Education

Alpaca Education

The British Alpaca Society is keen to promote education and training for its members and the general public in all aspects of alpaca ownership and management. The society offers two types of training:

  1. BAS Affiliate modules that cover items such as alpaca handling and welfare. Details of courses currently on offer are detailed below.
  2. BAS Breeder and Judge training. These items are restricted to BAS members only and details can be found in the Members Area.

Many BAS members offer courses for people interested in alpacas and alpaca fibre. Scroll down to see what’s on offer in your area.

BAS Training Courses

Introduction to Alpaca Assessment

A one day course on alpaca conformation and fibre.

Covering:

Basic conformation including teeth, stature, genitalia, legs, gait and body scoring;
Fleece – how to recognise the different qualities and traits of fibre including weight and value, fineness, density, crimp, uniformity, length, colour, amplitude and frequency and an introduction to histograms. You will have the opportunity to assess fleeces and discuss the merits of different qualities and styles.

Course notes will be provided including a glossary of terms.

There will be a maximum of 12 people on the day.

Cost: BAS Members £ 65 + VAT Non Members £85 + VAT

This course will only run if there is a minimum of 8 people.

Regional groups are encouraged to arrange for this course to be held locally for the benefit of their members.

The next evaluation course:  Northern Ireland  7th (full)  and 8th October 2023

 

Training offered by Affiliates

BAS Affiliate Courses* 

Courses offered by BAS Affiliate Trainers are from the set of 9 approved by the Society:

Module 1:  Feeding and basic management
Module 2:   Vaccination, Supplements, Illness and Ailments
Module 3:   Handling Alpacas

3a) Herding and catching

3b) Fitting a head collar

3c) Basic Halter Training

Module 4:   The Alpaca – What to look for
Module 5:   Understanding shearing day
Module 6:   Fleece – what to do with it
Module 7:   Breeding and mating
Module 8:   Birthing
Module 9:   Marketing your alpaca business

*(This course was revised and updated in October 2022 and was formerly 11 modules. The content remains the same)

 

Upcoming Courses

There are affiliates all over the country to find someone near you click here

Further contact details are available here – names,  emails, and telephone numbers.

Apply directly to the breeder concerned.

7 October 2023

Date/TimeSaturday 7th October 2023     10.00 – 16.30
County (Postcode)Yorkshire (YO61 4PD)
TitleIntroduction to Alpaca Management 1
ModulesModules 1,2 & 3
More Infohttps://beaconalpacas.co.uk/
Contactbeacon.alpacas@yahoo.co.uk

7 October 2023

Date/ Time7th October 10-16.30
County (Postcode)Cheshire SK11 0NJ
TitleAlpaca Fundamentals: Husbandry & Handling
Modules1, 2, & 3
More Infowww.capitalalpaca.com
Contactcapitalalpaca@gmail.com

21 October 2023

Course provided by, or in association with, BAS members – The British Alpaca Society does not Endorse or Approve the course shown below
Date/Time21st – 24th October 2023
County (Postcode)Mullacott Alpacas, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8NA
TitleFour day Camelidynamics clinic
More Infohttps://www.camelidynamics.com/category/events/
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

9 November 2023

Date/TimeSunday 9th November 2023 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Gloucs (GL53 9NJ)
TitleBasic Alpaca Husbandry
ModulesModules 1-3
More Infowww.cotswoldalpacas.co.uk
Contact 07799 785 719

28 January 2024

Date/TimeSunday 28th January 2024 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Devon (EX34 8NA)
TitleIntroduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling
Modules1,2 & 3
More Infowww.mullacottalpacas.com
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

6 April 2024

Date/TimeSaturday 6th April 2024 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Devon (EX34 8NA)
TitleIntroduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling
Modules1,2 & 3
More Infowww.mullacottalpacas.com
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

7 April 2024

Date/TimeSunday 7th April 2024 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Devon (EX34 8NA)
TitleAlpaca Breeding – Mating, Birthing, and Cria Care
Modules7 & 8
More Infowww.mullacottalpacas.com
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

15 June 2024

Date/TimeSaturday 15th June 2024 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Devon (EX34 8NA)
TitleIntroduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling
Modules1,2 & 3
More Infowww.mullacottalpacas.com
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

16 June 2024

Date/TimeSunday 16th June 2024 10:00 – 16:30
County (Postcode)Devon (EX34 8NA)
TitleIntroduction to Alpacas: Breeding, Fibre and Conformation
Modules4,5,6,7,& 8
More Infowww.mullacottalpacas.com
ContactKatebrookes2@gmail.com

Call affiliates directly to book your place

Practical alpaca owners and breeders affiliate scheme & workshop