Roblin Babydoll Southdowns & Alpacas

Alpacas

Alpacas originated from South America and were a valuable animal to an ancient civilisation from the 13th century called the Incas.  At this time alpacas numbers were in the millions.  The alpaca is part of the camelid family and there are two breeds in Australia today, the Huacaya ('wa-ky-uh') and the Suri ('soo-ree').   

The first alpacas were imported into Australia and New Zealand in 1989.   In 2001 there were 40,000 alpacas in Australia and increasing every year. Fibre sales is always being improved, but as Alpaca breeding is a new industry for Australia, the emphasis will be on breeding quality animals.  The alpaca fibre is soft, warm, yet light with the added bonus of strength.  There is now a range of colours from solid white through to a true black. 

Alpacas are relatively easy to look after and need no more husbandry than sheep.  In fact, alpacas have an advantage in husbandry over sheep, that alpacas don't suffer from fly strike and therefore, don't need crutching, plus are free from foot rot problems.

Alpacas that are in good health, simply need the basic maintenance of yearly shearing, vaccinations, drenching and the occasional toe trimming and maybe teeth trimming if needed.  With a good basic diet of quality hay, pastures to graze, some supplements of grain when needed and fresh water, alpacas pretty much take care of themselves.  Good fencing that will keep in other livestock, will keep alpacas in a paddock or yard and their padded feet do less damage than livestock with hard hooves.

 One characteristic of alpacas that some people may find undesirable is that they do spit.  But they don't usually spit at people, unless you get in the line of fire.  The reason that they will spit is a female will ward off unwanted advances from a male or if one alpaca is showing their discontent to another alpaca.

Alpacas are quiet, gentle and curious animals.  They can become friendly and be a halter trained.   Moving them around a property is possible, without the assistance of a dog. 

At Roblin we strive for breeding quality animals and sell alpacas as breeders, guardians/companions for other livestock and pets.

If you would like any further information about alpacas, please email Linda anytime. 

Linda & Rob Power

190 Turner's Lane

Cootamundra  NSW  2590

Phone:  02 6942 2707

Email: lpower@shoal.net.au