If you are considering the alpaca dream we would offer you three bits of advice:

1. Go and see a few farms and alpacas to find out what works best for you.

2. Be clear about why you want alpacas.  If you want to use the fleece to produce fantastic clothing make sure you invest in good quality alpacas, anything else could be false economy.

3. Attend a training course that combines theory and hands on experience so you are confident dealing with your animals.

Barnacre training courses

We offer four levels of training tailored to suit your skills and experience.  All course fees are refundable if your purchase an alpaca from us (no time limit):

1. Visitors are welcome to our farm, by appointment please (free)

2. A two hour taster course.  This is a great way to discover if keeping alpacas is for you.  We will walk through the paddocks with the alpacas and cover: food, water, husbandry, behaviour, handling and fleece evaluation.  £30 per person (including VAT)

3. A one day husbandry course (including lunch).  This day of theory and practical handling gives you the chance to discover more about these marvelous animals and get some real experience of them.  We will cover: optimal feeding, physical evaluation and body scoring, husbandry, halter work, handling your alpacas, fleece assessment and breeding.  You leave with your own copy of Llamas and Alpacas, a guide to management (RRP £19.95) by Gina Bromage.  £99 per person (including VAT)

4. A two day husbandry course (including meals and an overnight stay at Barnacre).  After this packed, fun course you will undoubtedly be keen and ready to take delivery of your alpacas with confidence and skill.  You will combine theory and lots of hands on experience including 'looking after' the Barnacre herd with us.  We will cover: camelids and alpacas, your ownership plan, costs and income streams, shelter and fencing, land management, husbandry, halter training, personality traits, handling your alpacas, fleece characteristics and assessment, mating and breeding, special care for the young and old, common health issues and vetinary assistance.  You will leave with your own copy of Llamas and Alpacas, a guide to management (RRP £19.95) by Gina Bromage.  £199 per person (including VAT)   

A special gift of training

Does your friend or loved one want to discover more about alpacas?  A Barnacre training course could be an ideal surprise present.  We will send out a hand made personalised invitation and make sure the course is a real treat.

Please contact Debbie or Paul to arrange the details for this special gift.