Introduction to alpacas

 Our 3-hour workshop is jam-packed with the essentials of alpaca keeping. It's ideal for those who are considering alpacas or new alpaca owners. Here's what you will learn:

• Alpaca history and their behaviour
• Males/females/wethers - which one is best for your situation
• Feeding, shelters, fencing, herding (moving) animals
• Health care - shearing, vaccinations,  vitamin supplementation, toenail trimming
• Health issues and veterinary assistance
• Alpaca fibre - what to do with it

The workshop includes both theory and practical activities and is ideal for those considering alpacas for their properties, or those who have alpacas but are unsure about their care. We will provide comprehensive notes for you to take away. 

This workshop is not suitable for young children. Minimum age: 15 +. Any underage child must be accompanied by an adult. If you have a child younger than 15 that you wish to bring, speak to us first before booking. 

Visitors over the age of 16 must be double vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption (a copy of your vaccination certificate will be sighted upon arrival).

This workshop will be conducted outdoors undercover. Please wear appropriate closed footwear and dress for the weather as we will be doing some walking and animal handling. The workshop will go ahead in case of very light rain. In case of extreme weather (e.g. heavy rain), the workshop will be postponed to another date or you will have the option of receiving a full refund. In case of exposure to COVID or testing positive, please notify us, so we can refund your ticket or offer a transfer to future workshop dates.

The workshop includes light refreshments: tea/coffee and a light lunch. 

The presenter:

Rita Soares is a full member of the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA). She was born in Brazil, migrated to Australia in her youth, and always lived in large cities. She never had experience on farms until getting her first alpacas in 2017. It was a steep learning curve, but she had fantastic mentors who helped her along the way. Rita has participated in a variety of professional development courses with the Australian Alpaca Association, volunteered at large alpaca farms, participated in alpaca shows, and loves to continually learn about alpacas and increase her knowledge. She held volunteer roles at the Victorian Central Region Committee of the AAA and currently is the Social Media Coordinator for the association. Rita and her partner currently manage 35 alpacas at their hobby farm property in Harcourt, where they live.