BAS Affiliate Alpaca Training Courses in Kent
Hands-on, small-group alpaca husbandry training at Bonnington Farm near Ashford, Kent — British Alpaca Society affiliate courses covering feeding, health, handling, shearing and everything a new or prospective owner needs.
Upcoming course dates
- Day 1: 27 September 2026 — £95 per person
Course curriculum
Day One — Foundations
- Feeding & Basic Management — Understand the nutritional requirements of alpacas through the seasons — pasture management, supplementary feeding, hay, minerals and water.
- Vaccination, Supplements & Health — Learn the core vaccination programme, vitamin D supplementation, worming protocols and how to recognise common ailments early.
- Handling Alpacas — Practical skills in herding and catching, fitting a head collar correctly, and introducing basic halter training to your animals.
- The Alpaca — What to Look For — Develop an eye for conformation, fleece quality, teeth, feet and overall condition. Essential knowledge for buying and breeding decisions.
- Understanding Shearing Day — Prepare for your first shearing — what to expect, how to assist, animal welfare during shearing, and post-shear care.
Day Two — Fleece, Breeding & Birth
- Fleece — What to Do With It — From skirting and scouring to spinning and selling: understand the value of your fiber and the options available to small-scale producers.
- Breeding & Mating — The fundamentals of alpaca reproduction — identifying receptive females, supervised matings, gestation, and responsible breeding records.
- Birthing — Recognise the signs of approaching birth, understand normal versus complicated deliveries, and know when to call your vet.
Day Three — Marketing Your Business
- Marketing Your Alpaca Business — Position and sell your animals with confidence — pricing, registration, photography, online presence and building a buyer network.