How Much Do Alpacas Cost & Are They Good Pets? A UK Alpaca Ownership Guide
Considering buying or adopting an alpaca? This complete guide covers pricing, care requirements, acreage needs, and what to expect as a new alpaca owner in the UK.
How Much Do Alpacas Cost & Are They Good Pets? A UK Alpaca Ownership Guide
How Much Do Alpacas Cost in the UK?
Alpaca prices vary based on age, sex, breeding potential, and fleece quality. Here’s a general guide:
- Crias (Baby Alpacas): £500 – £2,000
- Adult Alpacas: £200 – £2,500+
- Breeding Females: Typically £1,500 – £2,500
- Stud Males: £2,000 – £8,000+
High-end animals with show-quality fleece or champion bloodlines can exceed £10,000.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Housing & fencing setup
- Feed & minerals: ~£200–£300 per year per alpaca
- Veterinary care & vaccinations
- Shearing (~£50–£150 per year)
- Transport (~£50–£200 depending on distance)
- Registration or BAS transfer (~£50–£200)
Factor in all of these when considering alpaca ownership.
How Many Alpacas Per Acre in the UK?
The recommended stocking rate for UK alpaca pastures is:
- 6–8 alpacas per acre on well-drained, good-quality pasture
- 2–4 alpacas per acre if soil is poor or grazing is limited
Always rotate paddocks and avoid overgrazing to prevent parasite buildup.
Are Alpacas Good Pets?
Alpacas can be wonderful companions — if you understand their needs. While not traditional pets like dogs or cats, they offer unique benefits:
✅ Benefits:
- Gentle and social with herd mates and humans
- Low-maintenance grooming
- Minimal noise and odour
- Can be halter-trained and walked
- Great with children and groups
❗ Considerations:
- Must be kept in groups (minimum 3 for social health)
- Need secure fencing and regular pasture maintenance
- Not all alpacas enjoy cuddling or being touched
They are best viewed as low-impact livestock or field companions, with occasional handling and close supervision. Well-trained alpacas may enjoy human interaction, walks, or participation in animal-assisted therapy or education.
The Alpaca – A Unique Species
Alpacas are a domesticated species of South American camelid, native to the Andes. They are known for their soft, luxurious fleece and docile nature. Alpacas:
- Live 15–25 years
- Weigh 100–200 pounds
- Come in over 22 natural fleece colours
- Are intelligent, curious, and clean
They’re excellent grazers and contribute to sustainable land use. Their fleece is used for clothing, accessories, and crafts. Some alpacas are also used for livestock guarding or kept as educational therapy animals.
