ALPACAS AT LONGBARN

Longbarn Alpacas was started with the intention of giving our disabled daughter a satisfying occupation after leaving school. Although we began in a small way almost as a hobby to see how we got on. From modest beginnings we have bred a small herd of beautiful huacaya alpacas. We usually have animals for sale, pregnant females, maidens and wethers at reasonable prices. We can offer animals to suit your needs, as pets, breeding stock or for the show ring.

Happy animals are the result of confident owners. We run comprehensive training days with full back up advice always available. We only sell our own alpacas so that you can be confident that our animals are well adjusted to each other and do not suffer anxiety and isolation problems when you get them home. Using the "T" Touch method we ensure that our animals are calm and contented. Our maidens witness the birthing process,  in our experience this reduces birthing problems and stress in our first time mothers. We believe this is a more natural way of doing things and it seems to work well. New mothers adjust easily to caring for their crias with the rest of the herd in attendance. We pride ourselves on knowing each animal as an individual and enjoy imparting our passion for alpacas to others.

We provide an after sales service tailored to our clients needs for a year after purchase. After that we are always available with help and advice if needed. We run introductory courses into basic alpaca keeping either for groups or  individuals. Please contact us for details.

Our farm visits adapted to suit the needs of various groups are proving extremely successful. We give a talk about Longbarn, the wildlife and of course the alpacas.  We are taking bookings for 2010 as the unusual aspect of this occasion is very popular.  We  have facilities for craft groups to come and work   in  congenial surroundings,  refreshments can be provided or bring your own picnics.

 Sandy Browning has contributed articles to  Country Smallholding Magazine and the Spring edition of Alpaca World Magazine. These articles were based on our search for the right business for our disabled daughter and might  inspire others. Our daughter has gained in confidence and is more relaxed since daily contact with the alpacas became part of her life.

All our alpacas are now vaccinated against Blue Tongue

PICTURES  OF THE MONTH

This lovely cria was born two weeks prematurely after his mother was frightened by a dog. He was weak and unable to stand for the first twenty four hours. Sympathetic and careful intervention by Ashley, giving a little milk from a bottle and helping him to feed from mum for that day and during the night made an enormous difference. He is now, we hope, well on the way to becoming an independent lively cria.

site last up dated 04 July '10