Alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley

Alpacas in the Hunter Valley – June & July Workshops 🦙

Well, we survived the heavy rains and mini flood from last month, but I do have some fences to fix and fallen trees to chop up. It's finally Winter and we’re loving the colder weather. The alpaca’s fleece has already started to bulk up with the cold, and it feels amazing on them.

Just a quick update as we’ve got a few fun alpaca workshops coming up in June and July, 2025.

Sunday 15 June: Alpaca workshop for new owners – a great hands-on intro if you're thinking about alpacas or just getting started. Then another one on 13 July, 2025.


Sunday, 22 June: Our first-ever 'Make Your Own Alpaca Dryer Balls' workshop. We will meet and greet with the herd, then head over to our train shed and work some magic with the fleece. Book here as limited places.

NEW:

We're also planning a personalised photo shoot session with the alpacas (because who doesn’t want a selfie with Reign or Paisley?) Dates are still being finalised, but please let us know if you have a preferred date in mind.

COMING SOON….. well, this weekend, keep an eye on our website SHOP for some new and amazing alpaca knitwear and living that I will be loading onto our SHOP. It’s all about quiet luxury pieces that will last you a lifetime for those who appreciate alpacas and the crafting magic of it all.

Our boutique, quite luxury farmstay

Our summerhouse is fully booked for June and July, but we do have some mid-week dates available. Now is a great time to secure your August getaway with friends and enjoy the crisp, cool nights in the Hunter Valley by the fire. Check it out and make sure you book direct here.

Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up with our herd. Daniela

Visiting an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley – Little Valley Farm

Looking for an alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley? Visit Little Valley Farm in Wollombi Valley for an unforgettable alpaca experience, workshops, and off-grid adults-only stays.

Visiting an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley: What to Expect at Little Valley Farm

If you’re searching for an alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley, you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the peaceful Wollombi Valley, Little Valley Farm is a boutique alpaca farm offering a hands-on, heartwarming experience. Whether you’re here for a quick visit, planning a getaway weekend, or dreaming of starting your own alpaca herd. We’ve got you covered.

We’ve been farming alpacas since 2012, and every member of our herd has a name, a story, and (usually) an opinion. From our white alpaca who looks like she’s smiling to the babies (crias) learning how to pronk, there’s always something worth meeting.


What You’ll Find at Our Alpaca Farm 

Alpaca Owner Workshops

Interested in raising alpacas yourself? We run practical workshops for new and potential alpaca owners. You’ll learn everything from feeding to shearing set-up, fencing, shelters, body scoring, FAMACHA checks, and more. View dates here.

Fleece workshops

In 2025, we will be hosting an alpaca Dryer Ball Workshop that you can take home and use on your laundry. More info will follow shortly, so sign up to our VIP mailing list and watch this page.

Farm Products

We sell our alpaca yarn and wool, made right here on the farm. It’s soft, sustainable, and full of character. Just like the alpacas who grow it. Buy here

Also new in 2025 is our range of made in Peru knitwear and living. Coming soon!

Off-Grid Farm Stay

Make a weekend of it with a stay in our handcrafted adults-only summerhouse by the pond. It’s peaceful, private, and completely off-grid, built with passive solar principles and surrounded by alpacas and donkeys.

Meet the Alpacas (once a year, annual open day)

Visitors can get up close with our alpacas, learn about their personalities and how we raise them, and, if they’re feeling social, give them a gentle pat on the neck and a feed. They’re curious, calm, and very photogenic. Make sure to sign up for our annual open days and be on the VIP list.


Why Visit an Alpaca Farm in the Hunter Valley? 

People visit for all sorts of reasons. Some for the animals, some for the education, and some just to slow down for a bit and reconnect with nature. The Hunter Valley is known for wine and scenery, but we like to think alpacas are a pretty great reason too.

We’re only a short drive from Pokolbin (40 minutes) and then ten minutes from Wollombi village, making adding a farm visit to your weekend away easy. We are definitely off the beaten track, so please ensure you have the right vehicle for our bush track road. 

Due to our bio-security policy in place, we are available by appointment only and booked in advance. One last thing, closed shoes out on the paddocks.

Plan Your Visit 

We welcome visitors by appointment only to ensure the animals' (and your) relaxation and enjoyment. You will definitely need to book well in advance, as we don’t accept walk-ins and hope that people respect our bio-security policy.

To book an alpaca visit, a workshop, or our summerhouse accommodation, visit our website.


Whether you’re curious about alpacas, dreaming of your small farm, or just looking for a unique day out in the Hunter Valley. Little Valley Farm is a great place to start, but via appointment only as we are usually booked out in advance.

We’d love to welcome you to the paddock. Daniela

Daniela and here alpacas at Little Valley Farm

Other alpaca places to book

Starline offers alpaca feeding and is set up for excellent family accommodation.

Iris Lodge on the Central Coast offers alpaca feeding sessions. Jump on their website to book.

If you are outside the Hunter Valley, NSW then jump on the Australian Alpaca Assocation to find a breeder near you or send me an email.

Alpaca Gold for Gardeners

Calling all gardeners. Your veggie patch just met its new best friend.

We’re now selling alpaca poo. Yep, you read that right. At Little Valley Farm, we call it Alpaca Gold; if you’ve ever used it, you’ll know why. It’s rich, gentle on plants, and doesn’t burn like some other manures. Basically, it’s the VIP of garden fertilisers.

Our alpacas are raised with love and fresh paddock grazing, and their poo/dung/manure (whatever you want to call it), collected, composted, and packed into this handy barrel pictured here. 

Why do gardeners love alpaca poo so much?

It’s low in odour, high in nutrients, and can be applied directly without “cooking” like chicken or cow manure. It boosts soil structure and feeds your plants naturally. Think of it as slow-release plant food that also keeps your soil happy

We use it on all our fruit and also native plants. We’ve had plenty of locals swing by for a barrel, and their gardens love it. Tomatoes, roses, and fruit trees thrive on this stuff.

So, if you’re keen to give your garden a boost the natural way send me a message and I will book in a time for pick up. 

How to pick it up

We will tip the barrel contents into your trailer as it's nice and low to do so. Please note, we can’t tip it into your ute tray as it's too tall and heavy for me to lift, so trailers are better. Otherwise, you need to scoop it out yourself.

Please note that Walk-ins are not allowed on our farm; due to our biosecurity policy, you always need an appointment. $40 per barrel. Thank you, Daniela.

Thanks to the alpacas for the alpaca gold

Thats it!

My daily task on the farm thanks to their communal alpaca dung pile

The 40 gallon drum of alpaca gold

Hay and straw will also be present in the barrel

Why pick up alpaca poo from their communal dung pile?

Picking up alpaca dung is beneficial for alpacas because it helps control the spread of parasites and maintains a healthier living environment. Alpacas naturally create communal dung piles, which makes collection easier and more efficient. Regular removal of dung prevents parasites from feeding and multiplying in the manure, reducing the risk of parasite-related health issues for the herd. Additionally, keeping paddocks clean supports better pasture quality and ensures alpacas have access to clean grazing areas, further promoting their overall well-being.

We also use the Greystone paddock vacuum, which I could not live without, for a through clean of the paddock.

We will talk about this in our monthly alpaca workshops for new owners.

Here’s an older video we did for our YOUTUBE channel.

ALPACA Lovers for hobby farmers now and in the future 

For the Love of Alpacas: A Hobby Farmer’s Dream

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the gentle hum of alpacas or watching them quietly graze against a backdrop of rolling hills, you’re not alone - and you’re definitely in the right place.

At Little Valley Farm, we believe alpacas are more than just cute faces (although they really are that cute). They’re intelligent, low-maintenance (compared to a horse!), and make the perfect addition to small properties, hobby farms, or anyone looking to live a little more gently with nature.

Little Valley Paisley

Whether you're new to the idea of keeping livestock or already planning your future farm, alpacas are the ideal starting point. They're soft-footed (so no paddock damage), highly sociable, and bring an incredible sense of calm to the land. They also give back - producing beautiful fleece, rich fertiliser for your garden, and in many cases, lifelong companionship.

We regularly welcome guests, new alpaca owners, and curious hobby farmers to our workshops and open farm days, where you can learn the basics of alpaca care, body scoring, FAMACHA testing, and how to truly understand these gentle animals. It's hands-on, informative, and always ends with a few laughs (and usually a few alpaca selfies too).

If you're ready to dip your boots into the world of hobby farming or simply want to spend a few days immersed in the alpaca lifestyle, come and visit us. Stay in our off-grid summerhouse, meet the herd (including Oberon, Pansey, Reign of Chinchilla, Vinkie, and baby Van just to name a few), and get a real taste of life with alpacas in the heart of the Wollombi Valley.

This is a space for dreamers, doers, and animal lovers—whether you're starting your journey or just starting to think about it.

Your alpaca adventure starts here.

Little cria Van

Introducing Our Special Edition Handspun 8PLY Alpaca Yarn from Vinky

We’re so excited to share something very special with you — our latest handspun 8ply alpaca yarn, made from the fleece of one of our most beloved alpacas, Vinky.

Vinky is a real character here at Little Valley Farm. She’s not only one of our best herd guardians, but she also has the most beautiful fleece you can imagine. Her colouring is genuinely unique — a rich, warm dark fawn/caramel saddle, with a white underbelly and legs that add a gorgeous natural contrast. We've included some photos of Vinky below so you can see her stunning coat for yourself (although it's always tricky to capture the exact hues perfectly on screen!).

The yarn we've created from Vinky’s fleece is a luxurious 8ply handspun — slightly chunky, soft, and full of character. Each skein reflects the love and care that goes into every part of our farm, from Vinky’s paddock to the spinning wheel.

This is a limited-edition yarn, available while supplies last. Once it’s gone, that’s it until Vinky’s next shearing — and even then, no two batches are ever the same. That’s the magic of working with small-farmed, handspun alpaca fleece: every skein carries its own story.

If you’re looking for something truly special for your next knitting or crochet project — or a gift for a fibre lover — this yarn is a little piece of Little Valley Farm you can hold in your hands.

* Available now in our online store.
* 8ply handspun, limited edition.
* Natural colours — no dyes, just Vinky’s beautiful fleece.

We can’t wait to see what you create with it!

Warmly,
Daniela

This photo captures the best fleece colouring from Vinky with Abbie in the background.

This photo has slighly blown out the colouring but you can see her dark fawn sadle with white underbelly contract.

Below is a video with Vinky taking her guarding duties very seriously.

Stay Connected with Little Valley Farm
Subscribe to our mailing list and be the first to hear all the latest news from our farm — from adorable new alpaca arrivals to yarn releases, farm events, and special behind-the-scenes updates.
Join our community and follow the journey of life with our alpacas, donkeys, and more!

✨ Sign up today and stay in the loop with all things Little Valley Farm.

Grey Alpaca Yarn by Charlie

Charlie’s Fleece – Handspun Yarn from Our Young Alpaca

There’s something truly special about working with handspun yarn, especially when it comes from a much-loved alpaca like our young Charlie. This beautiful dark grey yarn with subtle brown flecks has been carefully handspun right here in the Wollombi Valley, where we live and farm sustainably.

Charlie was just under 12 months old when we sheared his first fleece, making this yarn incredibly soft and full of youthful alpaca charm. Each skein is approximately 75 grams and spun to an 8 PLY weight, making it ideal for knitting or crocheting cozy, unique creations.

This exclusive yarn is available for a limited time only on our shop cart.

Handspun alpaca yarn by Charlie the grey alpaca

Charlie with his Mum Chinny.

Charlie takes after this dad, sire Lieutenant

Introduction to Alpaca workshop 2025

Sunday, 9th March 2025



Are you thinking about owning alpacas or simply want to learn more about these fascinating animals? Join us on Sunday, 9th March 2025, at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley, for our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop.

This hands-on workshop covers everything you need to know about alpaca care, including husbandry, feeding, handling, shelters, health checks, body condition scoring (BSC), and the FAMACHA system. Whether you’re a new or potential alpaca owner, this is the perfect opportunity to gain practical knowledge and ask all your questions.

Set in the beautiful Lower Hunter Valley, our farm provides a relaxed learning environment where you’ll meet our friendly herd of alpacas and of course, a couple of donkeys also.

Workshop Details:

📅 Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025

📍 Location: Little Valley Farm, Laguna, Wollombi Valley, Hunter Valley (90 mins from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast).

🎟️ Limited spots available – book now!

Don’t miss out! Secure your place today and start your alpaca journey with confidence.

🔗 Visit our website to book

If you would like to camp (BYO tent or van) and use our communal toilet and shower area. These facilities are around 100 m walk from where you will set up camp.

  • Camping area has no electrical or water hook-up, so you need to be self-sufficient.

  • 100 m walk to the toilet and shower area with solar lighting.

  • Please note that our camping is for adults (no children, infants, or pets).

  • Bonfires or fire pits are not permitted.

  • Camping is only offered to people who book the Introduction to Alpaca workshop only.

  • Suitable for vans, 4WD, and camper trailers but not large/high caravans due to our dirt track road and low line trees.

  • Email Daniela for rates for this one-night camp stay.

Our summerhouse can be booked for up to four adults who are attending our alpaca workshop. The stay would only be for the Sunday night (1 night). See rates and more here.

Little Valley Farm Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley

Alpaca workshop NSW, Hunter Valley alpacas, how to care for alpacas, alpaca training, alpaca farming Australia, alpaca ownership, sustainable farming, Wollombi Valley farm experiences.

Lieutenant the alpaca stud at Little Valley Farm

Kobler Lieutenant has been an outstanding stud male in our herd, significantly improving fibre quality, and density, and introducing striking colour variations. He’s easy to handle and well-trained to wear a head collar, making him a pleasure to work with. Although he prefers pen mating, his calm nature makes him suitable for short-term paddock mating.

His crias are exceptional, consistently inheriting finer micron counts, gentle temperaments, and superb fleece quality. Kobler Lieutenant has produced both solid and fancy colour combinations, making his offspring stand out.

We are offering him for sale as part of our breeding program's progression, as he is now too closely related to our females. A proud medium grey stud with deep brown hues, Kobler Lieutenant is not only easy to manage but has been an amazing asset to our herd.

Alpacas hearing dog barking

We’re currently by the creek paddocks with the alpacas, and we’ve just heard a dog barking. This video captures the alpacas on alert, all looking in the direction of the barking. They stay close together, attentive, waiting to see what will happen next.

You can observe how erect their ears are and the intensity etched on their faces. Once the threat passes—since the dog isn't going to cross the creek—they relax, and you can notice a change in their demeanour.

We don’t have dogs, nor do we allow dogs on our property, as part of our strict bio-security policy. It’s great to see that the potential threat is gone, and they are already back to relaxing.

If you have dogs and alpacas, you can introduce them slowly, and hopefully, they will become great companions. Many of our clients have successfully facilitated this friendship.

We have also addressed the relationship between dogs and alpacas, including the issues posed by wild and roaming domestic dogs, on our blog and in our videos.

Yes, you can keep your (trained) pet dogs with the alpacas or separate them using appropriate fencing and paddocks. However, I’m always concerned about dog attacks on livestock in our valley, especially in the Hunter Valley. These attacks can involve goats, sheep, and other alpacas, primarily due to wild dogs or stray domestic dogs. This is a significant issue for me, and I would like to stress that a pack of dogs is no match for alpacas, and the alpacas will be severely injured or, worse, killed. I am the alpacas guard. More about this at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley.

Alpaca Yarn where to buy it in Australia?

Luxurious Alpaca Yarn from Little Valley Farm – Handspun with Love in the Hunter Valley

At Little Valley Farm, we take great pride in our herd of alpacas and their stunning fleece. One alpaca in particular, Reidy, stands out with her rich, dark brown fleece / wool that we’ve lovingly transformed into handspun yarn, which is available in our online shop.

Reidy’s fleece is a true treasure. Shorn each Spring, we harvest this luxuriously soft wool, and through a careful, sustainable process, it is handspun right here in the beautiful Hunter Valley. This isn’t just any yarn—it’s a connection to the land, to our alpacas, and to a slower, more intentional way of living.

Why Choose Alpaca Yarn?

Alpaca wool is renowned for being one of the softest and warmest natural fibres in the world. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca yarn is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. Reidy’s yarn, in particular, boasts a rich, natural brown hue, a perfect shade for creating timeless, elegant knits or crafts.

Alpaca Yarn buy in Australia

The Handspun Difference

Each skein of Reidy’s yarn is handspun and gives is that textured look and feel. 8PLY. 

Alpaca Shearing 2024

We concluded Shearing Day last Friday, and it was a fantastic day! The alpacas look amazing and are all set to stay cool for the upcoming summer heat. ☀️ Take a look at these photos—aren't they adorable in their fresh new looks? Some of these lovely alpacas will be available for sale soon, and you'll meet others at our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop for new owners. Stay tuned!


#AlpacaShearing #LittleValleyFarm #AlpacasForSale #AlpacaWorkshop #HunterValley

Alpacas Break Dancing

Bust N Moves AGun Style!

An alpaca, mid-dust bath, suddenly feels the rhythm in the dirt. With a quick shake, it's on its feet, busting out moves like a breakdancing pro. Spinning, twirling, and kicking up clouds of dust, it's the ultimate "Alpaca Style" dance-off. The others gather around, watching in awe as this alpaca moonwalks, windmills, and even attempts the robot—all while keeping that calm, cool alpaca expression. Who knew dust bathing could turn into a breakdancing battle? Just another day in the paddocks at Little Valley Farm.

Not to be out done by the alpacas… the donkeys got in on the action. Check out Maisie Mays back move to Honkie Hamlet.

Our paddocks

Welcome to our Little Valley Farm, nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Hunter Valley. You can now also follow us on our YouTube channel. I'm Daniela Riccio, and I'm so thrilled to have you here with us. Whether you're just discovering the wonders of alpacas or a seasoned animal lover, our journey together promises to be one filled with inspiration, learning, and a deep connection to the land and these majestic creatures.

At Little Valley Farm, every day is a celebration of life in the Wollombi Valley. We believe in the power of sustainable farming, the magic of nature, and the profound wisdom these gentle alpacas offer. Our channel is your gateway to learning about alpaca farming and embracing a lifestyle that harmonizes with the rhythms of nature.

Join us as we share our experiences, tips, and the heartwarming stories of our alpaca family. Whether you're near or far, come and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hunter Valley, and let the tranquillity of the Wollombi Valley touch your soul.

This is more than just farming—it's a way of life. Let's explore it together!

At Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley, every day brings a new chapter in the story of sustainable farming and the special relationships we form with our animals. Today, I'd like to give you a glimpse of what it takes to ensure the well-being of our alpacas and donkeys, two species that bring a lot of joy and character to our farm.

One of the essential tasks we perform regularly is rotating the animals between paddocks. This practice isn’t just about giving them fresh pasture; it’s a crucial part of maintaining the health of the land and the animals themselves. By allowing the paddocks to rest between rotations, we give the grass time to recover, which ensures that when the alpacas and donkeys return, they have access to nutrient-rich forage. This simple yet effective practice helps to prevent overgrazing and supports the natural ecosystem of our farm.

However, farming isn’t always picture-perfect, and today was a reminder of that. As I walked through a paddock that had been resting, I realized I’d overlooked cleaning the water trough, and it had become quite dirty. It’s moments like these that remind me farming is as much about attention to detail as it is about the broader vision. The trough needed a thorough cleaning, which is just one of the many small but important tasks that keep our animals healthy and happy.

One thing you might not know is why we keep our alpacas and donkeys in separate paddocks. While they’re both gentle creatures, donkeys have a playful nature that can sometimes be a bit too rough for our alpacas, especially the smaller ones. To ensure their safety and comfort, we’ve found it best to let them enjoy their own space, where they can roam and play at their own pace without any risk of injury.

This careful management of our paddocks and animals is just one aspect of what makes Little Valley Farm a special place. It’s not just about farming; it’s about creating a balanced environment where animals thrive.

Shearing 2024 Book in your shearer now

We have confirmed our shearing date for the end of September 2024. To find a shearer near you, here is a list of shearers we recommend. Remember not to leave it to the last minute before it gets too hot; shear in the spring for our area. Make sure you keep your alpacas clean and dry for shearing day. Have a pen set up and the alpacas ready for the shearer. Also, ensure the shearers are working under or in a shed to help keep them cool. Depending on who you use, you will need to ask if they need to use your generator or if you have power in your shed then - perfecto!

Me with Suri girl, Bina having a quick cuddle.

List of NSW Shearers

Chris Power

0438 653 782   powza01@bigpond.com

Based: Bathurst & Central Coast.

Covers: Most of NSW. (in SA in October). Prefers to shear only alpacas & llamas. Toenails. Vaccinations if vaccines are provided. He will have an animal handler with him

Tom Cullen

Email: trcullen61@hotmail.com or get him on his Facebook page works on the Hunter area.

Mobile shearing, fencing & health services for alpacas, sheep and goats.

Shaun McFadyen

0405 535 758         shaun.shearer58@gmail.com 

Contact: refer to Text or email, but happy to talk to someone. Facebook page: Shorn by Shaun.

Based: Mudgee  Services: Hunter Valley/ Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney, Central West, Canberra. Will travel anywhere in NSW for large numbers. Will do small numbers. Will shear llamas. Does toenails. Has roustabout if numbers over 10.

Drew Shearman

0427 924 493    enquiries@shearmanlivestock.com.au

Text to mobile preferred. Shearman livestock contracting website.

Based in Glen Oak (25 km north of Newcastle), it regularly services Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and Mid North Coast, as well as Mudgee occasionally. He also has an annual run to Toowoomba.

I prefer to do smaller lots (less than 100). I will do one animal. I shear sheep, goats, and llamas.

Does toenails, vaccinations. Will worm drench if required. Shears on a table. Doesn’t have a roustabout.

Preferred method of contact: Carrie’s own plant consisting of both battery and electric gear and all the equipment to shear, drench, vaccinate, crutch and trim hooves.  I will travel for any number of animals and don’t mind sharing single animals or small mobs.

Cath Lukin 0400 076 432

Based: Braidwood   Covers: Braidwood, NSW South coast, Monaro

Alpacas only, a minimum of 1.

Prices vary depending on a number of factors; please enquire. It does toenails, vaccinations, drench, and AD&E (if required). It also provides year-round service for 5-in-1, toenails, etc.

Sean Timmony  

0417 272 937       DunbarsRunAlpacas@gmail.com

Contact by TEXT message to the mobile.

Based in Hawkesbury, it covers Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Penrith, Mulgoa/Camden/Picton/Werombi area, Hills District, and other areas on application. The minimum number of Shears on the floor is two. He has a roustabout. Does toenails and vaccinations.

Ken Wray

0407 050 252     ken-wray@bigpond.com

Website:        www.alpacacarensw.com

Based: Marulan. Services: Southern Tablelands, Southern Highlands, Western Sydney, South Coast (Northern end).

Minimum number: 1   Maximum number: 30. Will shear llamas. Toenails and vaccinations included. Drenching if required. Specialises in small numbers, particularly pets and guards. Does husbandry work outside the shearing period? Happy to give advice to owners unfamiliar with alpacas.

~~~~

If you are outside NSW, I will send you the link for more.

Enjoy your shearing day, harvest and use your alpaca fleece into something wonderful, and take care of your shearer on the day. Daniela

Alpaca Morning Chores

Alpacas roam the paddocks while we use our Greystone paddock vac to keep the paddocks super clean. By cleaning up their dung piles, we can help reduce the worm burden in our livestock and ensure that our alpacas are happy and healthy all year round.

Read more on alpaca communal dung piles here.

Join us for our next alpaca INTRODUCTION TO ALPACA WORKSHOP in the Hunter Valley.

Alpaca Terminology

Every industry has a unique language that brings people together. The alpaca industry is no different, and here are some terms used within it.

Cria - newborn alpaca to six months of age. Pronounced kree-ah.

Weaners - a weaned alpaca less than one year old.  Most alpacas are weaned at 4 to 6 months of age.

Tui - 12 month to sexual maturity. Prounced too-ee.

Dam or Hembra - breeding female, alpacas mother.

Entire Maile - or machos are sire - breeding male.

Wether - castrated male alpaca.

Birth weight - average birth weight of alpacas is six to 9 kg. (depends on seasons and paddock feed and quality available.

Female fertility - average female fertility of alpaca is 12+ to 18 years.

Gestation period - average gestation period of alpacas is 335 to 342 days. 11.5 to 12 months.

Huacaya - The most common alpaca type in Australia. The dense fibre grows straight out from the body, similar to merino. Pronounced wua-ky-ya.

Suri - Only a small number of the national Australian herd are Suri. The suri is covered in long pencil fine locks, that hang straight down from the body. Prounounced soo-ree.

Lifespan - average 15 to 20 years.

Shearing - the annual harvesting of alpaca fibers occurs in mid-spring to keep the alpacas cool through the summer and allow their coats to regrow before winter.

Available to purchase via our Little Valley Farm website

Alpaca Communal Dung Piles

Alpacas use communal dung piles to control their internal parasites. Typically, males create fewer dung piles and are tidier than females, who tend to stand in a line, and all go at once. As shown in our video below, when one female approaches the dung pile and begins to urinate and/or defecate, the rest of the herd often follows suit.

Our paddock cleaning routine includes a daily quick scoop with a pooper scooper and the use of our Greystone paddock vacuum 1-2 times per week. We also rotate livestock regularly and rest certain paddocks. Additionally, we cross-graze* paddocks with our donkeys so they follow the alpacas after they have been in a paddock, but they are never in the same paddocks as the alpacas.

To manage our seasonal dung beetle, we allow them to remove water from the dung, which helps control fly populations and reduce the worm burden. We are mindful not to overstock our land with alpacas, especially during vulnerable wet seasons.

Our goal is to maintain clean paddocks where the alpacas graze to minimize their ingestion of eggs, worms, and parasites. This approach also reduces the need for drenching, benefiting both the alpacas and us. We conduct regular FEC (fecal egg counts*) on our herd. Additionally, we body score and FAMACHA each alpaca monthly, and all information is recorded in our alpaca registry.

Drenching* is carried out based on seasonal and FEC and FAMCHA* results for each animal.

Lastly, the collected dung is used on our garden beds and around our fruit trees, where the alpacas do not roam. We will discuss this further at our monthly alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley. Hope to see you soon, Daniela

~~~

*cross grazing with donkeys. Remember, donkeys are desert animals. Therefore, we still need to control the amount of lush green paddock feed given to donkeys to avoid hoof diseases, which is a significant topic on its own. Donkeys are not allowed to roam with alpacas because donkeys tend to play rough especially if hay is close by.

*Drenching refers to giving your alpacas the appropriate worming depending on their FEC count.

*FEC, Fecal Egg count can be done by your local vet or sent to the specialist lab.

*Blog post coming soon on our FAMCHA monthly check.

Buy the alpaca book online

We are members of the Australian Alpaca Association

We are just 90 minutes from Sydney and a mere hour from the Central Coast. If you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, take a look at our new accommodation or let us point you to some fantastic places to stay in the Wollombi Valley.

Why is my alpaca dead? When your heart stops beating!

That moment when you look down at the paddocks, and they are lying still! The first time you see it, you rush down to the paddocks, only to realise they are enjoying the beautiful sunshine. PHEW!

Now, this is a great sign that your alpacas are relaxed and happy with their herd—they can take a paddock nap—lucky them!

Tip: Their bellies are usually facing the sunshine, and they get their Vitamin D fix via their bellies (where there is less fleece), as well as via their faces and ears.

Always check on your alpacas and keep an close eye on them, they are funny animals are have some quirky habbits that for first time owners can be a bit daunting. We will talk about getting to know your alpacas and reading their body language at our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Jump on our website to book your INTRODUCTION TO ALPACA WORKSHOP with us.

Workshops are held monthly in the Lower Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley.

We are members of the Australian Alpaca Association

Alpacas for Sale - Australian Alpacas in the Hunter Valley

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, we look forward to the time when the ground warms up, the grass starts growing, and our alpacas are ready to be relocated to their new forever homes.

Beginning in Spring 2024, we will have a selection of wonderful and sociable alpacas available for sale. Some of these alpacas are females accompanied by cria, while others are pregnant. We offer them for sale in pairs or as the perfect starter herd for your small farm.

We are proud members of the Australian Alpacas Association, and most of our livestock are registered. It's important to note that alpacas are herd animals and need to be paired with at least one companion. For individuals looking for alpacas as pets, it's essential to begin with a pair. Additionally, crias should stay with their mother until they are around six months old. For males, castration should be performed at the appropriate age unless you are interested in purchasing wethers. We will have some wethers available in mid-spring.

You can view what we currently have available for sale and drop me a note on what you are looking for. Our next alpacas workshop for new owners will be mid August 2024 and you can view the dates here.

Do you have a favourite alpaca?

OOOH, thats a difficult question… I love them all!

Whenever we hold an alpaca workshop, I often get asked, "Which is your favourite alpaca?"

I don't have a favourite, as I share a unique bond with each one. The crias take their time to bond and build trust. Usually, by three months, they have assessed me and are no longer timid.

Some females are cuddlers, some revel in a back or neck scratch, and others show no interest until I have their food in my hand.

They are very aloof animals, but once they trust you, they trust you completely. It's truly amazing!

Join us for our alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley and see the unique bond I have with these majestic animals. Daniela

Workshops held monthly in the Lower Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley, Laguna.

We are members of the AAA - contact Daniela for livestock sales