Riverdale Alpacas are back at Fieldays

Riverdale Alpacas took a year off last year, but they are back in force this year with three of their best alpacas for the public to see.

Hands-on-helper Teresa Swann is helping out at Fieldays with the alpacas and is there for any information needed.

“There are some people that have never seen an alpaca before and they just want to look and touch. Then there are people who are a bit more inquisitive and ask a few questions. Over the past few days we have had a few interested buyers, nothing solid yet though,” she said.

Riverdale use the alpacas as breeding stock creating good quality animals and good quality fibre [wool].

They also hand-make garments, but have recently upgraded with a large processing plant so they can produce more garments quickly.

The alpaca’s can be transported in a van, horse float and the little ones can even go in the back seat of the car, they all travel well.

There are shows that happen around the country and the alpacas, like goats and lambs can participate in events like calf club.

“Agility courses, walking over ramps and going through curtains are some of the things the alpacas do. It shows how easily they adjust to people and movement and can be kept as pets,” Ms Swann said.

Ms Swann said that not long ago when Riverdale Alpacas were at Claudlands event centre for a show she was taken back when someone commented on the animals.

“Someone came up to us and said “what lovely camels you have.” We couldn’t help but have a giggle.”