“WHY CHOOSE ALPACAS?”
Being in the position to start a hobby farm is a dream for many, The open land, fresh air, connection to the animals… But one of the hardest and biggest decisions to make is what livestock?
At Harper springs we were new to the idea of livestock and owning animals on a large property, after a lot of back and forth we settled with alpacas for a number of reasons… They’re low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, gentle-natured, and absolutely full of charm.
if you’re just starting out here are some key reasons why we would recommend alpacas!
Alpacas are low maintenance
A big surprise new owners commonly face is how easy alpacas are to care for. Alpacas thrive off routine, familiarity and a safe environment!
what makes them low maintenance?
Simple diet
Alpacas eat primarily grass and hay. They’re light grazers and don’t frequently need grain or complex feed schedules. Although during the dryer months grain is highly recommend.
Shearing and trimming
Alpacas being woolly animals need shearing once a year, along with this its recommended to trim hooves and check vaccinations. doing it all in one go means the rest of the year is hassle free. knowing. your animals are healthy is so important.
Clean habits
Alpacas use communal dung piles, making it easy to manage and compost waste.
Alpacas have gentle and curious personalities
Alpacas are known for their calm, non-aggressive nature, making them perfect for beginners and families. Unlike goats or sheep that can be noisy or pushy, alpacas are mostly quiet and respectful animals.
They often prefer to keep to themselves but with trust and time they can really show their unique personalities!
They Don’t Need a Lot of Space (more is recommend)
Depending your intended herd size 2-3 alpacas can live comfortably on a 2 acre paddock, obviously the more the better, but depending on pasture quality it is easily suitable.
They’re Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Light Grazers
Alpacas will eat any greenery they are allowed near although they wont rip plants out buy the roots. they usually prefer the leaves!
Efficient
Alpacas are fairly hearty animals, they do well in rocky paddocks. perfection isn’t always key! Along with this they don’t need don’t require high-protein or processed feeds during the winter months!
Manure
Alpaca manure is low in odor, its small and breaks down quickly making for a great natural fertiliser.
Final Thoughts from Harper Springs Alpacas
At Harper Springs, we’ve been a part of and have watched many new farmers fall in love with these gentle animals and for good reason. Alpacas are a joy to care for, easy on the land, and a valuable part of a balanced, beginner-friendly hobby farm.
They’ll teach you the ropes of rural life without overwhelming you with complexity preparing your to experiment further with new animals. Whether you’re interested in sustainable living, peaceful animal care, or an amazing bond, alpacas are truly the ultimate starter livestock.
Harper Springs Alpacas 