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Introduction to Keeping Alpacas
A half day course introducing you to the basic principles of farming alpacas - it includes a farm tour and can be suited to those with little or no practical livestock experience.
Alpaca Husbandry (Standard)
A one day course suited to the new owner or someone looking to farm alpacas who already have some basic livestock experience. This is a practical course covering the general husbandry tasks of handling, halter-training, vaccinations, foot-trimming etc.
Alpaca Husbandry (Advanced)
This course is tutored by alpaca specialist vet Gina Bromage. The course is divided into two subject areas – the morning covers ‘Diet, Dentition and Digestion’, with the afternoon concentrating on ‘Care of the Pregnant Female, Birthing and the Newborn Cria’ which includes a practical birthing session using a dummy womb.
 Spinning
We are very lucky to have Jean Field as our tutor for the spinning courses. Jean has been spinning for fifteen years and has a wealth of experience in spinning different fibres, although she now concentrates purely on fine fibres such as alpaca - she is highly enthusiastic and wonderfully patient! If you would like to attending a spinning course please indicate on the booking form whether or not you have your own spinning wheel.
British Alpaca Society Courses
The Alpaca Training Centre is one of the few approved venues in the UK to host BAS courses and saw the first British Judges qualify through its doors under International Judge Amanda Vandenbosch.
Please view the BAS website for further details.
CameliDynamics
A two day clinic tutored by Julie Taylor-Browne. Julie has been training with leading US Camelid trainer Marty McGee Bennett and is now a qualified Practitioner. The training methods used will give you the confidence and knowledge for effectively working with the most difficult animals, - courses are very much ‘hands on’ with demonstrations on various training tools such as wands, halter training rope, body wrap, together with the chance to practise. For further information on CameliDynamics, click here.
Shearing Courses
Shearing courses are run in the spring and are suitable for both beginners and improvers. Our experienced shearer Colin Ottery joins us for the day to assist with this course and numbers are strictly limited to give individual attention.
Alpaca Assessment Course
A ‘hands on’ day spent assessing groups of alpacas, placing in order of quality for fibre and conformation. This course is tutored by a qualified BAS Judge and is suited for all breeders as well as serving as a ‘warm up’ for any of the Judge Training Courses.
Alpaca Fibre to Market
This course will be tutored by BAS judge Val Fullerlove, who has many years’ experience in the Alpaca industry. The following topics of taking fibre to market will be included:
- Paddocks - how various weeds and topping can contaminate the fleece
- Housing - bedding and hay racks
- Shearing - equipment and order of shearing
- Sorting/grading
- Spinning/types of yarn
- Knitting/weaving
- Design/finishing
- Marketing
To view comments from satisfied course attendees, click here
Tailor-made ‘One to One’ Courses
If you require assistance in any aspects of keeping alpacas which do not fall into the above categories, we are prepared to offer a ‘One to One’ course, tailor-made to the individual’s requirements. If you would like to discuss this then please telephone us.
What to Bring
Please come prepared for the variable Devon weather and draughty barns
Wellies and overalls are required for practical aspects
Lots of questions and a sense of humour!
Refreshments and Accommodation details
Lunch is provided on one-day courses and coffee, tea etc is available all day.
We have a list of excellent bed and breakfast establishments nearby – details upon request.
Download Booking Form
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