Our Alpacas
Butterley Alpacas is known for producing distinctive, well-bred true black alpacas which are all genetically colour tested.
Success in breeding for great quality fleece however is not the whole story.
For us, success is also measured in producing healthy, well put together alpacas with a great frame and character that would instil confidence in new owners looking for long-term outcomes that put welfare first
Bred for health, cared for every day.
The health and wellbeing or our alpacas sit at the heart of everything we do at Butterley Alpacas.
Great health does not happen by chance. It is the result of careful breeding, daily observation and consistent, high-quality care.
Our breeding decisions are always guided by welfare first principles. We select animals for soundness, temperament and long-term health, as well as appearance and fleece quality. This helps produce animals that are robust, calm to handle and well suited to life in a managed herd environment.
Our herd is allowed to graze fresh grass in large paddocks all year round. The alpacas are grouped to avoid any unnatural stresses in paddocks which are securely fenced to keep out predators or other wildlife which may pose a biosecurity risk.
The paddocks are cleaned every day of the year to remove the risk of parasite challenge, and we always provide access to shelter from the elements, just as important in the height of summer as it is in mid-winter.
Nutrition plays a vital role in herd health and understanding the specific requirements of an alpaca compared with the more usual farmed animals in the UK, is key to keeping our animals in the condition we do.
We feed a carefully considered but simple diet using high quality forage and supplementary feeds appropriate for their age, condition and workload. This supports strong immune systems, healthy growth and fleece quality and overall resilience.
From a young age our alpacas are thoughtfully handled and halter trained. This allows us to carry out regular health checks, vaccinations, parasite monitoring and preventative care.
A well handled alpaca is calmer and safer and good handling builds trust and reduces stress throughout their lives.
If you would like to explore how we can support you, your herd or your Vet Practice, we would love to hear from you.
