About Teesdale Alpacas
Small Alpaca Farm based in Beautiful Teesdale. Open by appointment for Alpaca Trekking and sales of Luxury Alpaca products (Hat& Caps, Throws Scarves etc. )
Teesdale Alpacas Description
Starting from a small group of boys we quickly realised we wanted to breed our own Alpacas.
In addition to showing and selling (occasionally! ) our alpacas we also have a range of Alpaca products. We try to use local businesses where possible - however in our area local can mean the Scottish Borders where our alpaca tweed is woven or Castleford in Yorkshire where our Hats and Caps are made from the alpaca cloth. We also make and sell fibre processing equipment.
Reviews
'Sky Pilot' by Moonlight - A lovely orange moon for just a few minutes tonight and Sky Pilot our handsome Suri Llama helpfully posing in front of it
Dog attacks on alpacas has risen considerably over the last few years - and it isn't just in spring and summer ; six dog attacks on alpaca herds reported to the British Alpaca Society since December - most resulting in horrific injuries, deaths and aborted cria. Longer term trauma to the herd and stress related illness is highly likely but difficult to quantify. Never mind the effects on owners, vets and the public seeing their loved and cherished animals ripped to bits in front of them or dying in agony. Not a nice, cute cuddly image but then it's not a nice, cute or cuddly thing to have happen. So if you see a dog running loose around animals please do something about it, and if it's owner is there ask them politely to put it on a lead - most will do so - you could be saving an innocent life !
Alfie the Alpaca in Adelaide : Many folks will see the frequent appearances in their facebook feed of alfie and most experienced alpaca/llama folk will know very well why it is a really bad idea to have a single, young and esp male alpaca as a domestic house pet - but those who don't know about alpacas could be forgiven for seeing this as a harmless or even desirable thing to do. The claim is that he was going to be sent for meat - now I don't know the detail but no-one is go...ing to send a tiny immature alpaca for meat - it simply wouldn't be worth it - maybe a good ruse to make a sale by a breeder who ought to know better. Also the claim is that this was because of his colouring; this also seems highly unlikely - there are very many multi/appaloosa alpacas and they are very popular. Alpacas are semi domesticated farmed herd animals; They do not thrive well long term on their own - of course there are very occasional exceptions to every rule (and for very specific reasons) but this animal is far too young to be separated from other alpacas - period. Alfie has clearly bonded with his owner - some might think that is a good thing but in fact it is most definitely not - and here's why; Alfie is a male alpaca - when he matures in a year or two he will most likely start to push his boundaries just like any adolescent the difference is he may well decide that he is the boss and will exhibit highly aggressive behaviour - you really don't want a 80kg animal that will probably be 7ft high on his hind legs barreling into you at speed - that is going to hurt - a lot. Also at maturity Alfie will grow some pretty nice fighting teeth you won't see them but they'll be there and razor sharp - he'll still look cute but those teeth are designed to slice and dice his foes - and who are his foes - other male alpacas are his foes and now Alfies loving owner and any other person may well be on that list because he doesn't know any different. He isn't going to change his mind. Who will want him then - a dangerous unpredictable sod who will prob eat out of your hand one minute then try to take your head off the next....he won't be able to be reintroduced to other alpacas & he'll either be put down or live a frustrated life on his own - but hey until then he's as cute as a button and makes lots of people on facebook and Instagram feel happy - perhaps that's all that counts ?
- and don't get me started on his diet ffs !!
But here's a cute picture to keep you all going - sorry for the long post :-)
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'Llama through the looking glass' - well not quite but Sky Pilot does love to look at himself in the windows - and why not - he is gorgeous don't you agree ?
Dinner Call - Liz, Belle and Chinook; I reckon they've settled into their new home !! Thanks to https://www.facebook.com/paulnorrisphotog raphy/ for the brill pic :-)
An excerpt from our website regarding how we approach the sales of our animals:
Alpaca Sales
... Whatever your requirements we can help and advise: Pets, Breeding stock and also Stud Services.
We take great care with our animals and want them to go to a similar home where they will be loved as they are here; We will only let our animals go to a new home once we are satisfied they will have enough space etc. to have a full and happy life. In order to do this we do spend a significant amount of time with clients and this will be reflected in the price.
What WE will do for YOU !
We will visit your farm to ensure it is suitable and are happy to advise on how to make it so We will give you training in all aspects of alpaca health and husbandry BEFORE we deliver any animals to you We will deliver animals to you personally to ensure they are reasonably settled in their new home We will give ongoing telephone and email support and are happy to travel to you if required to help with any issues - we may have to charge for travelling in some circumstances but will always be reasonable. Nobody has all the answers - specific circumstances vary; We will give advice based on our knowledge and experience and if we feel unsure in any way we will ask our contacts and colleagues and can direct you appropriately.
What we expect YOU to do for US !
We want you to make the correct informed decision about the animals you buy. Please ensure you have thought about why you want these animals and what you want from them; Please discuss this with us and we will help you make the right choice. We want our animals to be in a suitable happy caring home & if you at any point feel you cannot provide this (and we know circumstances can change) we want you to let us know and we'll help rehome or take them back. Alpacas can live for a significant length of time (26 years is not unheard of) & you need to be aware of the commitment this brings as their requirements in terms of care etc. may change over that time. We want you to enjoy your alpacas - the best way to do this is to spend time with them and learn about them; we can help advise on handling, literature, courses etc. We would like you to keep in contact and let us know if you have any concerns about the alpacas heath and welfare - We urge you to be very circumspect when getting advice from Social Media - (well-meaning) advice given on forums can be unsafe and is often posted by people who do not understand the situation fully enough to make an appropriate judgement and who may have insufficient experience and/or knowledge.
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Great video - thanks This is Durham Fab :-)
Anyone hoping to see us this weekend at Raby Castle - I'm sorry but the venue have changed the arrangements at short notice and we have had to cancel - Please feel free to contact us direct. Thanks and apologies for that.
Our bril new alpallama chute.....now the sharp eyed of you might notice something....but I'm not going to tell.
Our Ri (24/03/10-28/09/18) loved to infinity and beyond. In our hearts always and forever
A few of the boys (and us!) will be at Stanhope Show in a few weeks - pop along and say hi !
So many people now driving forward for changes to dog worrying/attacks - Great that camelids are being recognised at last! The British Alpaca Society British Llama Society
Fab card from https://www.facebook.com/katy.hall.16100 Katy and Martin & thank you so much for including us in your special day! Looking forward to you all popping in for your trek with Monty, Hercules and the crew.
Teesdale All On Black
Wonderful experience, thank you to the lovely couple who run it. Not only did we meet alpacas but the scenery and the views we amazing too, far more than what we expected. It was great being able to get so close with the alpacas and a great explanation all about them. Loved it!
What an amazing day we’ve had! We adopted four Alpaca’s as Christmas gifts and popped over to see them today. Doug was such a lovely guy, who explained all about Alpaca’s and let us get in amongst them all. Such beautiful animals - we fell in love with them all. Thanks Doug for a brilliant time - highly recommend a visit!
What an amazing afternoon we have had with Doug and his beautiful Alpacas. We took our 7 year old grandson who loved every minute. I highly recommend doing the trek and the alpacas are so friendly. Thanks again Doug, Michelle, Paul and Josh.
What a wonderful way to spend a few hours! Doug’s commitment and care towards his herd is evident and it was fantastic to learn so much about these beautiful animals from him in gorgeous surroundings. My sons (aged 10 and 7) loved it and so did Granny and Grandad! We’d highly recommend paying Doug and his 50 strong herd a visit.
What a fantastic experience it is to walk alpacas especially here at teesdale. With the owner joining you on your walk you get learn so much about the animal. They are generally friendly and will certainly become your new best friend around feeding time!
Went today and it was awesome, we learnt loads of stuff about alpacas, we got to feed them and they were lovely! Had a 3/4 hour walk with them and they were both very knowledgeable and answered every question we had. Would recommend to everyone!
We went as a group of four adults. It was a surprise treat for my daughter and her boyfriend. We all loved it. The alpacas are amazing. Taking them for a walk through beautiful countryside was a real pleasure. We even got to feed them on the way. The experience last about two hours. Highly recommended.
We visited yesterday for my birthday & had such a fantastic experience. Doug the owner is so friendly & informative. We went into the field to meet all the alpaca ladies 1st then went to meet the boys before taking them for a leisurely walk. The Alpacas are adorable such funny characters. Also left with free range eggs. Fab experience. We will be back Doug, thank you. �
We treeked yesterday and had a faaab time with the boys, loopie, thunder and monty... if i lived in the uk i would do this over and over Again! Sam and Doug were lovley and taught us all about Alpacas
We had a really fascinating visit and learnt so much about the Alpacas. It was great to meet Doug and Sam and see their evident commitment to their animals' care and welfare. They took so much time to show us their many Alpacas and answer all our questions. A great find and would thoroughly recommend.
Thoroughly enjoyed taking the alpacas for a walk in the stunning countyside. Both my husband & my 12 year old son commented on how they had enjoyed it far more than they expected to. Doug & Samantha were very friendly & we chatted away all morning. Thank you so much for such a fantastic time.
Thank you for a great morning, we had a brilliant time! Loved that there was no rush and it was chilled out so we had lots of time to take photos, ask questions and chat to yourselves about the alpacas! Would totally recommend this and would do it again!!! Thank you!!
My daughter planned our visit as a birthday surprise for me. What an absolute treat. These animals are the cutest walking teddy bears.
Doug was a fabulous host/ guide who clearly adores his herd. He had so much time for our constant questions and chatter. Thank you so much. I will be back.
I had the most amazing day walking with the alpacas and learning all about them! Doug and Sam were so friendly and it was clear how much they love them! I can't wait to visit again � I would love to come when there is newborns � thanks guys! �
Had a brilliant visit and walk with the alpacas. Doug was a great guide, very knowledgeable about the alpacas and committed to their welfare. We learned a lot about the animals from Doug and then had a lovely walk with so.e through the beautiful local countryside. Well worth a visit.
Great day out for my daughters birthday, wasn’t sure what to expect but was certainly worth the travel from Newcastle. Everyone had a good time so would recommend this to anyone
Doug and Sam were superb hosts and made us feel very welcome. Not only are they both very knowledgeable about alpacas, they are kind, lovely people who care a lot about the welfare of these beautiful creatures. Myself and my sister had an amazing morning and loved every minute of our time with ‘Hercules’ and ‘Lightning’ �
Did the Alpaca Trek today and it's a truly Amazing place. Doug was really friendly and so knowledgable. Great place and great alpacas. I would highly recommend it. X
A fantastic way to spend a few hours in beautiful countryside. The Alpacas are as cute and lovely as you could imagine, and Sam and Doug put their hearts into the business and make it a really special and personal experience. They are keen to tell you all about Alpacas and talk about the individual personalities of their herd. A really unique and natural trekking experience.
Wonderful experience, thank you to the lovely couple who run it. Not only did we meet alpacas but the scenery and the views we amazing too, far more than what we expected. It was great being able to get so close with the alpacas and a great explanation all about them. Loved it!
What an amazing day we’ve had! We adopted four Alpaca’s as Christmas gifts and popped over to see them today. Doug was such a lovely guy, who explained all about Alpaca’s and let us get in amongst them all. Such beautiful animals - we fell in love with them all. Thanks Doug for a brilliant time - highly recommend a visit!
What an amazing afternoon we have had with Doug and his beautiful Alpacas. We took our 7 year old grandson who loved every minute. I highly recommend doing the trek and the alpacas are so friendly. Thanks again Doug, Michelle, Paul and Josh.
What a wonderful way to spend a few hours! Doug’s commitment and care towards his herd is evident and it was fantastic to learn so much about these beautiful animals from him in gorgeous surroundings. My sons (aged 10 and 7) loved it and so did Granny and Grandad! We’d highly recommend paying Doug and his 50 strong herd a visit.
What a fantastic experience it is to walk alpacas especially here at teesdale. With the owner joining you on your walk you get learn so much about the animal. They are generally friendly and will certainly become your new best friend around feeding time!
Went today and it was awesome, we learnt loads of stuff about alpacas, we got to feed them and they were lovely! Had a 3/4 hour walk with them and they were both very knowledgeable and answered every question we had. Would recommend to everyone!
We went as a group of four adults. It was a surprise treat for my daughter and her boyfriend. We all loved it. The alpacas are amazing. Taking them for a walk through beautiful countryside was a real pleasure. We even got to feed them on the way. The experience last about two hours. Highly recommended.
We visited yesterday for my birthday & had such a fantastic experience. Doug the owner is so friendly & informative. We went into the field to meet all the alpaca ladies 1st then went to meet the boys before taking them for a leisurely walk. The Alpacas are adorable such funny characters. Also left with free range eggs. Fab experience. We will be back Doug, thank you. �
We treeked yesterday and had a faaab time with the boys, loopie, thunder and monty... if i lived in the uk i would do this over and over Again! Sam and Doug were lovley and taught us all about Alpacas
We had a really fascinating visit and learnt so much about the Alpacas. It was great to meet Doug and Sam and see their evident commitment to their animals' care and welfare. They took so much time to show us their many Alpacas and answer all our questions. A great find and would thoroughly recommend.
Thoroughly enjoyed taking the alpacas for a walk in the stunning countyside. Both my husband & my 12 year old son commented on how they had enjoyed it far more than they expected to. Doug & Samantha were very friendly & we chatted away all morning. Thank you so much for such a fantastic time.
Thank you for a great morning, we had a brilliant time! Loved that there was no rush and it was chilled out so we had lots of time to take photos, ask questions and chat to yourselves about the alpacas! Would totally recommend this and would do it again!!! Thank you!!
My daughter planned our visit as a birthday surprise for me. What an absolute treat. These animals are the cutest walking teddy bears.
Doug was a fabulous host/ guide who clearly adores his herd. He had so much time for our constant questions and chatter. Thank you so much. I will be back.
I had the most amazing day walking with the alpacas and learning all about them! Doug and Sam were so friendly and it was clear how much they love them! I can't wait to visit again � I would love to come when there is newborns � thanks guys! �
Had a brilliant visit and walk with the alpacas. Doug was a great guide, very knowledgeable about the alpacas and committed to their welfare. We learned a lot about the animals from Doug and then had a lovely walk with so.e through the beautiful local countryside. Well worth a visit.
Great day out for my daughters birthday, wasn’t sure what to expect but was certainly worth the travel from Newcastle. Everyone had a good time so would recommend this to anyone
Doug and Sam were superb hosts and made us feel very welcome. Not only are they both very knowledgeable about alpacas, they are kind, lovely people who care a lot about the welfare of these beautiful creatures. Myself and my sister had an amazing morning and loved every minute of our time with ‘Hercules’ and ‘Lightning’ �
Did the Alpaca Trek today and it's a truly Amazing place. Doug was really friendly and so knowledgable. Great place and great alpacas. I would highly recommend it. X
A fantastic way to spend a few hours in beautiful countryside. The Alpacas are as cute and lovely as you could imagine, and Sam and Doug put their hearts into the business and make it a really special and personal experience. They are keen to tell you all about Alpacas and talk about the individual personalities of their herd. A really unique and natural trekking experience.