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Our alpaca training centre is in purpose-built centrally heated accommodation with a conference room, dining area, conservatory, kitchen and bathroom. A power point presentation is used on the courses and there is time for discussion, particularly on the Advanced Alpaca Course. Numbers for courses are kept small to ensure that attendees have access to the alpacas and their tutors. All outside training with the alpacas can be under cover in adverse weather conditions.
INTRODUCTORY ALPACA COURSE
DATES DURING AUTUMN & WINTER MONTHS 2008/9
This course is designed to provide an introduction to alpacas, their ownership and management. There will be practical hands-on training with the alpacas in the morning and after lunch we explore the practical requirements of alpacas, with time for questions. The course should enable the attendee to assess whether alpacas are for them, as well as giving a good grounding in alpaca knowledge.
PROGRAMME
9.30am - Welcome, coffee/tea
- Meet the alpaca and understand how to handle them.
- Evaluating alpacas - conformation and fleece characteristics: coverage, density, fineness (micron), crimp and brightness.
- Husbandry: health assessment and body scoring, care of fleece and teeth, toe nail trimming, worming, vaccinations, ear tagging, micro-chipping, keeping records. The importance of good halter fit.
LUNCH
- Farm layout - grazing requirements, paddock care and improvement; fencing, catch pens, sheds/shelters, watering system and handling procedures.
- Alpacas' nutritional requirements - feed, hay and supplements
- Alpaca fleece - it's value: shearing and production, through to finished garments.
- Breeding considerations.
- Financial commitments - cost of alpaca keep.
3.30 pm – Close. Coffee/tea
Cost: £66 per person: includes workshop,
hot lunch and course notes. (£58 each, for two bookings).
- Certificate of attendance on completion of the course.
- Minimum number of attendees for each course - two.
- Course open to adults or accompanied children over twelve years old.
- Warm clothing and boots (that can be dipped in disinfectant) recommended.
- Alpaca Course Gift Vouchers available (minimum two people).
- Discounted purchase of any alpaca knitwear/products on the day.
- Discounted purchase of a highly recommended hardback book: 'Llamas & Alpacas: A Guide to Management' by Gina Bromage (RRP: £19.95) £14.00 on the day.
Contact: Graham and Jenny MacHarg, Fowberry Alpacas Tel: 01668 215411
ADVANCED ALPACA COURSE
This course is designed for those with previous knowledge of alpacas and their care, or a continuation from the Introductory Alpaca Course. We explore in more detail a smaller range of subjects than the Introductory course with plenty of time for open discussion on the range of subjects. The course should enable the attendee to broaden their knowledge of alpacas and benefit from the extensive experience of birthing, advanced nutritional principles, prize-winning breeding programme and profitable marketing of alpacas and their produce that Graham and Jenny MacHarg have gained over several years.
- Alpaca nutrition and essential requirements for optimum health.
- Alpaca evaluation - conformation with relevance to what the alpaca is expected to do. Fleece characteristics: understanding fleece qualities, interpreting histograms and pedigrees. Delegates fleece micron test.
- Alpaca breeding, birthing, post natal health of cria, growing on and weaning of cria; essential equipment and importance of record keeping.
- Marketing of alpacas and your alpaca farm, alpaca and knitwear sales opportunities.
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