Alpaca birthing season

Hello, and welcome back to Little Valley Farm! I'm currently in the paddock with my pregnant alpacas. I've separated these girls from the other alpacas up on the hill to ensure they get enough feed and protein the next couple of months. I need to monitor their body condition and feed them daily. They have plenty of deep shade by the creek, access to lots of water troughs, and extra feed provided by me. The crias (baby alpacas) are expected to arrive in the next couple of weeks to months. The best times for birthing are autumn and spring in our region. Meanwhile, Honkey Hamlet, the donkey, is in a separate paddock with the female donkeys, patiently waiting for me to open the gate for him. Weaner Paisley is watching me from the laneway up the hill, and I can’t help but smile at her adorable heart-shaped nose. She’s absolutely precious! Don’t forget we’ll be hosting alpaca workshops in mid-January 2025. I hope you can join us! Jump on our website for dates and to book. Daniela

Our next workshop will be Sunday 12th January 2025 at 10:30am.

Alpaca Dolce-Luna

Meet our little ray of sunshine, Alpaca Dolce-Luna! 🌙✨ Her name means "Sweet Moon" in Italian, and she’s every bit as magical as it sounds. This adorable cria is bringing all the joy and sweetness to our days—how could we not share her with you? 💖

Meet Dulce Luna, our sweet little cria! 🌙💕 This adorable female is a fancy Huacaya alpaca, and she’s already stealing hearts with her charm and her fleece. 🦙✨ We love watching the bond she shares with her friends and her mum. Speaking of bonds, we will begin the weaning process at around six months of age, depending on good weather conditions. We will discuss weaning in more detail at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. Isn't she jus the sweetest? #CriaLove #FancyHuacaya #LittleValleyFarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located? We are located in Wollombi Valley, near the quaint hamlet of Laguna. We are fortunate to be surrounded by national parks and state forests. There is only one café, bar, and restaurant here; the Trading Post Laguna and Wollombi Village is only ten minutes away. We are under 5 km from the Trading Post Laguna. This area feels remote and is very different from Pokolbin, which has extensive vineyards and is just a lovely 40-minute drive away. We embrace the wilderness, appreciate nature, and love it as it is.

Getting to Laguna

Little Valley Farm is in its own valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney and an hour from the Central Coast. However, if you're travelling on a Friday afternoon or during a long weekend, heavy traffic can extend the journey to over two hours, so please plan accordingly. Take the Tourist Drive 33 for a scenic drive.

[ Vehicle access ] The road to our farm is a dirt track with potholes surrounded by thick bushland. Although a short, steep section exists, any standard 2WD car can easily navigate it. Confident drivers have no issues. If you have modified your car or have a low sports car, then it's at your own risk. Sport cars and low-modified cars are not recommended. Drive 20 km to protect our wildlife, as wombats, roos, and lyrebirds live here.

Do you offer farmstay? Yes, we do, but only for adults. All guests must be over 18 years old. We are not set up for children or infants. For ‘summerhouse’ booking info, click here.

Things to do when in the valley? Check out my blog for top recommendations on where to eat, drink, shop, and experience the best of our region. From hidden gems to local favourites, you’ll find everything you need to plan a memorable visit!

[ No mobile ] Our valley has no mobile reception, and OPTUS service is random. To ensure you find us, you'll need the address and detailed instructions to avoid while on our neighbour’s property. I will email them to you, as our address is not published online. Please save this information for easy access during your journey.

[ Petrol ] If you're travelling from Sydney, the last petrol stop is Caltex Peats Ridge, Kulnura One Stop Jerry's Cafe, about 35 minutes from us. Keep in mind these places close early, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can refuel in Broke or Cessnock, approximately 40 minutes away. The Trading Post Laguna currently does not sell fuel.

[ Wildlife ] We love welcoming mindful guests to our farmstay—those who truly appreciate the beauty and rhythm of nature. At Little Valley Farm, every sound tells a story: the donkeys honking to greet the early morning, alpacas softly humming, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and, if you’re lucky, the enchanting singing of the lyrebird up in the bushland. 

During summer, nature puts on an extra show—every seven years, the cicadas fill the air with their chorus. Our farm is alive with insects, critters, and all the tiny beings that make this land thrive.

You might be lucky enough to spot our resident wallaroo family—Mo, his mum, and his little sister—often found sleeping on our driveway late at night. Keep an eye out for the wombats that wander across the paddocks, snakes and goannas quietly going by, and our native rakali scuttling by. And if you’re truly fortunate, you may even glimpse the elusive and magical platypus in its natural habitat. Nature’s wonders are all around you here at Little Valley Farm.

We aim to embrace natural living and reduce the use of chemicals, honouring nature and her delicate balance. So, if you cherish these wonders as much as we do, you’ll feel right at home here. But if nature’s company isn’t for you, we may not be the best fit.  Staying here reminds us of our place in this world—we’re not alone but part of a much greater ecosystem that humbles us. 

What does working alpaca farm mean? We live on-site, and our farm is a bustling place where our livestock receives care every day of the week, morning and afternoon, rain, hail or shine I am out there tending to our animals.

Can we bring our dog or cat to your farm? Due to our strict farm biosecurity, pets are not allowed.

Are there snakes there? The most frequently asked question is whether there are snakes in the area. The answer is yes, as we aim to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Since it is their natural habitat, snakes can be seen throughout the year, and we ensure not to disturb them. However, it is essential to wear closed-toe shoes when outside.

Our Bio-Security Policy and COVID-19 safety measures are in place. All visits must have an appointment; day visits are not permitted.

Do you sell alpacas? As registered breeders, we certainly do and are also part of the Australian Alpaca Association. You will need a PIC (property identification code) to purchase alpacas from us. We like to meet you, show you our herd, and answer your questions about caring for alpacas. Read more on our alpacas for sale blog.

“Livestock inspections and visits are via appointment only.”
— Daniela

Do you run alpaca workshops? We run alpaca workshops regularly workshops.

Do you sell alpaca fleece? We certainly do. Please visit our online shop here. Most of our fleece is available after our annual Spring shearing day.

NOTE: If you have been to Indonesia, including Bali, after June 2022, please tell us BEFORE you visit. Foot & Mouth Disease is a serious threat to all of Australia’s livestock.

Our Bio-Security Policy

By booking your visit to Little Valley Farm, you understand that it is a working farm, with the attending inherent risks, and hereby release and discharge the farm, its owners, employees, volunteers or agents from any and all liability arising from an incident, accident, injury, theft, or damages that may be sustained to you or to any property belonging to you, while visiting.  You further agree that action will not be taken against its owners, and you acknowledge our bio-security policy and boundaries that are in place. Bio-security is covered upon check-in after your confirmed appointment on the farm.

*Closed shoes are essential on the farm, and gumboots are always preferred, especially after the rainy season. Flip-flops are not permitted on the paddocks. Bring boots after the flood as lots of rain the last 18 months if you want to get up close and personal with the alpacas. Otherwise indoor and outdoor shoes you will need.



Source: frequentlyaskedquestions

Crias and those little Autumn jackets

What Does Cria Mean?

"cria" originates from the Spanish cría, meaning "offpring/baby." In the world of alpacas, a cria refers to a newborn alpaca. These adorable little creatures require special attention, particularly when it comes to keeping warm.

Cria sometimes wears dog coats to help regulate their body temperature, particularly in colder weather. Unlike adult alpacas, crias don’t yet have a fully developed fleece, making them more vulnerable to cold, damp conditions and temperature fluctuations.

First and foremost, we provide safe, sheltered spaces to protect the mother and her cria from wind, rain, and cold. Inside the shelter, we create a cozy environment with a straw-covered floor, a generous supply of high-quality lucerne hay for the dam, and oaten chaff for extra nourishment. We place a small battery-operated light outside the shed to ensure the cria can see its mother and continue to nurse through the night.

To keep the cria warm, we use dog jackets in various sizes, tailored to fit snugly. These jackets help maintain the cria's body temperature, and we make sure they don’t interfere with the important bonding process between mother and baby. The jackets are typically removed in the morning and put back on later in the afternoon, depending on the weather, for the next few days. This extra care helps the cria thrive in those crucial early stages of life.

Tip: Dogs' coats are not waterproof, so ensure they stay dry and undercover in a good size pen. If it's raining and you have difficulty keeping the cria undercover, grab some bubble wrap as a last resort and wrap it around the cria middle section.  

We ensure that the tail and top of the cria’s head are left uncovered so the mother can smell her baby. This is important for bonding, as alpaca mothers use scent to recognise and nurture their cria.

We are located in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Autumn is the best time for cria births, while winter can be quite cold. Summers can either be wet or uncomfortably hot. To prepare for this, we always ensure that our maternity pens are ready. You may not need jackets if you are in a humid or warm location but we always recommend that you have pens and shelters available for the alpacas.

More about this will be discussed at our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Learn all about alpacas with us at Little Valley Farm

Well that was certainly a sweet moment, watching these two adorable cria’s.

Welcome to our alpaca farm in Australia!

We're so excited to share with you the beauty and joy of raising alpacas. In this video, we'll take a closer look at two crias (baby alpacas) interacting on the farm. We'll also talk more about cria care at our upcoming alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Why choose our alpaca workshop?

  • We're passionate about alpacas and committed to providing people with the best possible education.

  • Our workshops are taught by experienced alpaca farmers and breeders.

  • We offer a variety of workshops to suit all levels of experience.

  • Our workshops are held in a beautiful location in the Hunter Valley.

We hope you'll join us at our next alpaca workshop!

In the meantime, please feel free to browse our website to learn more about our farm and our workshops. We look forward to seeing you soon! Daniela

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.

Where do alpacas sleep? Answers from an alpaca farmer

Good Morning from Little Valley Farm! 🌅 It’s Daniela here, and today I’m answering a question I get asked all the time: Where do your alpacas like to sleep? 🦙💤

Well, our alpacas have their preferences! Their top two choices are grass and dirt. They absolutely love to roll in the dirt or lie down on a soft dirt patch. Our alpaca shelters have dirt floors, which makes them super cozy when they head inside for a rest. 🌾 If you take a look at the video, you’ll often see them lounging around on the grass enjoying a peaceful nap or enjoying a dirt patch in the sun. 

If there isn’t a dirt patch available in the paddock, don’t worry—they’ll create one themselves by rolling around until they’ve got the perfect spot. On hot days, you might notice them laying on the dirt to cool off, but they definitely won’t sleep on a bed or anything fancy like that. 😉

During the colder, rainy winter months, we make sure to spread hay or straw on the shed floors to keep them extra comfortable. 🐾 However, our shelters are already pretty cozy, so it’s not much of a problem. They don’t care for concrete floors because they can be quite chilly, but a layer of straw does the trick to keep them warm and happy.

So, whether it’s dirt, grass, or a comfy spot in their shed, our alpacas always find a way to rest in style here at Little Valley Farm! More about this will be discussed at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. 

Our alpaca workshops are held monthly in the Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast. Visit our website at littlevalleyfarm.com.au to check the available dates and book your spot online. We also offer a wonderful alpaca manual that you can purchase online or buy during your visit to our farm for the workshop.

We look forward to seeing you at Little Valley Farm to share our passion for alpacas!

Alpaca Etiquette Tips from Little Valley Farm | Hunter Valley Alpaca Farm

Good Morning from Little Valley Farm! ☀️ It’s Daniela here, and today I’m sharing some helpful tips on how to get to know our alpacas, along with a few etiquette guidelines to make sure you and our alpacas have a wonderful experience together.

Alpaca Etiquette: The Do's

- Approach Slowly and Gently: Our alpacas don’t know you yet, so it’s important to move calmly. They’ll appreciate your gentle energy.

- Speak Softly: A calm, soothing voice goes a long way in helping alpacas feel comfortable around you.

- Use Flat Hands: When touching an alpaca, always keep your hand flat and gently pat with the back of your hand. Grabbing their fibre might make them feel threatened, as it mimics a predator’s grip.

- Pat in the Right Spots: Stick to safe areas like their back, shoulders, and the sides of their neck. These are the places they enjoy being touched.

- Ask About Their Personality: Every alpaca has its own quirks and preferences. Ask the owner what each alpaca likes or dislikes so you can bond more easily.

Alpaca Etiquette: The Don’ts

- Don’t Feed Without Asking: Always check with the owner before offering any treats. Their diet is carefully managed.

- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Alpacas don’t like being touched on their head, hindquarters, tail, or toes, so it’s best to avoid these spots.

- No Grabbing or Hugging: While tempting, alpacas may feel frightened or confined by hugs. Remember, they’re still getting to know you!

- Don’t Stand Behind Them: Alpacas can kick if startled, like many animals. For your safety, always stay where they can see you.

- Avoid Sudden Movements: Alpacas are sensitive to quick motions. A calm and steady presence will help them feel secure.

Enjoy your time with alpacas! Watching them roam the paddocks is such a peaceful experience, and don’t forget to snap some photos—you might just fall in love with them like I have. 🦙💚

Join us for our next alpaca worship in the Hunter Valley.

Little Valley Farm located in Laguna only 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast.

Alpaca as guards animals

Meet Vinkie: Little Valley Farm’s Top Alpaca Alarm caller.

At Little Valley Farm, we take the safety of our herd seriously, and Vinkie, one of our trusted alpacas, leads the charge as our top alarm caller but not a guard. Why an alarm caller and not a guard? What is the difference?

Vinkie can sense when something is not right, hiding out in the bush, whether a dog, fox, snake, eagle, wombat or even a tiny echidna passing through the paddocks. Her sharp instincts are followed by the distinctive alpaca alarm call, and the herd knows to gather and stay safe. It's also an alert for us to get out on the paddock and double-check that everything is as it should be. At the end of the day, we are their guards! 

Not all alpacas make great guards, but some are great at alerting and making that particular alpaca alarm sound. I do not like alpacas being guards to sheep, especially if wild dogs are in the area. Dog and wild dogs severely injure or, even worse, kill the alpacas, as dogs are no match for alpacas. 

Other livestock make better guards than alpacas depending on what you are guarding, the size of the land and the number of animals you have. You must also make the judgment call: do you want the alpacas as pets or guards? Entire male alpacas do not make good guards, and they must be castrated at the appropriate age to avoid injury to small livestock such as goats and sheep. 

The best protection for your livestock is secure pens, excellent fencing and people nearby. This is my opinion, and other breeders may say something else. Wether alpacas (castrated males) may be helpful around your chickens from foxes, but it's just their sheer presence that may deter the fox or eagle. I have never seen an alpaca kill a fox here, and we have plenty of foxes; they keep an eye on each other by smartly avoiding one another.

What about your pet dog? 

To maintain the safety of our herd, Little Valley Farm has a strict biosecurity policy—no dogs allowed on the property. For those considering adding alpacas to a home where pet dogs are present, we’ll cover the best strategies for introducing your dogs to alpacas safely and in a controlled manner. Around 90% of our clients have successfully integrated their dogs and alpacas, whether by supervised interaction or by separating them with appropriate fencing. The other 10% are like us and don’t have dogs. 

We will also discuss the correct fencing and pens to set up on your farm for extra protection.

We hope this helps! If you have any questions, please email us. Join us for our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley, where we will explore this topic further.

“While alpacas are great at deterring smaller predators, wild dogs/domestic dogs pose a much bigger threat. Sadly, alpacas are not a match for wild dogs, and encounters can lead to serious injuries or even death.”
— Daniela

Alpaca workshops are run monthly in the Hunter Valley and you can book in your dates for 2024 and 2025 via our Little Valley Farm website.


Baby alpacas, crias and their mums

Good morning from the paddocks of Little Valley Farm!

It’s a special moment here as we watch one of our mama alpacas bonding with her newborn cria. Since it’s an autumn birth, you’ll see the little one wrapped in a cozy dog jacket to stay warm (as they can’t regulate their body temperature for the first week).

Join us at the farm as we share the joys of raising alpacas, especially during those precious first 30 days of life - and how quickly they grow in the first 30 days. It's amazingly fast. We will also be discussing cria care, cria kits and what you need, plus much more, at our upcoming alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley. Daniela

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.

What a beautiful day in the Hunter Valley

Oh, what a day it is in the Hunter Valley! After what felt like an endless stretch of rain, the sun is finally shining its warm, golden rays over the hills, and the farm is absolutely buzzing with life. The alpacas are out and about, basking in the sunshine, and it's moments like these that remind us of how truly blessed we are to be here at Little Valley Farm.

Little Bowie, our darling Suri White alpaca, is in particularly high spirits today. He’s such a cheeky little character, always curious and full of personality. Watching him frolic in the paddock with that soft, lustrous fleece swaying in the breeze, you can’t help but fall in love with him. And, yes, he's going to make the perfect addition to someone's herd later this year when he goes up for sale. If you’re dreaming of adding a special alpaca to your life, Bowie just might be the one.

Speaking of alpacas, have you secured your spot for our upcoming monthly alpaca workshop? If you're new to the world of alpacas or considering starting your own herd, this is the workshop for you. We’ll cover everything from the basics of alpaca care to the finer points of fleece management. And, of course, you’ll get plenty of hands-on time with these gentle, intelligent creatures. There’s nothing quite like it—an experience that’s as educational as it is heartwarming.

So, come on out to Little Valley Farm, breathe in the fresh country air, soak up the sunshine, and spend some time learning about these majestic animals.

A little video of Bowie and Charlie playing around last week when the weather was not so nice. How sweet are these two little alpacas? Mum Pansey watches sternly in the back ground.

Little Valley Farm, established in 2012, has been a cherished part of the Hunter Valley community, sharing our love for alpacas with new and potential owners. For over a decade now, we've been offering hands-on workshops, providing an in-depth introduction to alpaca ownership and care. It's been our passion to help others experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with raising these gentle, curious animals.

Our monthly workshops have become a popular event here in the valley, where people from all walks of life come to learn, connect with nature, and, of course, meet our beautiful alpacas up close.

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

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*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

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

What is Bio-Security at Little Valley Farm

Biosecurity Essentials

Biosecurity is a term used to describe a set of management practices that reduce the risk of introducing or spreading disease on your property or other people's property.

As alpaca breeders, it's our responsibility to implement sound biosecurity practices. These practices are the best defence against pests and diseases, and quick and simple measures built into everyday practices will help protect your farm.

Almost anything moved onto your property can be a potential source of pests and diseases for livestock. To reduce the biosecurity risks to your property, monitor animals or plant materials that enter the property.

A couple of things that we do:

-strictly via appointments only at our farm.

- Know where our feed/hay is sourced from and its quality.

- any new livestock on the farm are drenched, monitored, and quarantined.

- record and take notes on each new livestock, including FECs and current vaccinations.

- good fencing to avoid roaming livestock.

- restrict the movement of vehicles and people on our paddocks.

- purchase livestock from our reputable breeder and ask for their PIC#.

And lastly, have the biosecurity sign installed at the entrance to your farm.

Pick up your biosecurity sign at your Local Land Services in NSW.

Jump on our Little Valley Farm website for our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley. See you soon, Daniela

We are members of the Australian Alpaca Association

Feed buckets for alpacas

Feeding our alpacas and what buckets we use.

Good morning, everyone; it is Daniela from Little Valley Farm.

We have received some questions regarding alpaca feed buckets, so I wanted to show you our large feeding ones.

These ones are ex-food-grade IBCs that are cut in half.

It's a lovely sunny day, so I have dragged the buckets outside today.

The feed buckets are placed inside the shed, out of the rain, so the alpacas can enjoy a serving of whatever hay we have left for them.

We recommend:

- Leaving a bucket of feed undercover so alpacas can help themselves.

- Keep it out of the rain to prevent mould from growing on the hay.

- It gives alpacas a central place to eat.

- Helps keep hay off the grass, as it can kill paddock grass in patches.

- More importantly, if there are any worms/parasites in the grass, it will help reduce worm burden as the alpacas are eating from the bucket.

For a comprehensive understanding of our feeding methods and more, we invite you to join us at our upcoming alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Ex food grade IBC modelled by Koko

We are located 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast in the stunning bushland setting of Wollombi Valley.