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.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for prospective alpaca keepers, new alpaca keepers, seasoned alpaca keepers who wants to brush up on best care practices for alpacas and alpaca enthusiasts that would love to learn more about alpacas.
(If you are a Zoo, farm park, rescue or sanctuary staff or volunteer, check out our staff training page here)
What will I learn?
Through this in-person alpaca husbandry course, you will learn the essential day to day care required for look after alpacas, good care practices, best handling techniques, get a feel for what's involved in being an alpaca keeper over the seasons, get hands-on practical experience to put the learning into practice, gain an insight into breeding principles & management, have opportunity to ask questions throughout the day. See the full itinerary below...
Are lunch & refreshments provided?
Yes, lunch & refreshments are included
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when booking
What is the cost?
The course costs £95pp OR £85pp for attendees booking together
Prices includes VAT
Lunch, refreshments and a FREE How To Look After Alpacas E-Guide are included!
What dates are available?
Saturday 26th April 2025
Saturday 17th May 2025
Saturday 14th June 2025
Saturday 12th July 2025
Saturday 27th Sept 2025
How long is the course?
This is a one day course running from 10am - 4pm
Where does the course take place?
The course is held on site at Fostings Alpacas, Kinnerton, Presteigne, Powys, LD82PF
Get Google Maps directions here
What do I need to bring?
The course includes practical handling outside with alpacas, so please wear sensible closed toe shoes and bring waterproof clothing
What will I learn on the Alpaca Husbandry Course?
This is a one day course running from 10am - 4pm
Through attending this alpaca husbandry course at Fostings Alpacas, you will leave feeling confident whether they are the right choice for you and have an understanding on the care required to keep healthy and happy alpacas. Topics covered include:
👋 Welcome & Introductions 👋
Doors open from 9:30am so you can meet your hosts for the day, Alice & Kevin, and get settled in with a cuppa
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🦙 Alpaca 101 🦙
Alpaca Terminology, How Many Alpacas Should I Have?, Alpaca Anatomy & Conformation, Social Grouping, Are Male Or Female Alpacas Right For Me?
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💸 Costs & Income 💸
Cost Of Purchasing & Keeping Alpacas and an insight into Business Opportunities
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💚 Essential Requirements 💚
Basic Day to Day Care, Average Stocking Density (and adjusting this according to your pasture quality and the seasons), Shelter, Transportation & Biosecurity Measures
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🌿 Nutrition 🌿
Nutritional Requirements, Feed Options, Vitamin Supplementation & Pasture Management
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💚 Handling & Halter Training 💚
How to correctly fit a headcollar and guidance on halter training as well as safe and kind handling techniques
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☕ Refreshment Break ☕
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💉 Routine Husbandry 💉
What to include in your Herd Kit, Nail Trimming, Shearing, Teeth, Body Condition Scoring (BCS), Summer & Winter Care, Record Keeping and How to Administer Medications & Vaccines
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🦠 Parasites 🦠
An insight into the symptoms, prevention and treatments of the most common parasites and ailments; Mites, Abscesses, Coccidiosis, Worm burden, Liver Fluke & Clostridial Disease
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A hot lunch is provided and is included in the cost
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🦙 Practical Hands-on Session 🦙
Meet the herd and get hands on experience with alpacas including moving and handling, Body Condition Scoring, health checking and halter training
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❤️ An Introduction to Breeding ❤️
Breeding alpacas differs greatly from livestock or pets you may be familiar with, so this section offers an insight into alpaca breeding and management and the important things to be considered before diving in.
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❓ Open Q&A ❓
Ask anything alpaca-related that's still tickling your brain!
⭐ FREE E-Guide ⭐
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!
Directions
The course is held on site at Fostings Alpacas, Kinnerton, Presteigne, Powys, LD82PF
Google Maps will bring you directly to us or, if using Satnav, follow it until you see our wooden signs
Book Your Place Here
This is a one day course running from 10am - 4pm at Fostings Alpacas
Alpaca Husbandry Course Terms & Conditions
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Participants must be aged 16 years or older.
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A minimum of 2 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 and any other associated risks 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. 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.