During the last ten years there has been a surge of interest in using alpacas to guard flocks of sheep and goats against predator attacks on newborn lambs and kids at a time of increasing commercial value of lambs and kids.
The number of alpacas used to protect against foxes depends mainly on the size and the shape of the paddock rather than the size of the flock. Alpacas will chase the foxes if they are seen or near the paddock. They also protect against crows and other avian predators. A pair of alpacas per 50-100 ewes should be adequate.
Against wild dogs and dingoes, the more alpacas the better say 5-10 alpacas. If there is more than one alpaca in the paddock they may socialise away from their guarded flock but at night time they will camp with the flock. . Many farmers, first learn to appreciate the
beauty of alpaca fibre and have their interest aroused in breeding alpacas through their initial exposure to their friendly and inquisitive guardian alpacas.
To provide farmers in the Central West with the most up-to-date information on alpaca selection and management to help them decide how alpacas would best work on their farms, experienced local alpaca breeders and industry experts are holding a one day seminar in Orange on 9 September 2017. “An Introduction to Alpacas” from 10.00am – 3.30pm. Cost is $50 per person or $75 per couple (including morning/afternoon tea and lunch with printed material to take away). For more information contact the Seminar Co-Ordinator Jennie Menzies 6337 7388 or email rjmenzies@active8.net.au