca workshops for new and prospective owners.

Daniela works closely with alpacas every day, from breeding and cria care to nutrition, handling, shearing preparation and herd health. Her approach is practical rather than theoretical, shaped by experience on the land rather than textbook advice. She regularly mentors first-time alpaca owners and answers the same questions she once had herself.

Little Valley Farm is located just 90 minutes from Sydney and about one hour from Newcastle, making it a well-known alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley for workshops, education and farm-based experiences. The farm also offers farm-stay accommodation at the Little Valley summerhouse, allowing guests to experience life on an active alpaca farm while staying in a thoughtfully designed off-grid home overlooking the paddocks.

All advice shared on the Little Valley Farm blog is based on lived experience raising alpacas in the Hunter Valley climate and is intended to help people make informed, confident decisions about alpaca ownership.

Can I Get a Miniature Alpaca?

Let’s clear this one up about miniature alpacas

We get asked this a lot….. “Do you have miniature alpacas?” And while it’s a fun idea, the short answer is… no, not really. Miniature alpacas aren't a recognised breed. However, the rise in popularity of miniature livestock, such as tiny goats, pint-sized cows, and teacup pigs, has sparked some confusion. So let’s break it down.

Where did this idea come from?

The miniature livestock craze is partly a mix of practicality and clever marketing. Smaller animals are often promoted as easier to manage, ideal for hobby farms or backyards, and, let’s be honest, they are all adorable. So it’s no surprise people assume alpacas come in mini versions too.

Are they confusing alpacas with llamas?
Probably. Llamas and alpacas are cousins, but they’re not the same but from the camelid family. Llamas are taller, heavier, and generally more robust. Alpacas are smaller in comparison, so sometimes what’s called a "mini alpaca" is just a young or petite adult, or someone mistaking an alpaca for a small llama. And no, alpaca owners do not love being asked if their alpacas are llamas. It's like calling a labradoodle a rottweiler.. (Friendly warning here.)

Different types of alpacas, not sizes
There are two types of alpacas: Huacaya, the fluffy teddy bear type most people recognise, and the rarer Suri, which has silky lock-style fleece. They look different and feel different, but both are alpacas. No mini version, just different fibre styles and body shapes.

But I saw one on the internet...
Yep, some alpacas are just smaller. That could be due to age, breeding, or health. But unless it's a deliberate and ethically managed breeding program focused on maintaining fleece quality and animal wellbeing, calling them "miniatures" is mostly a gimmick.

So, no mini alpacas but plenty of majestic, fleece-covered charmers in all shapes, colours, and personalities. And trust us, once you've met one, you'll be glad they come full-sized.

This is a miniature Alpaca?

No. This alpaca is a cria and is only approx 3-4 months old in this photo. He is a Huacaya Alpaca. Crias stay with their mum typically up to 6 months (based on weather conditions), and the crias ’ developing condition also.

Adult Huacaya Adult

Adult sized alpaca. Can be up to approx 60-80 kg. More delicate facial and body features compared to a llama.

Around 1.5 m tall.

We call the huacaya alpaca the teddy bear fleece.

Adult Suri Alpaca

Are approx. 70 kg. Fawn Suri Adults.

Suris have a different body shape from huacaya, besides the fleece being draped differently.

They tend to have longer legs. As the fleece draped in the middle of their spine they can look ‘slimmer’, compared to the Huacaya alpaca. I find the suri’s to be more athletic, energetic and very expressive personalities.

I have a couple here at Little Valley Farm, and they are more aware of the surroundings and call the herd together if there is a potential threat such as an eagle or a fox.

Llama

I had to use a stock image as we don’t have llamas here. They are very different.

Note the banana ear shape and the longer face. They are quite large compared to alpacas and can weigh approximately 150-200 kg. Height approx 1.8 m tall at the head.

LLamas have coarser outer fleece and softer undercoat, and are generally used more for their strength than their fibre.

Traditionally, pack animals are alpacas, which are more fibre animals.

Llamas are wonderful, but due to their size and mine (I am petite), it's too much for me to handle.

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I live in the city. Can I have an alpaca as a pet?

The answer is a definite NO! Alpacas are considered livestock and are herd animals, which means they thrive when kept with other same-sex alpacas in paddocks with ample grazing grass and space. The bigger the paddocks the better it is for them.

If you do not have a Property Identification Code (PIC#) for your farm or acreage, you are not permitted to keep them. A reputable alpaca livestock farm will require you to provide your PIC# before completing the purchase transaction.

Should I get an alpaca or a llama?

If you're still unsure about the differences between alpacas and llamas and would like to attend one of our monthly alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley, join us! We are conveniently located just 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast. You can view our alpaca workshop dates and book your spot in advance online here.

Thanks, Daniela

Little Valley Farm - Alpaca Farm Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley

Daniela of Little Valley Farm with one of the brown crias (baby alpaca under 6 months old). alpaca.

Breeding For Rare Fleece Colors Lynn Edens and Darcy Phillips

Whether you're just starting out or already have a few quirky-coloured alpacas in your paddock, this article is a brilliant resource for understanding what’s going on beneath the fleece.

Darcy Phillips of Rare Gem Alpacas also shares her journey, offering insights into how she’s bred nearly 90 harlequin and appaloosa alpacas over the years by focusing on both pattern and fleece quality.

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Here at Little Valley Farm, we often get asked about our colourful alpacas, especially the spotty ones. Why do some alpacas look like they’ve been dipped in paint? Can you breed for those colours? And what's the deal with harlequins and leopard spots?

Well, we came across a fantastic article by Lynn Edens and Darcy Phillips that digs into the science and strategy behind breeding for rare fleece patterns. We’ve summarised the key points below for fellow breeders (and curious fibre fans) who want to learn more about how these rare colours happen, and what it takes to breed them.

Breeding for Rare Fleece Colours

Rare fleece colours like harlequin, appaloosa, and leopard-spotted have become highly sought after in recent years. But breeding for these unique patterns isn’t simple. It’s a mix of genetics, patience, and clever planning.

The authors break down the genetics into three main types:

1. Single dominant gene patterns – Easier to breed for. If an alpaca has even one copy of the gene, it will usually show the pattern and pass it on.
   

2. Single recessive gene patterns – Trickier. These only show when an alpaca has two copies of the gene, and carriers aren’t obvious unless you do pedigree or production tracking.
   

3. Patterns requiring two genes – These are the most complex. Both parents need to carry specific combinations, and even then, only a small number of offspring will show the pattern consistently.
   

Two patterns are explored in detail:

• Harlequins: These alpacas are born light (often fawn) but change colour as they age, becoming smoky, taupe, or grey. They often have unique combinations of black alleles and dilution genes, possibly linked to roan or other coat colour mutations found in other species like horses and cats.
  

• Appaloosas - The Spotted ones: These alpacas have true dark spots that aren't the same as white-patterned appaloosas in horses. The spot distribution varies, some are “classic” (spots in the blanket) and others “leopard” (spots all over). These traits are also tied to specific gene combinations, especially the presence of black alleles.
  

The article also touches on the business side of rare colour breeding. Because some genes are hard to track without testing, you need good records, thoughtful breeding pairs, and a plan to balance fleece quality with colour goals.

Darcy Phillips of Rare Gem Alpacas also shares her journey, offering insights into how she’s bred nearly 90 harlequin and appaloosa alpacas over the years by focusing on both pattern and fleece quality.

Whether you're just starting out or already have a few quirky-coloured alpacas in your paddock, this article is a brilliant resource for understanding what’s going on beneath the fleece.

Read the full article here: Breeding For Rare Fleece Colors Lynn Edens and Darcy Phillips

Happy breeding from all of us (humans and alpacas) at Little Valley Farm! 🦙

Breeding Grey Alpacas what you need to know first

Breeding grey alpacas can be surprisingly complicated and sometimes, risky, if you don’t understand the genetics behind those gorgeous coats. This guide is essential reading for anyone considering breeding greys. It breaks down the difference between classic and modern greys, explains why certain pairings can lead to embryo loss or blue-eyed whites, and offers smart, science-backed strategies to improve your chances of producing healthy, true greys. 

The more you know, the more you can spot what’s happening in the paddock and that’s the key to having happy, thriving alpacas on your farm.

Written by Elizabeth Paul March 2019 

Breeding Grey alpacas