Building Trust with Alpacas: The Power of Stillness

Building Trust with Alpacas: The Power of Stillness

There’s something truly special about earning the trust of an alpaca. It doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time, patience, and a deep understanding of their nature. Unlike dogs or cats, alpacas won’t instantly warm up to you. They need to feel safe, and the best way to show them you are no threat is through stillness and quiet presence.

Every day, twice a day, I sit with my alpacas. I don’t speak, I don’t make any sudden movements, and I certainly don’t rush toward them. I simply exist in their space. For weeks, I do this, allowing them to become familiar with my presence. Slowly, they begin to accept me as part of their environment.

At first, they keep their distance, watching with curiosity. Then, one or two might step a little closer, testing the waters. When they finally approach, I remain completely still, letting them take the lead. Sometimes, an alpaca will gently place its nose against mine. In that moment, I close my eyes and even try to hold my breath—because the sound of human breathing can startle them.

It’s a beautiful exchange of trust. No words, no expectations—just quiet understanding. Over time, they learn that I am safe, that I respect their space, and that they can be themselves around me.

Building a bond with alpacas isn’t about forcing interaction; it’s about patience and letting them come to you on their terms. And when that trust is finally established, it’s one of the most rewarding feelings in the world.

Have you had a special moment with an alpaca? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let’s chat in the comments. Daniela

Video: Watching ten day old cria, Van, Dam is Vinky in the background as he gets use to my presence.

The video above is of Paisley and me in the paddock. She is now 16 months old and never liked to be handled. She has come a long way and made our husbandry tasks much easier and more enjoyable. If you would like to read more about Paisley, click on the YouTube video above.

Join Us for Our Next Monthly Alpaca Workshop!

Curious about alpacas? Want to learn how to care for them and understand their unique behaviours? Our Introduction to Alpacas workshop runs monthly in the Hunter Valley and is perfect for new and potential alpaca owners.

During this hands-on session, you'll learn:
✅ How to handle and care for alpacas
✅ Body Scoring (BSC) and FAMACHA methods
✅ Feeding, health, and general husbandry
✅ Understanding their behaviuor and building trust

This is a great opportunity to get up close with these incredible animals in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Spaces are limited, so book now!

📍 Location: Little Valley Farm, Laguna, Wollombi Valley. Hunter Valley (90 mins from Sydney).
📅 When: Monthly—check our website for upcoming dates
🎟 Bookings & Info: view here

We can't wait to share our love of alpacas with you!

Source: https://www.littlevalleyfarm.com.au/shop/alpacatraining

Grey Alpaca Yarn by Charlie

Charlie’s Fleece – Handspun Yarn from Our Young Alpaca

There’s something truly special about working with handspun yarn, especially when it comes from a much-loved alpaca like our young Charlie. This beautiful dark grey yarn with subtle brown flecks has been carefully handspun right here in the Wollombi Valley, where we live and farm sustainably.

Charlie was just under 12 months old when we sheared his first fleece, making this yarn incredibly soft and full of youthful alpaca charm. Each skein is approximately 75 grams and spun to an 8 PLY weight, making it ideal for knitting or crocheting cozy, unique creations.

This exclusive yarn is available for a limited time only on our shop cart.

Handspun alpaca yarn by Charlie the grey alpaca

Charlie with his Mum Chinny.

Charlie takes after this dad, sire Lieutenant

Introduction to Alpaca workshop 2025

Sunday, 9th March 2025



Are you thinking about owning alpacas or simply want to learn more about these fascinating animals? Join us on Sunday, 9th March 2025, at Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley, for our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop.

This hands-on workshop covers everything you need to know about alpaca care, including husbandry, feeding, handling, shelters, health checks, body condition scoring (BSC), and the FAMACHA system. Whether you’re a new or potential alpaca owner, this is the perfect opportunity to gain practical knowledge and ask all your questions.

Set in the beautiful Lower Hunter Valley, our farm provides a relaxed learning environment where you’ll meet our friendly herd of alpacas and of course, a couple of donkeys also.

Workshop Details:

📅 Date: Sunday, 9th March 2025

📍 Location: Little Valley Farm, Laguna, Wollombi Valley, Hunter Valley (90 mins from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast).

🎟️ Limited spots available – book now!

Don’t miss out! Secure your place today and start your alpaca journey with confidence.

🔗 Visit our website to book

If you would like to camp (BYO tent or van) and use our communal toilet and shower area. These facilities are around 100 m walk from where you will set up camp.

  • Camping area has no electrical or water hook-up, so you need to be self-sufficient.

  • 100 m walk to the toilet and shower area with solar lighting.

  • Please note that our camping is for adults (no children, infants, or pets).

  • Bonfires or fire pits are not permitted.

  • Camping is only offered to people who book the Introduction to Alpaca workshop only.

  • Suitable for vans, 4WD, and camper trailers but not large/high caravans due to our dirt track road and low line trees.

  • Email Daniela for rates for this one-night camp stay.

Our summerhouse can be booked for up to four adults who are attending our alpaca workshop. The stay would only be for the Sunday night (1 night). See rates and more here.

Little Valley Farm Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley

Alpaca workshop NSW, Hunter Valley alpacas, how to care for alpacas, alpaca training, alpaca farming Australia, alpaca ownership, sustainable farming, Wollombi Valley farm experiences.

Meet Oberon – The Sweetest Alpaca and the softest wool

Meet Oberon – The Sweetest Alpaca at Little Valley Farm!

Good morning from Little Valley Farm! Today, I’m introducing Oberon, our adorable white alpaca, who is as sweet as can be. Seeing her this morning reminded me that we’ve just finished processing her luxurious alpaca fleece, handspinning it into the softest 100% pure alpaca yarn. We now have plenty of white alpaca yarn balls for sale, perfect for knitting, crochet, or weaving your next cozy project!

Why Choose Alpaca Wool?

Our hand-spun alpaca yarn is:
✔ Soft and hypoallergenic – Ideal for sensitive skin
✔ Sustainable and eco-friendly – Ethically sourced from our farm
✔ Breathable and temperature-regulating – Keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer
✔ Water-resistant and durable – Long-lasting, high-quality fibre

If you love natural, sustainable fibres, why not wear a little piece of Oberon close to your heart? Shop our collection of Australian alpaca yarn now at Little Valley Farm!

🔗 Visit our Little Valley farm website to explore our range.

#LittleValleyFarm #AlpacaYarnForSale #SustainableWool #HandspunAlpaca #AustralianAlpacaFarm #EthicalYarn

Alpaca birthing season

Hello, and welcome back to Little Valley Farm! I'm currently in the paddock with my pregnant alpacas. I've separated these girls from the other alpacas up on the hill to ensure they get enough feed and protein the next couple of months. I need to monitor their body condition and feed them daily. They have plenty of deep shade by the creek, access to lots of water troughs, and extra feed provided by me. The crias (baby alpacas) are expected to arrive in the next couple of weeks to months. The best times for birthing are autumn and spring in our region. Meanwhile, Honkey Hamlet, the donkey, is in a separate paddock with the female donkeys, patiently waiting for me to open the gate for him. Weaner Paisley is watching me from the laneway up the hill, and I can’t help but smile at her adorable heart-shaped nose. She’s absolutely precious! Don’t forget we’ll be hosting alpaca workshops in mid-January 2025. I hope you can join us! Jump on our website for dates and to book. Daniela

Our next workshop will be Sunday 12th January 2025 at 10:30am.

Alpaca Dolce-Luna

Meet our little ray of sunshine, Alpaca Dolce-Luna! 🌙✨ Her name means "Sweet Moon" in Italian, and she’s every bit as magical as it sounds. This adorable cria is bringing all the joy and sweetness to our days—how could we not share her with you? 💖

Meet Dulce Luna, our sweet little cria! 🌙💕 This adorable female is a fancy Huacaya alpaca, and she’s already stealing hearts with her charm and her fleece. 🦙✨ We love watching the bond she shares with her friends and her mum. Speaking of bonds, we will begin the weaning process at around six months of age, depending on good weather conditions. We will discuss weaning in more detail at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. Isn't she jus the sweetest? #CriaLove #FancyHuacaya #LittleValleyFarm

Lieutenant the alpaca stud at Little Valley Farm

Kobler Lieutenant has been an outstanding stud male in our herd, significantly improving fibre quality, and density, and introducing striking colour variations. He’s easy to handle and well-trained to wear a head collar, making him a pleasure to work with. Although he prefers pen mating, his calm nature makes him suitable for short-term paddock mating.

His crias are exceptional, consistently inheriting finer micron counts, gentle temperaments, and superb fleece quality. Kobler Lieutenant has produced both solid and fancy colour combinations, making his offspring stand out.

We are offering him for sale as part of our breeding program's progression, as he is now too closely related to our females. A proud medium grey stud with deep brown hues, Kobler Lieutenant is not only easy to manage but has been an amazing asset to our herd.

Crias and those little Autumn jackets

What Does Cria Mean?

"cria" originates from the Spanish cría, meaning "offpring/baby." In the world of alpacas, a cria refers to a newborn alpaca. These adorable little creatures require special attention, particularly when it comes to keeping warm.

Cria sometimes wears dog coats to help regulate their body temperature, particularly in colder weather. Unlike adult alpacas, crias don’t yet have a fully developed fleece, making them more vulnerable to cold, damp conditions and temperature fluctuations.

First and foremost, we provide safe, sheltered spaces to protect the mother and her cria from wind, rain, and cold. Inside the shelter, we create a cozy environment with a straw-covered floor, a generous supply of high-quality lucerne hay for the dam, and oaten chaff for extra nourishment. We place a small battery-operated light outside the shed to ensure the cria can see its mother and continue to nurse through the night.

To keep the cria warm, we use dog jackets in various sizes, tailored to fit snugly. These jackets help maintain the cria's body temperature, and we make sure they don’t interfere with the important bonding process between mother and baby. The jackets are typically removed in the morning and put back on later in the afternoon, depending on the weather, for the next few days. This extra care helps the cria thrive in those crucial early stages of life.

Tip: Dogs' coats are not waterproof, so ensure they stay dry and undercover in a good size pen. If it's raining and you have difficulty keeping the cria undercover, grab some bubble wrap as a last resort and wrap it around the cria middle section.  

We ensure that the tail and top of the cria’s head are left uncovered so the mother can smell her baby. This is important for bonding, as alpaca mothers use scent to recognise and nurture their cria.

We are located in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Autumn is the best time for cria births, while winter can be quite cold. Summers can either be wet or uncomfortably hot. To prepare for this, we always ensure that our maternity pens are ready. You may not need jackets if you are in a humid or warm location but we always recommend that you have pens and shelters available for the alpacas.

More about this will be discussed at our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Learn all about alpacas with us at Little Valley Farm

Well that was certainly a sweet moment, watching these two adorable cria’s.

Welcome to our alpaca farm in Australia!

We're so excited to share with you the beauty and joy of raising alpacas. In this video, we'll take a closer look at two crias (baby alpacas) interacting on the farm. We'll also talk more about cria care at our upcoming alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley.

Why choose our alpaca workshop?

  • We're passionate about alpacas and committed to providing people with the best possible education.

  • Our workshops are taught by experienced alpaca farmers and breeders.

  • We offer a variety of workshops to suit all levels of experience.

  • Our workshops are held in a beautiful location in the Hunter Valley.

We hope you'll join us at our next alpaca workshop!

In the meantime, please feel free to browse our website to learn more about our farm and our workshops. We look forward to seeing you soon! Daniela

Alpacas hearing dog barking

We’re currently by the creek paddocks with the alpacas, and we’ve just heard a dog barking. This video captures the alpacas on alert, all looking in the direction of the barking. They stay close together, attentive, waiting to see what will happen next.

You can observe how erect their ears are and the intensity etched on their faces. Once the threat passes—since the dog isn't going to cross the creek—they relax, and you can notice a change in their demeanour.

We don’t have dogs, nor do we allow dogs on our property, as part of our strict bio-security policy. It’s great to see that the potential threat is gone, and they are already back to relaxing.

If you have dogs and alpacas, you can introduce them slowly, and hopefully, they will become great companions. Many of our clients have successfully facilitated this friendship.

We have also addressed the relationship between dogs and alpacas, including the issues posed by wild and roaming domestic dogs, on our blog and in our videos.

Yes, you can keep your (trained) pet dogs with the alpacas or separate them using appropriate fencing and paddocks. However, I’m always concerned about dog attacks on livestock in our valley, especially in the Hunter Valley. These attacks can involve goats, sheep, and other alpacas, primarily due to wild dogs or stray domestic dogs. This is a significant issue for me, and I would like to stress that a pack of dogs is no match for alpacas, and the alpacas will be severely injured or, worse, killed. I am the alpacas guard. More about this at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley.

Where do alpacas sleep? Answers from an alpaca farmer

Good Morning from Little Valley Farm! 🌅 It’s Daniela here, and today I’m answering a question I get asked all the time: Where do your alpacas like to sleep? 🦙💤

Well, our alpacas have their preferences! Their top two choices are grass and dirt. They absolutely love to roll in the dirt or lie down on a soft dirt patch. Our alpaca shelters have dirt floors, which makes them super cozy when they head inside for a rest. 🌾 If you take a look at the video, you’ll often see them lounging around on the grass enjoying a peaceful nap or enjoying a dirt patch in the sun. 

If there isn’t a dirt patch available in the paddock, don’t worry—they’ll create one themselves by rolling around until they’ve got the perfect spot. On hot days, you might notice them laying on the dirt to cool off, but they definitely won’t sleep on a bed or anything fancy like that. 😉

During the colder, rainy winter months, we make sure to spread hay or straw on the shed floors to keep them extra comfortable. 🐾 However, our shelters are already pretty cozy, so it’s not much of a problem. They don’t care for concrete floors because they can be quite chilly, but a layer of straw does the trick to keep them warm and happy.

So, whether it’s dirt, grass, or a comfy spot in their shed, our alpacas always find a way to rest in style here at Little Valley Farm! More about this will be discussed at our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. 

Our alpaca workshops are held monthly in the Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast. Visit our website at littlevalleyfarm.com.au to check the available dates and book your spot online. We also offer a wonderful alpaca manual that you can purchase online or buy during your visit to our farm for the workshop.

We look forward to seeing you at Little Valley Farm to share our passion for alpacas!

Alpaca Etiquette Tips from Little Valley Farm | Hunter Valley Alpaca Farm

Good Morning from Little Valley Farm! ☀️ It’s Daniela here, and today I’m sharing some helpful tips on how to get to know our alpacas, along with a few etiquette guidelines to make sure you and our alpacas have a wonderful experience together.

Alpaca Etiquette: The Do's

- Approach Slowly and Gently: Our alpacas don’t know you yet, so it’s important to move calmly. They’ll appreciate your gentle energy.

- Speak Softly: A calm, soothing voice goes a long way in helping alpacas feel comfortable around you.

- Use Flat Hands: When touching an alpaca, always keep your hand flat and gently pat with the back of your hand. Grabbing their fibre might make them feel threatened, as it mimics a predator’s grip.

- Pat in the Right Spots: Stick to safe areas like their back, shoulders, and the sides of their neck. These are the places they enjoy being touched.

- Ask About Their Personality: Every alpaca has its own quirks and preferences. Ask the owner what each alpaca likes or dislikes so you can bond more easily.

Alpaca Etiquette: The Don’ts

- Don’t Feed Without Asking: Always check with the owner before offering any treats. Their diet is carefully managed.

- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Alpacas don’t like being touched on their head, hindquarters, tail, or toes, so it’s best to avoid these spots.

- No Grabbing or Hugging: While tempting, alpacas may feel frightened or confined by hugs. Remember, they’re still getting to know you!

- Don’t Stand Behind Them: Alpacas can kick if startled, like many animals. For your safety, always stay where they can see you.

- Avoid Sudden Movements: Alpacas are sensitive to quick motions. A calm and steady presence will help them feel secure.

Enjoy your time with alpacas! Watching them roam the paddocks is such a peaceful experience, and don’t forget to snap some photos—you might just fall in love with them like I have. 🦙💚

Join us for our next alpaca worship in the Hunter Valley.

Little Valley Farm located in Laguna only 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast.

Alpaca as guards animals

Meet Vinkie: Little Valley Farm’s Top Alpaca Alarm caller.

At Little Valley Farm, we take the safety of our herd seriously, and Vinkie, one of our trusted alpacas, leads the charge as our top alarm caller but not a guard. Why an alarm caller and not a guard? What is the difference?

Vinkie can sense when something is not right, hiding out in the bush, whether a dog, fox, snake, eagle, wombat or even a tiny echidna passing through the paddocks. Her sharp instincts are followed by the distinctive alpaca alarm call, and the herd knows to gather and stay safe. It's also an alert for us to get out on the paddock and double-check that everything is as it should be. At the end of the day, we are their guards! 

Not all alpacas make great guards, but some are great at alerting and making that particular alpaca alarm sound. I do not like alpacas being guards to sheep, especially if wild dogs are in the area. Dog and wild dogs severely injure or, even worse, kill the alpacas, as dogs are no match for alpacas. 

Other livestock make better guards than alpacas depending on what you are guarding, the size of the land and the number of animals you have. You must also make the judgment call: do you want the alpacas as pets or guards? Entire male alpacas do not make good guards, and they must be castrated at the appropriate age to avoid injury to small livestock such as goats and sheep. 

The best protection for your livestock is secure pens, excellent fencing and people nearby. This is my opinion, and other breeders may say something else. Wether alpacas (castrated males) may be helpful around your chickens from foxes, but it's just their sheer presence that may deter the fox or eagle. I have never seen an alpaca kill a fox here, and we have plenty of foxes; they keep an eye on each other by smartly avoiding one another.

What about your pet dog? 

To maintain the safety of our herd, Little Valley Farm has a strict biosecurity policy—no dogs allowed on the property. For those considering adding alpacas to a home where pet dogs are present, we’ll cover the best strategies for introducing your dogs to alpacas safely and in a controlled manner. Around 90% of our clients have successfully integrated their dogs and alpacas, whether by supervised interaction or by separating them with appropriate fencing. The other 10% are like us and don’t have dogs. 

We will also discuss the correct fencing and pens to set up on your farm for extra protection.

We hope this helps! If you have any questions, please email us. Join us for our next alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley, where we will explore this topic further.

“While alpacas are great at deterring smaller predators, wild dogs/domestic dogs pose a much bigger threat. Sadly, alpacas are not a match for wild dogs, and encounters can lead to serious injuries or even death.”
— Daniela

Alpaca workshops are run monthly in the Hunter Valley and you can book in your dates for 2024 and 2025 via our Little Valley Farm website.


Alpaca Shearing 2024

We concluded Shearing Day last Friday, and it was a fantastic day! The alpacas look amazing and are all set to stay cool for the upcoming summer heat. ☀️ Take a look at these photos—aren't they adorable in their fresh new looks? Some of these lovely alpacas will be available for sale soon, and you'll meet others at our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop for new owners. Stay tuned!


#AlpacaShearing #LittleValleyFarm #AlpacasForSale #AlpacaWorkshop #HunterValley

Baby alpacas, crias and their mums

Good morning from the paddocks of Little Valley Farm!

It’s a special moment here as we watch one of our mama alpacas bonding with her newborn cria. Since it’s an autumn birth, you’ll see the little one wrapped in a cozy dog jacket to stay warm (as they can’t regulate their body temperature for the first week).

Join us at the farm as we share the joys of raising alpacas, especially during those precious first 30 days of life - and how quickly they grow in the first 30 days. It's amazingly fast. We will also be discussing cria care, cria kits and what you need, plus much more, at our upcoming alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley. Daniela

Alpacas Break Dancing

Bust N Moves AGun Style!

An alpaca, mid-dust bath, suddenly feels the rhythm in the dirt. With a quick shake, it's on its feet, busting out moves like a breakdancing pro. Spinning, twirling, and kicking up clouds of dust, it's the ultimate "Alpaca Style" dance-off. The others gather around, watching in awe as this alpaca moonwalks, windmills, and even attempts the robot—all while keeping that calm, cool alpaca expression. Who knew dust bathing could turn into a breakdancing battle? Just another day in the paddocks at Little Valley Farm.

Not to be out done by the alpacas… the donkeys got in on the action. Check out Maisie Mays back move to Honkie Hamlet.

Our paddocks

Welcome to our Little Valley Farm, nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Hunter Valley. You can now also follow us on our YouTube channel. I'm Daniela Riccio, and I'm so thrilled to have you here with us. Whether you're just discovering the wonders of alpacas or a seasoned animal lover, our journey together promises to be one filled with inspiration, learning, and a deep connection to the land and these majestic creatures.

At Little Valley Farm, every day is a celebration of life in the Wollombi Valley. We believe in the power of sustainable farming, the magic of nature, and the profound wisdom these gentle alpacas offer. Our channel is your gateway to learning about alpaca farming and embracing a lifestyle that harmonizes with the rhythms of nature.

Join us as we share our experiences, tips, and the heartwarming stories of our alpaca family. Whether you're near or far, come and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hunter Valley, and let the tranquillity of the Wollombi Valley touch your soul.

This is more than just farming—it's a way of life. Let's explore it together!

At Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley, every day brings a new chapter in the story of sustainable farming and the special relationships we form with our animals. Today, I'd like to give you a glimpse of what it takes to ensure the well-being of our alpacas and donkeys, two species that bring a lot of joy and character to our farm.

One of the essential tasks we perform regularly is rotating the animals between paddocks. This practice isn’t just about giving them fresh pasture; it’s a crucial part of maintaining the health of the land and the animals themselves. By allowing the paddocks to rest between rotations, we give the grass time to recover, which ensures that when the alpacas and donkeys return, they have access to nutrient-rich forage. This simple yet effective practice helps to prevent overgrazing and supports the natural ecosystem of our farm.

However, farming isn’t always picture-perfect, and today was a reminder of that. As I walked through a paddock that had been resting, I realized I’d overlooked cleaning the water trough, and it had become quite dirty. It’s moments like these that remind me farming is as much about attention to detail as it is about the broader vision. The trough needed a thorough cleaning, which is just one of the many small but important tasks that keep our animals healthy and happy.

One thing you might not know is why we keep our alpacas and donkeys in separate paddocks. While they’re both gentle creatures, donkeys have a playful nature that can sometimes be a bit too rough for our alpacas, especially the smaller ones. To ensure their safety and comfort, we’ve found it best to let them enjoy their own space, where they can roam and play at their own pace without any risk of injury.

This careful management of our paddocks and animals is just one aspect of what makes Little Valley Farm a special place. It’s not just about farming; it’s about creating a balanced environment where animals thrive.

What a beautiful day in the Hunter Valley

Oh, what a day it is in the Hunter Valley! After what felt like an endless stretch of rain, the sun is finally shining its warm, golden rays over the hills, and the farm is absolutely buzzing with life. The alpacas are out and about, basking in the sunshine, and it's moments like these that remind us of how truly blessed we are to be here at Little Valley Farm.

Little Bowie, our darling Suri White alpaca, is in particularly high spirits today. He’s such a cheeky little character, always curious and full of personality. Watching him frolic in the paddock with that soft, lustrous fleece swaying in the breeze, you can’t help but fall in love with him. And, yes, he's going to make the perfect addition to someone's herd later this year when he goes up for sale. If you’re dreaming of adding a special alpaca to your life, Bowie just might be the one.

Speaking of alpacas, have you secured your spot for our upcoming monthly alpaca workshop? If you're new to the world of alpacas or considering starting your own herd, this is the workshop for you. We’ll cover everything from the basics of alpaca care to the finer points of fleece management. And, of course, you’ll get plenty of hands-on time with these gentle, intelligent creatures. There’s nothing quite like it—an experience that’s as educational as it is heartwarming.

So, come on out to Little Valley Farm, breathe in the fresh country air, soak up the sunshine, and spend some time learning about these majestic animals.

A little video of Bowie and Charlie playing around last week when the weather was not so nice. How sweet are these two little alpacas? Mum Pansey watches sternly in the back ground.

Little Valley Farm, established in 2012, has been a cherished part of the Hunter Valley community, sharing our love for alpacas with new and potential owners. For over a decade now, we've been offering hands-on workshops, providing an in-depth introduction to alpaca ownership and care. It's been our passion to help others experience the joy and fulfillment that comes with raising these gentle, curious animals.

Our monthly workshops have become a popular event here in the valley, where people from all walks of life come to learn, connect with nature, and, of course, meet our beautiful alpacas up close.

Shearing 2024 Book in your shearer now

We have confirmed our shearing date for the end of September 2024. To find a shearer near you, here is a list of shearers we recommend. Remember not to leave it to the last minute before it gets too hot; shear in the spring for our area. Make sure you keep your alpacas clean and dry for shearing day. Have a pen set up and the alpacas ready for the shearer. Also, ensure the shearers are working under or in a shed to help keep them cool. Depending on who you use, you will need to ask if they need to use your generator or if you have power in your shed then - perfecto!

Me with Suri girl, Bina having a quick cuddle.

List of NSW Shearers

Chris Power

0438 653 782   powza01@bigpond.com

Based: Bathurst & Central Coast.

Covers: Most of NSW. (in SA in October). Prefers to shear only alpacas & llamas. Toenails. Vaccinations if vaccines are provided. He will have an animal handler with him

Tom Cullen

Email: trcullen61@hotmail.com or get him on his Facebook page works on the Hunter area.

Mobile shearing, fencing & health services for alpacas, sheep and goats.

Shaun McFadyen

0405 535 758         shaun.shearer58@gmail.com 

Contact: refer to Text or email, but happy to talk to someone. Facebook page: Shorn by Shaun.

Based: Mudgee  Services: Hunter Valley/ Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney, Central West, Canberra. Will travel anywhere in NSW for large numbers. Will do small numbers. Will shear llamas. Does toenails. Has roustabout if numbers over 10.

Drew Shearman

0427 924 493    enquiries@shearmanlivestock.com.au

Text to mobile preferred. Shearman livestock contracting website.

Based in Glen Oak (25 km north of Newcastle), it regularly services Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and Mid North Coast, as well as Mudgee occasionally. He also has an annual run to Toowoomba.

I prefer to do smaller lots (less than 100). I will do one animal. I shear sheep, goats, and llamas.

Does toenails, vaccinations. Will worm drench if required. Shears on a table. Doesn’t have a roustabout.

Preferred method of contact: Carrie’s own plant consisting of both battery and electric gear and all the equipment to shear, drench, vaccinate, crutch and trim hooves.  I will travel for any number of animals and don’t mind sharing single animals or small mobs.

Cath Lukin 0400 076 432

Based: Braidwood   Covers: Braidwood, NSW South coast, Monaro

Alpacas only, a minimum of 1.

Prices vary depending on a number of factors; please enquire. It does toenails, vaccinations, drench, and AD&E (if required). It also provides year-round service for 5-in-1, toenails, etc.

Sean Timmony  

0417 272 937       DunbarsRunAlpacas@gmail.com

Contact by TEXT message to the mobile.

Based in Hawkesbury, it covers Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Penrith, Mulgoa/Camden/Picton/Werombi area, Hills District, and other areas on application. The minimum number of Shears on the floor is two. He has a roustabout. Does toenails and vaccinations.

Ken Wray

0407 050 252     ken-wray@bigpond.com

Website:        www.alpacacarensw.com

Based: Marulan. Services: Southern Tablelands, Southern Highlands, Western Sydney, South Coast (Northern end).

Minimum number: 1   Maximum number: 30. Will shear llamas. Toenails and vaccinations included. Drenching if required. Specialises in small numbers, particularly pets and guards. Does husbandry work outside the shearing period? Happy to give advice to owners unfamiliar with alpacas.

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If you are outside NSW, I will send you the link for more.

Enjoy your shearing day, harvest and use your alpaca fleece into something wonderful, and take care of your shearer on the day. Daniela

Alpaca Morning Chores

Alpacas roam the paddocks while we use our Greystone paddock vac to keep the paddocks super clean. By cleaning up their dung piles, we can help reduce the worm burden in our livestock and ensure that our alpacas are happy and healthy all year round.

Read more on alpaca communal dung piles here.

Join us for our next alpaca INTRODUCTION TO ALPACA WORKSHOP in the Hunter Valley.