Cost of Keeping Alpacas in the UK
Cost of Keeping Alpacas in the UK
Most people considering keeping alpacas want to understand the costs involved before starting their herd.
While alpacas are often described as low maintenance compared to other livestock species, this is not true. Alpacas and llamas are unique, and as such, have specific requirements which need to be understood from the outset in order to keep them healthy and allow them to thrive.
Alpacas require daily feeding and observation, regular routine husbandry including evaluating body condition, trimming of fleece to ensure they can see, and regular toe nail trimming. Annual shearing by alpaca experienced shearers is required for their welfare.
The overall cost of keeping alpacas depends on the amount of grazing land available, the herd size, management choices, infrastructure necessities, and routine and urgent veterinary care.
Land and grazing
Alpacas need suitable grazing land of sufficient size to allow them to roam. Secure fencing is essential, not only to prevent escape but to prevent predation by dogs and diseases entering with wildlife.
The minimum land requirement for a small herd of 3 or 4 alpacas is one acre. The type and composition of the land will also influence total numbers. In reality, grazing land should be divided into at least two paddocks to allow the pasture to rest, recover and be maintained throughout the year. Rotation also helps to manage internal parasite control.
Establishing the maximum number of alpacas which can reasonably be kept on land throughout the winter months provides a good foundation on which to determine herd size.
If you already have suitable land, this may be the largest cost already covered.
Fencing and infrastructure
Alpacas require secure perimeter fencing. Depending on the region, badger-proof fencing is recommended to prevent wildlife spreading disease. Internal fencing may also be required to create paddocks. Electric fencing and barbed wire is unsafe for alpacas and should be used. Basic handling facilities are important for alpaca management and a small gated area where animals can be contained and handled is essential.
Shelters, ideally light airy 3 sided shelters are also essential to ensure alpacas are protected from wet, cold and very hot weather.
These are usually one-off setup costs.
Hay and winter feed
Alpacas require good quality dry forage such as hay, or possibly haylage, all year round, even when grass is plentiful. Alpacas require the long stem fibre within hay to maintain optimal gut health which provides the essential nutrition they require to stay fit and healthy.
When grass is scarce, for example during winter months or during periods of drought, then additional hay must be provided. The amount varies depending on available grazing conditions and herd size relative to the amount of land available. Alpacas will not eat poor quality hay.
Good quality hay is an important part of winter management along with shelter and well drained pasture.
Mineral supplements
Alpacas and other South American Camelids are evolved from a mineral rich environment at high altitude. As a result, alpacas require a camelid specific mineral supplement fed daily to keep them healthy. This supplement should not be fed to other grazing animals.
Additionally, because of the much reduced exposure to ultraviolet light in the UK compared to the altiplano of South America, alpacas also require vitamin D supplementation throughout the darker months, typically from September to March. This supplement is either fed once a month or given by injection every 8 weeks.
Other supplements which may be considered beneficial on an individual basis are formulations which support skin and joint health, especially in senior alpacas.
Parasite monitoring
Alpacas are more susceptible to internal parasites than other species.
Responsible parasite control involves periodic faecal egg counts and targeted treatment only when required. This helps manage worm burdens effectively while avoiding unnecessary medication. Small companion herds typically require less monitoring than breeding herds.
Faecal egg count testing can be done by your large animal veterinary practice, independent laboratories with camelid expertise, or by owners following appropriate training.
Veterinary care
Routine veterinary care
Alpacas require routine veterinary care including annual or twice yearly vaccinations and occasional health checks.
Preventative care helps keep alpacas healthy and reduces the risk of serious illness.
Learning about prevention and how to identify problems early is key to herd management.
Urgent veterinary care
Alpacas are generally hardy as long as they receive species appropriate care. However, like all animals they can become ill and it is important to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
Shearing
Alpacas must be sheared once each year for welfare reasons. Alpacas are a domesticated species, the fleece constantly grows and does not fall out.
Shearing is usually carried out by experienced alpaca shearers during the spring and early summer months.
Training and education
Many people wishing to own alpacas choose to attend alpaca husbandry training courses before buying animals.
Responsible breeders insist on at least a basic level of knowledge and practical skills before delivery.
Practical independent on-farm courses and BAS Affiliate Training Courses can help new owners understand feeding, health care and alpaca management.
Learning first can prevent costly mistakes later.
Are Alpacas Expensive To Keep?
For many owners, alpacas are considered relatively economical livestock when compared with larger animals such as horses.
However, alpacas are a long-term commitment, often living 15–20 years or more, so it is important to plan for their ongoing care.
Owning alpacas intended for breeding becomes more expensive than owning companion animals due to the increased costs associated with purchasing breeding stock, accessing quality stud males, any birthing complications and raising crias.
Planning Ahead
In summary, before buying alpacas, it is helpful to consider:
- grazing and land availability
- shelter and fencing
- winter feed requirements
- time for daily observation and management
- routine veterinary care
- shearing
- breeding alpacas
Planning ahead helps ensure alpacas remain healthy and well cared for.
A responsible breeder will help you assign numerical values against the essentials costs described on this page, appropriate for individual circumstances .