Alpaca Husbandry Course in Wales
What is Husbandry?
Animal husbandry is the day to day care and raising of animals which may, or may not, be for profit.
What will I learn?
Through this in-person alpaca husbandry course, you will learn the basics of how to look after alpacas, good care practices, get a feel for what's involved in being an alpaca keeper, get hands-on practical experience and access to ask questions throughout the day. Check the full itinerary here.
Who is this online alpaca husbandry workshop for?
Prospective alpaca keepers
New alpaca keepers
Seasoned alpaca keepers who wants to brush up on best care practices for alpacas
Alpaca enthusiasts that would love to learn more about alpacas
If you are a staff member or volunteer of a zoo, farm park, rescue or sanctuary, let your manager know about this staff training page here instead.
What will I learn on the Alpaca Husbandry Course?
Through attending this course at Fostings Alpacas (directions here), you will learn how to look after alpacas and be confident whether they are the right choice for you. Topics covered include:
9:30am - 10am | Arrival and Grab a cuppa!
10am - 11:15am | Alpaca 101, Requirements, Diet & Nutrition
Terminology, How Many Should I Have?, Anatomy & Conformation, Are Males Or Females Right For You?, Diversification, Cost Of Purchase & Keeping Alpacas, Basic Requirements (including land, shelter, transportation, day to day care and social grouping), Diet & Nutrition, Vitamin Supplementation, Pasture Management
11:15am - 11:30am | Break
11:30am - 1pm | Husbandry, Disease & Parasites
Herd Kit Contents, Halters & Halter Training, Nail Trimming, Shearing, Teeth, Castration, Body Scoring, Summer Care, Record Keeping, Biosecurity Measures, Bovine Tuberculosis, How to Administer Medications & Vaccines, How to Reduce Parasites, Coccidiosis, Worming, Liver Fluke, Clostridial Disease, Mites
1pm - 1:45pm | Lunch
1:45pm - 2:15pm | An Introduction to Breeding & Cria Care
Basic Breeding Principles & Cycle, Style of Breeding Management, Birthing Kit Contents, Signs of Birthing, What to expect during and post birth, Basic Cria Care
2:15pm - 3:15pm | Practical, hands-on session
3:15pm - 3:30pm | Open Q&A
Ask anything alpaca-related that's still tickling your brain!
FREE BONUS MATERIAL
At the end of the course, you will also receive a FREE How To Look After Alpacas E-Guide which includes comprehensive notes of the entire course material for you to refer back to anytime!
Good to know
Cost
The course costs £85 per person
(Includes a FREE How To Look After Alpacas E-Guide copy and lunch)
Lunch & Refreshments
Lunch & refreshments are included - please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking
Date
The next available course is Saturday 6th July 2024
Timing
This is a one day course running from 10am - approx. 3:30pm
Location
The morning takes place in Kinnerton Village Hall, LD82PF and the practical session takes place just a couple of minutes up the road at Fostings Alpacas (transportation between venues is provided)
What to bring
The course includes practical handling outside with alpacas, so please wear sensible closed toe shoes and bring waterproof clothing
Alpaca Husbandry Course Terms & Conditions
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Participants must be aged 16 years or older.
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A minimum of 4 people is required for the course to run (and a maximum of 8 participants). In the event there are not enough people, the course date will be rescheduled.
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The day will include walking over uneven terrain and will go ahead come rain or shine (unless we deem the conditions to be unsafe - in which case we shall reschedule the course), so dress according to the weather and sensible, closed toe footwear is essential.
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If you are, or could be, pregnant at the time of the course, consult your GP on the risks of toxoplasmosis when visiting an alpaca & sheep farm.
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Dogs are not permitted.
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The fee, once paid, is non-refundable.
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In the event you cannot attend the alpaca husbandry course date chosen, you may reschedule to a different date (according to availability), when we are provided with a minimum of 14 days notice.