About us

We first came across Alpacas on a visit to Cannon Hall, a local urban farm in Barnsley, West Yorkshire.  We were absolutely captivated by these engaging animals and before too long we began to investigate the possibility of owning and breeding them.  We researched the different types of alpaca, their history, personality and their welfare.  We then started making contacts in the alpaca world, travelling the length and breadth of the UK to meet other breeders and to find out more about the practical side of developing an alpaca herd. 

Three months and about 1500 miles later we had visited a number herds around the country varying in size from 20 -1000 alpacas.  We had also met lots of “alpaca people” of varying experience and expertise and were inspired by their helpfulness and enthusiasm. We’re particularly indebted to Verity Clarke and Philip O’Conor, world renowned Camelid experts and managers at EP Cambridge Alpacas, East Sussex, who helped us develop our ideas and knowledge. 

From that point onwards we both knew we wanted to be involved with alpacas.  Our main problem seemed to be the fact that we didn’t have any land to rear an alpaca herd. Then we discovered agistment, which meant that we could go forward with our plan of developing our herd by having them grazed and looked after elsewhere.

Finally, County Alpacas was formed in 2005. We settled on a foundation herd of 3 alpacas: two pregnant Chilean Alpacas, one with cria at foot, which are located in East Sussex on agistment with Atlantic Alpacas.  Our alpacas were known by their tag numbers, but we gave them names: Gerty, Lexi and her cria, Lewes.  We had a very challenging start to our alpaca herd.  In August 2005, Lexi suddenly became ill and over a period of 48 hours she rapidly declined and died.  Alpacas are very hardy animals, so this wasn’t expected.  We were shocked and very sad.  Lexi’s cria, Lewes, was now orphaned and needed to be bottle fed which he adapted to quickly, much to our relief, and began putting on weight.  In September we chose Bella to join our herd, a four year old white Accoyo pregnant female, and she’s filled the gap since losing Lexi.

Lewes is a lovely alpaca and has great potential to be a stud male.  But for the time, he’s just a cute youngster.  When you enter his field you can see him playing with his girlfriend, another orphaned alpaca. Then he sees you and comes racing across to meet you. He is one of the friendliest animals we’ve ever come across and he’s coped so well since his mum died.

Our goal is to expand our herd and contribute to the development of a national herd so that the alpaca will continue to thrive.  We never expected to become alpaca breeders but, in a way, it’s our destiny.  We live close to the village of Saltaire, which was founded by textile magnate, Sir Titus Salt, who used alpaca fleece to weave the most wonderful and lustrous cloth.  We’re bringing alpacas back to Yorkshire and we’re sure that the development of a national herd with the best genetics and the best care will mean that alpaca fleece can once again become useable in the world’s fashion industry.  We like to think Sir Titus Salt would be proud.

As we have developed our knowledge and gained experience, we’ve been able to contribute articles to the British Alpacas Society (BAS) magazine and act as consultants to Yorkshire Television on script matters involving the alpacas featured in episodes of Emmerdale.  We’ve launched the Yorkshire Alpaca Association (YAA) which is affiliated to the British Alpacas Society (BAS) and is the regional group for alpaca owners in Yorkshire to guard the welfare of alpacas and to promote alpaca fleece. The YAA also serves to provide a support and information network for alpaca owners and breeders and anyone interested in owning alpacas.

We are now able to supply a range of alpacas to suit all needs from pet quality males through to full Accoyo breeding females. Our sourcing of alpacas and follow-through service is strictly based upon the British Alpaca Society code of conduct.  Owning and breeding alpacas is very rewarding.  We’re happy to share our experience with you.  Please feel free to contact us with your questions.

Shaun & Julie Daniel