Introduction to alpacas

Are you considering having alpacas? Or, have you recently acquired alpacas but don't know anything about their care?

Our 2.5-hour workshop is jam-packed with the essentials of alpaca keeping. It's ideal for those who are considering alpacas or new alpaca owners. 

What you will learn:

• Alpaca history and their behaviour
• Types of alpacas and which ones are best for your situation 
• Farm infrastructure for alpacas: fences, shelters, troughs, laneways
• Alpaca health care - shearing, vaccinations,  vitamin supplementation, toenail trimming
• Health issues and when to seek veterinary assistance
• Alpaca observation skills - get up and close with our alpacas

What you get:

• Comprehensive notes to take away
• Introduction to alpacas book 
• Delicious morning tea 
• Opportunity to view and touch our alpacas 
• Expert tuition from a former educator and now alpaca farmer

Venue:

The workshop is held at our farm in Harcourt, next door to Castlemaine, about 15 minutes south of Bendigo and 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Melbourne. This workshop will be conducted in our airy alpaca barn. Please wear appropriate closed footwear and dress for the weather. In case of extreme weather (e.g. heavy rain, high fire danger rating, etc.), the workshop will be postponed to another date or you will have the option of receiving a full refund. 

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

The presenter:

Rita Soares manages a small alpaca farm in Harcourt, focusing on high animal welfare, ethical, and sustainable principles.  She is an Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) member. Rita has participated in various professional development courses with the Australian Alpaca Association and externally, volunteered at large alpaca farms, participated in alpaca shows, and loves continually learning about alpacas and increasing her knowledge. She held volunteer roles at the Victorian Central Region of the AAA and is currently the Social Media Coordinator for the association. Rita and her partner currently have around 30-40 alpacas on their 25-acre farm in Harcourt, where they live.