KateB Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 Just been flicking through September's edition of GYO magazine and they've got an article on alpacas - I now feel I need to move because I need two alpacas - what wonderful, extremely cute animals! They're like fancy sheep! Does anyone out there have any experience with them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 We have some just down the road from us...at first I thought they were odd looking llamas. I stopped to take a closer look one day and realised what they are. They are beautiful! They are also on my list of "must have one day".... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 We have some near us in Prestbury ... they are quite nice, but I do wonder if they "spit" like their related cousins, in which case, you're welcome to them. (too much up close and personal reminders from working in a Safari Park ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue1411 Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 My best friend is taking me to 'walk with llamas' tomorrow in the Ashdown Forest! Apparently there's a big breeding centre for llamas and alpacas and they let visitors walk the llamas round the forest for about 2 hours a day. This is one of my most bizarre presents, but it should be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 That sounds GREAT!!! I think they do something similar down here in Dorset - and you walk (or wobble?!) from pub to pub Let us know how you get on, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateB Posted August 12, 2005 Author Share Posted August 12, 2005 My eldest sister walked a llama down Guildford high street as part of a friend's 40th birthday last week! Apparently it was great fun but llamas do spit... I've done my research and apparently alpacas don't - they're very affectionate by what I can gather.... I need a lottery win... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 Non-spitting is good in my book ... they do spit from a long range, and it SMELLS . Nice that the Alpaca's don't ... far more sociable in my experience . We used to ride our horses to the pub ... very enjoyable too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 On a visit to Southport zoo Jeff got spat at by a llama we still laugh about it today, it was disgusting ........... I read the article in GYO Kate and thought the same thing they are all fluffy and cute but cost a fortune.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateB Posted August 13, 2005 Author Share Posted August 13, 2005 Hence the need for a large lottery win - the price of those things will make buying the small holding cheap in comparison! So cute though... I can just see them wandering through the kitchen.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted August 13, 2005 Share Posted August 13, 2005 Oops, wandering through the kitchen- just imagine the poos My chickens make straight for the kitchen anytime someone forgets to shut the door properly, and I'm getting a bit tired of cleaning the kitchen floor everytime they poo. I've given up on putting the mop and bucket away, it ust sits there- on permanent standby But just imagine the mess alpacas could make . Better still, don't imagine it, I can't bear the images it conjures up in my head Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted August 13, 2005 Share Posted August 13, 2005 It says in GYO that Alpaca dung makes great fertiliser for the vegetable plot and there is no need to rot it down and unlike horse manure it doesn't smell so in fact they probably would be fine wandering through the kitchen the poo is sort of large pellets it might stick to your shoe if you walked in it though............... I can just see an Alpaca sitting at the breakfast bar waiting for it's toast.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted August 13, 2005 Share Posted August 13, 2005 There are quite a few alpacas up here - they cope well with upland/moorland conditions and don't get the foot rot problems that sheep do. I've also heard they don't spit like their cousins. The most valuable ones to go for have white hair because you can dye it any colour. Try and get a pair with the finest hair you can because it sells for a higher price. From what I've heard they are easy affectionate animals - so you will need a couple more places at the breakfast table - but the poo is easier to pick up than your hens' poo Will you be taking up spinning now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateB Posted August 13, 2005 Author Share Posted August 13, 2005 If only I had the room... No chance for the next few years until we move, but, then....well, what's to stop me?? (other than an exceptionally large price tag....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted August 14, 2005 Share Posted August 14, 2005 Alpaca Ooooo, how I wish. Gorgeous to spin and knit too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted August 14, 2005 Share Posted August 14, 2005 Do you think the Omlet chaps could do an alpaca-lu?!?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted August 14, 2005 Share Posted August 14, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted August 14, 2005 Share Posted August 14, 2005 Come guys what a challenge Whynot Horselu or cowlu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
