Walk with Alpacas

 

 
 
Introduction

Earlier today my wife and myself paid a visit to a farm in Ayrshire, SW Scotland which specialises in Alpacas.Location is ten miles east of Ayr and thirty-eight miles south of Glasgow.

Information on the animals and tour experience.

In total there are some 84 Alpacas which are looked after by a young lady (above) who seems to have an  encyclopaedic knowledge of each individual animal.

Some key facts:

  • Alpacas are from South America and are related to camels.
  • The herd comprises two modern breeds of Alpaca which are Suri and Huacava.These sub-breeds do not interbreed.
  • Gestation period is 12 months. Usually one baby (a Cria) is produced at each birthing but occasionally there are twins 
  • Typical life expectancy is 20 years.
  • Mainly grass eaters.
  • The animals in this herd are not bred for their wool but to develop a high quality genetic line. 
  • Alpacas are predominantly friendly and inquisitive but are known to use spitting as a form of defence.
  • The herd has recently been shorn. A New Zealand shearer comes over each year to shear the local herds.
  • The young animal shown in centre of above image is just one or two days old.
 Mother suckling Cria


 Herd member checking out new entrant.

 

Walking with the Alpacas

 


This pheasant has 'adopted' the herd the motive for which may be connected with food availability.

 


 Face of youngster

Part of the herd after some food.

 
 
A youngster

A black version

Feed time for Cria

Inquisitive animals, including Cria

Faces

Feed time

View of herd animals

Video clip of herd.

 

More Information

For more information on all aspects of Scotland including culture, literature and castles please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle





 

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