Does anyone have an Alpaca?! Can you tell me about keeping one?

[Janus]

Just that really! We have a large garden which we could fence off a section of, say 30 feet x 30 feet, is that enough? I’d also let them out during the day to the rest of the garden, which is about a third to half acre. Do they have a stable? Are they relatively easy to look after? I’m at home during the day and we have 4 older children who say they’ll pitch in, one I know will do as it’s her that’s desperate for one and is very responsible!
What do I need to know really? Would the eat up the rest of the garden?! Is the poo hideous?! Am I mad?!

They aren't pets - they need to live in a social group and can actually die if kept on their own. They need a stable, and you'd need a trailer to take them to the vet (and a specialist at that).

Let your dc go on an alpaca walk or experience and leave it at the things you just can't have

They're herd animals and desperate when kept on their own.

Never had any - but my neighbour during my teens kept some in a paddock next to where I kept my horse. I can personally attest to the fact that they do, indeed, spit when irritated. I would have thought this alone would make them a most unsuitable pet for children.

Ok, we have also heard of mini alpacas so have considered getting 2 of those as had heard they like to be in packs. That’s one thing but a trailer is another thing to consider. My head is telling me it’s daft. If they did that experience I’m pretty sure they’d want it even more though!
Do you think really there needs to be about 10 of them then? Or would 2 be enough or is that selfish on our part?

My youngest is 8 and pretty sensible, girl is 11, she’s the one desperate for one, others are older again, so not very young children.

You need the same space for a couple of alpacas as you need for a small flock of sheep. They need specialist care shearing, nail trimming, vaccinating, worming to start with. If you have an acre possible, but as you need to rota grazing at least 2 is better.
They are not children's pets they need proper training to prevent them injuring themselves or you.

Thank you lonecat and others, you are right, this is not something to take on lightly and with no experience, I’ve explained that to daughter. Thanks for your honesty and help.