Lieutenant the alpaca stud at Little Valley Farm

Kobler Lieutenant has been an outstanding stud male in our herd, significantly improving fibre quality, and density, and introducing striking colour variations. He’s easy to handle and well-trained to wear a head collar, making him a pleasure to work with. Although he prefers pen mating, his calm nature makes him suitable for short-term paddock mating.

His crias are exceptional, consistently inheriting finer micron counts, gentle temperaments, and superb fleece quality. Kobler Lieutenant has produced both solid and fancy colour combinations, making his offspring stand out.

We are offering him for sale as part of our breeding program's progression, as he is now too closely related to our females. A proud medium grey stud with deep brown hues, Kobler Lieutenant is not only easy to manage but has been an amazing asset to our herd.

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.

Alpaca Yarn where to buy it in Australia?

Luxurious Alpaca Yarn from Little Valley Farm – Handspun with Love in the Hunter Valley

At Little Valley Farm, we take great pride in our herd of alpacas and their stunning fleece. One alpaca in particular, Reidy, stands out with her rich, dark brown fleece / wool that we’ve lovingly transformed into handspun yarn, which is available in our online shop.

Reidy’s fleece is a true treasure. Shorn each Spring, we harvest this luxuriously soft wool, and through a careful, sustainable process, it is handspun right here in the beautiful Hunter Valley. This isn’t just any yarn—it’s a connection to the land, to our alpacas, and to a slower, more intentional way of living.

Why Choose Alpaca Yarn?

Alpaca wool is renowned for being one of the softest and warmest natural fibres in the world. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca yarn is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. Reidy’s yarn, in particular, boasts a rich, natural brown hue, a perfect shade for creating timeless, elegant knits or crafts.

Alpaca Yarn buy in Australia

The Handspun Difference

Each skein of Reidy’s yarn is handspun and gives is that textured look and feel. 8PLY. 

Alpaca Shearing 2024

We concluded Shearing Day last Friday, and it was a fantastic day! The alpacas look amazing and are all set to stay cool for the upcoming summer heat. ☀️ Take a look at these photos—aren't they adorable in their fresh new looks? Some of these lovely alpacas will be available for sale soon, and you'll meet others at our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop for new owners. Stay tuned!


#AlpacaShearing #LittleValleyFarm #AlpacasForSale #AlpacaWorkshop #HunterValley

Alpacas Break Dancing

Bust N Moves AGun Style!

An alpaca, mid-dust bath, suddenly feels the rhythm in the dirt. With a quick shake, it's on its feet, busting out moves like a breakdancing pro. Spinning, twirling, and kicking up clouds of dust, it's the ultimate "Alpaca Style" dance-off. The others gather around, watching in awe as this alpaca moonwalks, windmills, and even attempts the robot—all while keeping that calm, cool alpaca expression. Who knew dust bathing could turn into a breakdancing battle? Just another day in the paddocks at Little Valley Farm.

Not to be out done by the alpacas… the donkeys got in on the action. Check out Maisie Mays back move to Honkie Hamlet.

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.

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

~~~

*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

Alpacas for Sale - Australian Alpacas in the Hunter Valley

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, we look forward to the time when the ground warms up, the grass starts growing, and our alpacas are ready to be relocated to their new forever homes.

Beginning in Spring 2024, we will have a selection of wonderful and sociable alpacas available for sale. Some of these alpacas are females accompanied by cria, while others are pregnant. We offer them for sale in pairs or as the perfect starter herd for your small farm.

We are proud members of the Australian Alpacas Association, and most of our livestock are registered. It's important to note that alpacas are herd animals and need to be paired with at least one companion. For individuals looking for alpacas as pets, it's essential to begin with a pair. Additionally, crias should stay with their mother until they are around six months old. For males, castration should be performed at the appropriate age unless you are interested in purchasing wethers. We will have some wethers available in mid-spring.

You can view what we currently have available for sale and drop me a note on what you are looking for. Our next alpacas workshop for new owners will be mid August 2024 and you can view the dates here.

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.

Alpaca Fleece for Spinners

100% Australian alpaca fleece, harvested from our alpacas at Little Valley Farm in the Lower Hunter Valley, NSW.

SURI Fleece

Fawn Suri. Unwashed.

Huacaya Daph

White and pretty clean not much VM. Raw. Unwashed.

NEVE

White fleece Huacaya. Raw. Unwashed.

Pansey

Black but not a true black. Def has VM as shown in the photos. Suri. 1.5kg

100% Australian alpaca fleece, harvested from our alpacas at Little Valley Farm in the Lower Hunter Valley, NSW.

From our Shearing Day 2023, limited stock is now available. P&P applies to each saddle posted. Only posted within Australia.


Interesting facts about alpacas?

We enjoy discussing all things alpacas. Here are some fascinating facts about these lovely creatures.

  • There are no wild alpacas – the alpaca is the domesticated version of the vicuña.

  • Alpacas live at high altitudes in the South American Andes.

  • Like cows and sheep, alpacas are ruminants.

  • Alpacas have soft pads on their feet, which do not churn up the ground like the hard hooves of cows or horses.

  • Alpacas are related to llamas, which are domesticated versions of the guanaco.

  • Llamas are commonly utilized as pack animals, while alpacas are primarily raised for their wool.

  • Vicuñas are descended from camel-like animals that evolved in North America then moved south roughly 3 million years ago.

  • Around 6,000 years ago, the Andean people started to domesticate alpacas.

  • There are two kinds of alpaca: the Huacaya and the Suri.

  • Suri has very long-fibered fleeces, and Huacaya has a shorter crimped fleece. 

  • Alpacas are the smallest members of the camel family.

  • Alpacas, native to the Andes, are happy living at altitudes up to 4,800 meters.

  • Alpacas all over the world thrive on ordinary farmland.

  • 99% of the world’s alpacas still live in South America.

  • Alpacas are highly sociable, gentle, and curious creatures. 

  • Alpacas make really wonderful pets and can be trained fairly easily. 

  • Alpacas are herd animals and don’t like to be alone. When their own kind aren’t around, they like to live with llamas, goats, and sheep but always want/need the company of their own kind. 

  • Llamas and alpacas can breed, and their babies are called huarizo.

  • Alpaca wool (fleece) is incredibly soft and does not retain water. In fact, it’s the second strongest animal fibre after mohair.

  • If an alpaca is feeling distressed or threatened, it may spit at its fellow animal. 

  • Alpacas are generally gentle animals and do not spit at or bite humans unless they are provoked or mistreated.

  • What is sour face?" When an alpaca spits, it results in a condition called "sour mouth". Sour mouth is identified by a loose lower lip and a wide open mouth. This occurs due to the stomach acids and unpleasant taste of the contents as they are expelled from the mouth. More importantly, it helps to settle disputes within the herd rather quickly. 

  • Alpacas make a gentle mmmmmm humming noise when happy or when they are rearing their cria. 

  • They emit a high-pitched sound when there is danger and stand on guard.

  • The members of an alpaca herd will all use the same communal dung pile, rather than defecating randomly. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases.

  • It's amusing to see female alpacas waiting in line for the communal dung pile as they prefer to defecate together.

  • Sun worshippers. Alpacas enjoy sunbathing by lying down on their sides and stretching out in the sun. It can be alarming to see them this way if you don't know what they're doing, as they may appear to have dropped dead.

  • When sun-worshipping, they are getting their natural Vitamin D intake.

  • Alpacas breed once a year naturally and give birth to just one baby.

  • The gestation period for alpacas is 11.5 months but may vary from 11 to 12 months.

  • A baby alpaca is called a cria.

  • Crias weigh about 6-9 kg when born.

  • In the high desert regions of South America, temperatures can get very cold during the night. To ensure the safety and well-being of their babies, mothers tend to give birth in the morning. This allows the newborns to have the entire day to dry off, start moving around, and nurse from their mother before the temperatures start to drop again.

  • Females can reproduce when they are fully grown, usually around 2 years old.

  • Males mature a bit more slowly, ready to mate at around two to three years old.

  • Alpacas can live as long as 20 years.

  • Thankfully, alpacas are not an endangered species.

  • Alpacas come in 22 colours, from a deep blue-black through browns and tans to white.

  • Some Andean people eat alpaca meat (We don't!).

  • In Peru, alpaca meat is a luxury food.

  • Alpacas don’t have teeth in the top-front of their mouths, so they sometimes can look a bit goofy.

  • Alpacas must be shorn once a year in spring before the hot summer weather begins.

  • You would require a PIC number to purchase alpacas for your farmland or acreage in Australia.

Join our alpaca workshop for a unique introduction to alpaca management. Perfect for small farm owners, get a starter guide to help you determine if alpacas are a good fit for your farm.

Daniela Riccio, owner, Little Valley Farm.

Established in 2012 in the Hunter Valley.

Rescue Alpaca and alpaca workshops

We have come along way with building trust with this female.

We rarely rescue alpacas, but we take them in to help out whenever we can. We aim to restore their health, address trust issues, and teach them to interact with other alpacas and humans again.

I dedicate much time to building trust with and desensitizing the alpacas. This is crucial for us to handle them calmly, trim their nails, shear them, and administer vaccinations and vitamins. This level of care helps them thrive once again in the paddocks.

All alpacas are handled in a 3 x 3 m pen that is safe for both animals and humans. 

This particular female alpaca picture below was quite feisty and had not been handled or had her nails trimmed properly. We had to work on gaining her trust and improving her behaviour. Today, we reached a milestone as she allowed us to kiss and cuddle her, and even smiled. There was no kicking, screaming, or running around the pen. 

She's a gorgeous girl, and I've received many more cuddles from her since then. Her nails are now looking much better and she is thriving once again.

Join us for our monthly Sunday workshop on handling and farming alpacas. They are beautiful animals. Can't make it to our workshop? Then, we have the alpaca farming manual available for purchase online.

Our next Sunday alpaca workshop will be Sunday 16th June 2024 at 10:30am. Book online to reserve your place as numbers are limited.

Remember: Alpacas are not suitable as house pets. They are livestock and should not be treated like dogs or cats. Improperly raised alpacas can become dangerous and may need to be euthanised if they have not been properly socialised. Please look up Berserk Male Syndrome.

If you want to buy alpacas, make sure you have a PIC# from your Local Land Services and purchase livestock from a reputable breeder who will also mentor you.

We are members of the AAA

Alpaca Workshops in the Hunter Valley

We would like to invite you to the upcoming alpaca workshop at Little Valley Farm. The spots for this event are limited, so be sure to book your reservation online before June 18th, 2023 to secure your place. During the workshop, we will introduce you to the majestic creatures from Laguna, and the event will begin promptly at 10:30am. This is an experience that you won't want to miss!

Meet Summertime Opal by Suki and Sire Richmond, Huacaya Alpaca

“Feeling intimidated by farm life? No need to worry! This starter guide gives you the courage and foundation needed for a successful farming adventure. Get ready - your journey begins here!”
— Daniela

Learn about the different alpaca breeds.

The Suri breed, which is rarer of the two breeds, has long dreadlocked fleece that hangs from their body like tassels. Their fleece is vibrant in lustre and has a silky soft feel. This fleece is primarily used to make fine and luxurious cloth for high-end fashion garments.

Huacaya is the most common of the two breeds making up 90% of the world's population; the fleece is similar to that of Marino sheep and grows out from the body with crimp; it is bright and shiny but has no lanolin. The fleece is used in the production of knitted garments like jumpers and scarves and in the manufacture of luxury carpets, and seat covers through to duvets, doonas and pillows.

Llamas

We do not keep llamas. However, it is worth noting the difference between llamas and alpacas. The primary difference is their size. Alpacas are smaller, measuring around 90 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 55 and 65 kg. On the other hand, llamas are larger, standing at about 120 cm at the shoulder and weighing approximately 113 kg or more.


What do we do with all our alpaca fleece?

At Little Valley Farm, we hand-spin wool into yarn balls and send some of it to the fibre mill for skein processing. We also use the fleece to make our own cushions, and some of our clients use it for their soft toy making. We also make our own duvets, which you can find online. See them online here.


Little Valley Farm is a unique alpaca farm located in the Hunter Valley. We take great pride in providing hands-on training to our friendly and adorable alpacas, and their care is our top priority. Our daily routine involves spending quality time with them, hand-feeding them, and frequently relocating them to new paddocks to ensure they have access to the freshest grass possible, which is essential for their overall health.

We want to invite you to join us at our next monthly alpaca workshop, where we will cover all aspects of alpaca health and welfare. You will learn how to enjoy and get the most out of living with these wonderful animals. We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions, drop me an email via the contact page. Thank you, Daniela