On a practical note, alpacas are relatively easy to look after. Browsers and grazers, they prefer short grass and soft hay or hayleage to eat – and of course access to clean water. They enjoy a daily helping of coarse feed, the best we think has been especially designed for camelids by Carrs in Cumbria. Allow about 6 alpacas to an acre and, although we have encountered one or two Houdinis, they generally don’t jump or damage fences. Access to a field shelter is much appreciated by alpacas although they may not always use it!

Alpacas should be shorn once each year and produce a typical yield of around two - four kilos of fleece. If you have read some of the old classics, you may have come across references to alpaca overcoats - treasured possessions and handed down, almost as heirlooms, from one generation to another.