Alpacas: rare wool, gentle therapy and natural immersion

Arrived from England in 2016. Consequently, Paul Beswick and Daimen Upton installed Duprem, their alpacas farm in Maleville. Similarly, “”I came to France with 38 alpacas, I now have around sixty “, PAUL.” I settled here because it is a magnificent country and then there are only 8,000 alpacas, against nearly 85,000 in England! Meanwhile, It was also important for me to come with new genetics. Furthermore, both for the good development of the species in France but also to improve the quality of wool “He adds.

An “exotic” breeding – Alpacas: rare wool, gentle therapy

Here, alpacas are mainly raised for their wool. For example, Classified exotic animal, it is prohibited, in France, to use alpacas alpacas: rare wool, gentle therapy for milk or meat. Therefore, In Duprem, you can find both alpaca breeds: the sours and the Huacaya. Nevertheless, Some come from the United States, others from Peru, New Zealand and Australia. For example, We differentiate them thanks to their “hairstyle”. Suris have smooth and steep hair, much like a fringe. The Huacaya have a “pompom” curled on their heads. The alpacas are mowed once every two years, depending on their breeds. “”Once mowed, I separate the fibers by hand. The first fiber allows me to make balls of wool while the second is used for duvets and cushions. They have neither the same thickness nor the same texture “Said the manager.”In my breeding, I have a total of 22 different colors. I have a lot because I want to offer a wide choice for store products. Gray is the most difficult to keep because it is a alpacas: rare wool, gentle therapy recessive genetics. “

Guided

On a land of four hectares. Paul installs his alpacas in several enclosures: male and female babies, separated from their birth until their and a half year, in one; Adolescent males in a second, adult males in a third and finally females, who are in heat all year round, in another. The visit to the farm will allow you to see these animals. feed them, caress them or even walk them using a halter, while learning more about these camelids and their wool. The gestation of the females lasts 11 and a half months. Per year, Paul is waiting for about 15 to 16 babies. You can also take a look at the store. where Paul’s partner, Daimen Upton knit all kinds of products (balls, scarves, hats, gloves) for sale.

The therapy animal

Many people confuse lamas and alpacas. “”The llamas are larger, their neck is different alpacas: rare wool, gentle therapy while that of alpacas is smaller. They don’t have the same character either “explains Paul. “”Alpacas are quieter. unlike the lamas which are more “foufous” “These animals can also be therapeutic and help people in difficulty while staying with them a few hours. In addition to therapy. alpacas are used in medicine thanks to their wool, especially for premature babies because it is only hypoallergenic wool.

It is recommended to visit in July and August to see the newborns. Check the opening hours on Google. The park is open the rest of the year by reservation. A visit to the farm lasts about an hour. Price: € 7.50 per person.