Nearly shearing time at Kensmyth Alpaca, Clay Meadow

I am often asked why you need Field Shelters for Alpaca and why will not just hedges do? Well the answer lies in many different scenarios according to the location of your fields in the UK. Combine this with almost zero lanolin in the fleece and you will find that Alpaca die of hypothermia (cold) in the Winter when wet and cold in outdoor often windy conditions and of hyperthermia (heat) in Summer (and in last few years Spring early heatwaves and Autumnal late Indian Summers) .. so Field shelters are ESSENTIAL to protect from the wet/cold/wind and the heat/sun and provide shade.

It is true that white Alpaca will tend to stay outside until in the heaviest of fleeces (think of white clothes and white cars being cooler) but they too need shelter all year round. They will choose what suits them best.

Especially when hot prior to shearing, it is essential for heavily fleeced Alpaca to be able to get out of the heat and into the cool. Paddling pools are all very well but will not replace the shade of shelter when the sun burns down.

Every field has a shelter or two at Kensmyth.