Expert insights from Hensting Alpacas, keeping and breeding alpacas in Hampshire since 2009. We run a carefully managed herd of around 40 alpacas with a team of staff and volunteers, and share everything here from breeds and regulations to daily care and profitability.
With around 45,000 registered alpacas across the UK, plus an estimated 15,000 more unregistered, and growing demand from international fashion houses, the British alpaca industry offers real opportunities for new farmers.
Prices vary with age, sex, fleece quality, bloodlines and whether an animal is BAS registered. As a guide, here is where our own Hensting stock sits.
Because alpacas are herd animals, you'll always need at least three. BAS registration, fleece fineness and champion bloodlines all push prices up.
Running costs are modest for livestock. Budget roughly £200 to £400 per alpaca per year, covering feed, hay, vitamins, vaccinations, worming and annual shearing.
UK worming, done properly: don't worm on a fixed monthly schedule. The meningeal worm that forces monthly dosing in parts of North America doesn't exist here. Instead, run a faecal egg count a few times a year and only worm when the numbers call for it. Routine dosing just breeds drug-resistant parasites.
Hardy breed with soft, dense fibre featuring crimp and brightness. Their insulating fleece is highly sought after by textile businesses. The most accessible breed for new farmers, with well-established breeding lines.
Rare breed with lustrous fibre hanging in long pencil locks. No crimp, mainly used for woven cloth. Higher value due to rarity, but needs specialist knowledge for breeding and care.
Want to go deeper on fibre? See What Makes a Good Fleece → and Alpaca Colours →
Commercial operations may need licensing under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. This can include alpaca walking businesses and breeding operations, so check with your local authority.
Pedigree alpaca farming can help justify agricultural workers' dwellings where you can show:
Regulations change and vary locally. Always confirm current requirements with DEFRA and your local planning authority.
Alpacas cope well with UK conditions, handling a wide temperature range. Their fleece provides year-round insulation, though they do need dry shelter and shade.
The BAS is the largest alpaca community in the UK, offering support, education and a network of regional groups.
Remember: alpacas can live 15 to 20 years or more. Plan for the long term.
Learn from our experience at Hensting Alpacas, keeping alpacas since 2009. Visit the farm, meet our herd of around 40 animals, and find out if alpaca farming is right for you.