Our YOUTUBE channel features an informative video on how we effectively move (herd) our alpacas from one paddock to another. We do this every two weeks to ensure our alpacas have access to fresh and nutritious grass, control parasites, and to never over-graze our paddocks. Watch the video below.
Tips on how to herd alpacas?
We advise herding the alpacas into a smaller enclosure or their usual handling area, where they feel more comfortable and settled for optimal results. We recommend gradually confining the herd into smaller numbers while ensuring that the illumination in the handling area is uniform and minimizing shadows and bright spots. Removing any items that may impede the animals' movement, such as clothing hanging on rails, is also essential.
You can use a moveable fence to confine the herd while working quietly and calmly. Our moveable fence method involves having a long rope held at waist height between two people and stretched across a paddock, allowing us to herd the alpacas to a specific location. We exercise extra care when handling pregnant alpacas, crias, machos, or isolated alpacas. We always ensure that an alpaca has one or more alpacas in close proximity to prevent them from becoming stressed.
Our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley are a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about our techniques and farming alpacas and of course, alpaca welfare. We conduct this activity at the start of every workshop. To participate, visit our website, choose your preferred date, and book online.
We are confident that our method for moving alpacas is effective and stress-free, and you can do this with two or more alpacas. Visit us at Little Valley Farm and experience farming alpacas in the Hunter Valley at our workshop. Thank you, Daniela