In case you’ve ever puzzled the place you’ll be able to see alpacas in France or what it’s like to go to an alpaca farm, DuPrem Alpaca Farm provides a really distinctive expertise. I had the prospect to fulfill, stroll with, and feed, these lovely animals whereas studying about how they’re raised and the way their fleece is used. Visiting an alpaca farm in France was an expertise not like every other I’ve had and one which any customer to the area—particularly households—would get pleasure from.
1. DuPrem Alpaca Farm in France: Distinctive Animal Experiences
Damien and Paul, the Alpaca Boys, are the caring homeowners of DuPrem Alpaga [French for alpaca], which is situated not removed from Villefranche de Rouergue. Paul was my information who took me on a tour to fulfill their fantastic herd of 75 alpacas on their farm. I discovered in regards to the historical past of their enterprise and bought to fulfill the adults, youngsters, and child alpacas and fed just a few too!
(a) Initially From The UK
The backstory is fascinating. Damien and Paul are from the UK. Paul labored for American Categorical and Damien was a trainer—head of performing arts—-in a highschool. They bought a farm in 2007 and it wanted to be renovated. Together with it got here farmland (that wasn’t getting used), so that they began to research how they could use the land. Neither had any expertise with alpacas earlier than deciding to be taught every part about these lovely, mild animals—and finally elevate them!
(b) This French Farm Has Alpacas, Not Crops!
The French authorities had no drawback that they wished to maneuver from the UK to France; nevertheless, they simply didn’t perceive their curiosity establishing a farm to breed alpacas as a result of most farms simply had crops, cows, or sheep. They defined that their “crops walked and had 4 legs”! In 2016 they introduced over 38 alpacas to their farm in France.
Their 4 hectre farm was the primary to be registered as an alpaca farm within the Aveyron. Right this moment, there are over 35 alpaca farmers. Paul informed me that in COVID, many Parisians moved south and acquired locations within the countryside. They began shopping for alpacas to eat their giant areas of grass (so that they wouldn’t need to mow it!). Whereas child alpacas are bought on the farm, Paul and Damien attempt to preserve the herd at about 55-60.
2. What Are Alpacas? How Do They Differ From Llamas?
One have a look at an alpaca and many individuals say, “Isn’t {that a} llama?” Whereas alpacas and llamas belong to the identical camel household, Camelidae, they’ve main variations.
(a) Origins
- Alpacas originated within the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and northwest Argentina. llamas got here from the central plains of North America.
- Each have been domesticated and bred from guanacos, wild camelids native to South America.
(b) Top And Weight
- Alpacas are smaller, shorter, and lighter than llamas.
- The common alpaca stands about 3 ft tall; llamas attain 4 ft. -Llamas weigh over twice that of alpacas (400 lbs vs. 150 lbs).
(c) Face, Tooth, And Ears
- Alpacas have brief, compact faces that just about look smushed in, with small, straight ears. They’ve decrease enamel, however no higher enamel, so that they gained’t chew you if you ffed them.
- llamas have longer faces and distinctive banana-shaped ears and higher and decrease enamel.
(d) Character And Disposition
- Alpacas are calm, mild and may usually be used for remedy. They’re generally in comparison with canine (however don’t chew!). They’ll spit, however not often do and in the event that they do, it usually means, “preserve your distance!”.
- llamas may be extra aggressive and can kick, chew, spit and refuse to maneuver if mistreated or overloaded so they’re harder to work with. [There is actually a term for a llama behaving especially badly—- the “Berserk Llama Syndrome”.]
(e) Fibres/Coats
- Alpacas have a single mushy fleece, whereas llamas have a twin coat with a rough outer layer.
- At DuPrem, alpacas are sheared every year in Might.
- Alpaca fleece, often called the “Fibre of the Gods,” is exceptionally mushy, light-weight, hotter than merino wool, and non-itchy. It’s additionally water-repellent, hypoallergenic, and fire-resistant.
- Alpacas are available 22 colours, although DuPrem breeds for fiber high quality over coloration. Gray is especially onerous to breed.
- There are two fibre sorts:
- Huacaya – Hotter, fluffy, and silky). It’s mentioned these alpacas resemble teddy bears. Their fibres are perfect for knitted and crocheted clothes and objects
- Suri – Silky, lengthy, and higher for woven textiles
3. What To Count on On A Tour Of DuPrem Alpaca Farm
The alpacas appear very comfortable at DuPrem, scattered throughout the massive pasture with loads of room to roam. It’s clear they’re properly cared for, and Paul’s ardour for them shines by. He took me to the barn the place mothers and infants keep, separated from the males—the stud males and adolescent boys. In a single photograph, I’m with child Bodie, a Suri alpaca with lengthy fibres.
We then met the adolescent males (2–3 years previous), divided into three sorts:
- Stud males (superior, high-quality fibre)
- Potential studs (saved for 3 years)
- Pet boys
The alpacas have been extremely cute and delicate once I petted or fed them—no biting since they haven’t any higher enamel! Assembly them was a spotlight of my go to to Aveyron.
4. Moms And Infants
At DuPrem, they’ve a managed breeding program. By “pen mating”, the male is delivered to the females who’re sitting within the pen. The male makes an orgeling sound that induces ovulation. If the feminine spits on the male, it means she is ovulating or could also be pregnant! The period of her being pregnant is 11-1/2 months and she is going to give delivery to 1 child.
After she has the newborn, they wait 2-3 weeks and he or she begins the breeding course of another time. The feminine will give delivery all through her life, however at DuPrem, it is not going to be longer than 15 years.
Do you know that alpacas hum to speak? Sure, that is very true between moms and their infants. Alpacas talk their happiness, their misery, and even their anger by buzzing!
5. The Enterprise Of Alpaca Fibre
Paul mentioned that sheep’s wool can herald about $0.50 per kilogram; nevertheless, alpaca fibre brings in a minimal of 50-80€ per kilogram, so clearly it may be a really worthwhile enterprise. Why such an enormous value distinction? It’s all about provide and demand for this eco-friendly, premium pure fibre. There are fewer alpacas, and they’re costlier to shear, spin, and course of in comparison with sheep.
6. DuPrem Boutique And Home
(a) Artisan Alpaca Merchandise For Sale
DuPrem’s boutique options handcrafted alpaca merchandise made out of their very own alpacas. They provide 4 weights of luxurious yarns, spun, woven, and knitted by Damien and native artisans in pure colours and designs.
The store carries quite a lot of objects, together with stuffed animals, duvets, pillows, hats, mitts, sweaters, shawls, scarves, and heat but light-weight socks. I picked up a hat, gloves, and an alpaca Christmas tree decoration for my grandniece.
(b) DuPrem B & B
DuPrem’s renovated Seventeenth-century farmhouse provides an adults-only chambre d’hôtes (mattress and breakfast) with a heated saltwater pool and sizzling tub. It sleeps eight throughout three spacious en-suite rooms. Dinners can be found.
7. The place To See Alpacas In France
There are different locations in France the place you’ll be able to meet alpacas and, as anticipated, they’re situated within the countryside. Alpacas in Paris? You’ll need to go to the Rocher Alpin (Alpine rock) at Jardin d’Acclimatation, situated in Bois de Boulogne.
8. Visiting DuPrem Alpaca Farm: Excursions
DuPrem has two completely different excursions (in English and French) and in July and August you’ll be able to arrive with out reservations. Do double test the opening days/occasions particularly if you wish to go to within the shoulder or off seasons.
(a) Farm excursions (1 hour)
- day by day at 10:30, 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30 day by day besides Sunday and Thursday morning.
- these 1 hour excursions are instructional and enjoyable, excellent for adults and kids because the alpacas are very mild.
- value: 5 € per particular person
(b) Introduction To Proudly owning Alpacas (full day)
- a extra intensive expertise the place you actually be taught all about alpacas and their fibre.
- it’s notably relevant for these excited about elevating their very own alpacas.
- value: 45 € per particular person (consists of lunch)
DuPrem Alpaga Stud et Boutique
Tackle: Le Monge, 12350 Maleville, France
Telephone: +33 5 65 29 89 93
Web site: https://www.duprem.com/
In case you determine to go to Aveyron, don’t miss out on these websites that I’ve written about:
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