New owners will receive an information sheet from Isle of Wight Alpacas, which has been carefully designed, following much research, in an attempt to offer the best up to date advice; this will include advice on services such as experienced vets, shearers and scanners. However, to whet the appetite a few frequently asked questions and their answers follow:

What can alpacas be used for?
Alpacas have been bred for their luxuriously soft, yet durable fleece. However, they make excellent lawnmowers, especially as they only dung in specific areas. Alpacas have been used to protect sheep and poultry from fox attacks. They are inquisitive and good-natured animals, so make pleasant pets or companion animals for other livestock. Despite their ancestoral link to llamas, they rarely spit.

What types and colours are there?
Two varieties exist. The more common type is huacaya with a “teddy bear” look but the exquisite fleece from the rarer suris is making them popular, with their “dredlock look”. Some 30 shades of various colours are available.

What maintenance do they require?
Alpacas are relatively hardy and easy to keep. However, a daily check, water and a good diet, mainly grass, are needed. They require periodic foot trimming (every 4 months approximately), vaccination (every 6 months) and worming (every 6 months) and shearing (once a year). However, some people do keep them organically.

What gender and ages make a good starting point?
For most people with little or no experience of farm livestock, keeping two male alpacas can make for an interesting and relatively easy and inexpensive start. However, the desire for cria (baby alpacas) is often irresistible, so obtaining two or more pregnant females is another common option.

What space and facilities do they require?
Alpacas can be kept at about 4 per acre. They may be given shelter but rarely choose to use it, so a simple field shelter is all that may be needed.