Alpaca facts & news
Alpacas are members of the camelid family. They originate from South America where they were domesticated by the Incas. Alpacas are valued for their fleece which is fine, soft, very strong and hypoallergenic.
The fleece is spun and usually left natural when making into wool although it can easily be dyed. It can also be woven into cloth or used in felt making. The seconds can be used for a variety of purposes including stuffing for cushions, dog beds etc.
In the UK Alpacas are bred for their fleece and as delightful pets. In Australia and New Zealand they are also used to protect sheep from fox attack. This is becoming more widely known in this country and farmers including Prince Charles are using them to protect large flocks of sheep. We run our lambs with the young male alpacas so that they become accustomed to them and are prepared for a role as sheep guards. Chicken farmers are also more aware of this very sound ecological remedy to the fox pest. Alpacas are hardy and easy to keep. Their needs are similar to sheep and goats. They eat very little and are gentle on the ground and don’t break or challenge fences.
They are mated once a year in early summer and are pregnant for 11 months. Conveniently birth usually happens in the early morning to give the Cria time to get up and feed before nightfall. They are sheared once a year. Unlike sheep they are sheared lying down or on a table. It is a specialist job and must be done by an experienced shearer.
Constant contact with these wonderful sensitive intelligent animals is an amazing antidote to today's stressful world. Quietly sitting in the field watching their interactions is quite magical, with an occasional bonus when they decide to involve us by snuffling our hands or faces unbidden. This is definately on a parr with dolphin watching.
General facts
Life span 15-20yrs Weight 50-80kg Hight at the head 1.5m
Mated at 16-24 months Gestation 335 days Cria weaned at 6 months
Kept at grass at 6 to the acre
They need vaccinations, worming and foot trimming
"News"
A new use for alpaca fibre
Bee keepers are now using alpaca fibre to line their hives. The fibre insulates the hive without blocking ventilation this keeps the bees cosy and, hopefully, in the mood to produce lots of honey. It is also hoped this will help protect against veroa.
The Neighbourhood Watch unanimously voted to repeat their highly successful farm picnic of last year. Instead of an Alpaca quiz we are organising a treasure hunt.
Longbarn Farm is now in the Woman's Institute year book. Having successfully auditioned we are now officially WI speakers.
We have numerous groups booked for talks and tea. We are still taking bookings for the summer.
Other groups are welcome at Longbarn. If your group would enjoy a visit to hear about these wonderful creatures please contact us.
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Rambling group visiting from Brighton
During September we watched as two buzzards circled overhead disputing territory, their massive wing span and eerie call dispersing all the small birds into hiding. Today a group of ramblers from Brighton turned up at the gate, we invited them in and we had an enjoyable time talking alpacas, drinking coffee and basking in the warm sunshine.
Neighbourhood Watch picnic.
At least forty members of a local Neighbourhood Watch group held their annual summer event at the farm. They enjoyed a quiz and treasure hunt for the children. The baby alpaca was named 'Nell' in a name the cria competition. Despite a cold June evening everybody felt cosy and warm in the barns.
The Riding for the Disabled , local Romsey branch, will now benefit from a generous donation of £80 raised by the members. We were delighted to help by donating the venue.
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Brockenhurst age concern come to longbarn.
The group were having a day out and Longbarn's alpacas were the highlight of the day.
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The Friends of Wellow visit.
Again a wet afternoon that did not dampen the spirits of the group who enjoyed a talk with much banter and then home made cakes and tea.
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New forest Guild of Weavers, Spinners and dyers visit Longbarn.
Nearly thirty spinners defied the awful weather and set up their spinning wheels in the 'Longbarn' determined to get to grips with spinning some fine alpaca fibre.
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We've had a lot of requests to talk to various groups about the joys of alpaca keeping. One talk given to the arthritis care group in Romsey had a write up in the local Romsey advertiser. We are happy to entertain groups at the farm with a talk and introduction to our alpacas and their wonderful fibre. If you have a group or organisation that would appreciate an outside visit please contact us. Plenty of seating inside or out, tea and cakes provided.
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A while ago Brockenhurst W.I. decided to have an afternoon workshop with the added bonus of feeding and handling the alpacas.
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Although we make a small charge for general farm visits, we try to include a donation to the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association. As our daughter benefitted from the dedication of the team for many years it's nice to be able to make a small contribution to their costs. Our beloved old pony also worked for the R.D.A. He could be an absolute horror to ride sometimes but was always kind and gentle with the disabled children and they adored him.
Last December a group of home schooled children and their parents visited the farm and had a wonderful afternoon. Besides trying their hand at felt making they explored the farm and fed and petted the alpacas during a talk about the animals. It was a pleasure to have such an attentive group, especially as the ages ranged from five to late teens. They were particularly thrilled to be allowed to play in the hay store. Everyone went home with a piece of felt that they had made themselves.