Many people have not yet had their first experience of these delightful animals. I am sure, once seen, never forgotten. They are bred for their fleeces which are shorn once a year and except for the white fleeces are left their natural colours, which are white right through to black. Currently, my next years black jumper is being worn by one of our pregnant females who is due to give birth in August!

Alpacas are gentle, inquisitive animals living in herds predominately made up of family members. Each herd will have its leader and in our case it is Coco, a splendid mid fawn female, due late July. She will watch whilst the others eat and be the first to alert the others to any predicted worry, be it real or imagined! Some people keep these animals to warn sheep of any predators. Amusing to watch, especially in the evening when they can become quite active and jump around their paddock as if on springs. Each has their own personality and we always know the order in which they will come to the feeding bowls to eat.

Huge dark eyes and eyelashes with long forelocks make them easy on the eye and their friendly, easy pace of life enviable.

For more pictures of the Hope Farm Alapacs click here >