4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Gallina]

There was an article in yesterday's Sunday Times saying how Prince Charles used four alpacas to keep the foxes away from his organic flock of hens.:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article4087497.ece

 

I thought this just might be one of our Prince's quirks, but I read on and discovered that Clarence Court has just two alpacas to guard their 2000 free-range hens, and it really works.

 

Apparently alpacas bond with whatever animals they are put with (e.g. sheep or hens), and "if one spots a fox, they all charge over to administer a group kicking".

 

I wish I had room for an alpaca....

[Egluntyne]

Think of the copious amounts of poo you would have to deal with!

 

I am astounded at the price of them

[Laura & CTB]

Well they look quite cute but I'm not sure about the "spitting globules of semi digested vegetation mixed with stomach acid" bit

[hils78]

When my OH & I move in together & if we get enough room we're definately getting an alpaca or 2!

We're actually getting married in 7 weeks time - & still not living together no dress yet, no invites out, think I ought to stop chicken gazing & get planning

[Ms Tilytinkle]

Hils78

( bit off topic a bit ) but . ..really . .No, absolutley no planning necessary .

trust me . ..just book the church . .have a delicious shower til your sparkling,

chuck on ya favourite dress, bit of lippy, gather a beautiful bunch of wlid flower from local woods pop some in your hair & carry the rest as a bouquet, telephone ya best buddies on route to church as the witnesses or be truly spontaneous & romantic asking the nearest passer by

If he smiles with delight when he sees you . .. your hearts will entwine regardless of frock . .the details are in the loving hoping you live the rest of your lives , . together as for the alpaca . .now they might need some serious planning

 

Ms Tillywishesyouandyoursalltheverybest

[Tweety]

We went to look at alpacas with a view to buying a couple and were thrilled to hear from the breeder that we would never have a problem with foxes if we had alpacas, less thrilled when we heard the price! The males are very much cheaper than the females, and apparently they also produce the best wool, but they also need high fencing and a shelter, shearing etc. Sadly,but not surprisingly, I couldn't persuade DH that this was an economical way of ensuring the safety of my girls! The alpacas were absolutely gorgeous though.

[owenofj]

hils78... if you leave it long enough, everything will sort itself out in the end Congratulations by the way, am sure you'll have a lovely day.

 

They sell alpacas at a farm in the next village from us... £750 for a young male... up to £7,000 for a female (blimey)

 

They do offer discounts on 2 or more though, so it would be silly to just get one.

[Bondinho]

I'm sure I've seen an advert in trade-it for alpacas for £250??! Maybe I imagined it.

[beach chick]

I've ALWAYS wanted some alpacas... unfortunately OH doesnt see it the same way.

[Ange1]

Me too Beach Chick!

 

I've always fancied some, there was an alpaca farm for sale in Dorset on the Rural Scene website I so wanted it, the ONLY reason Boyfriend considered it was it was in Dorset our favourite place!

 

I don't think £500 sounds too bad when you consider that a tiny chinchillia (sp) in our local Pets at Home is £150!!!!!

[chocchick]

I posted on Practical Poultry months ago and there was a consensus alpacas were not reliable for guarding against foxes.

I was very disappointed as was hoping to justify some alpacas as they are gorgeous.