There is so much to say about buying and breeding alpacas, their accommodation needs, nutrition, care, maintenance, birth, mating etc that it would be foolish to even start here.  One very important point however is that Alpacas are herd animals, and should never be on their own.  No respectable breeder would ever sell one animal on its own, unless it was going to join others.  You should therefore think of buying at least two, though more is better.  Conventional advice is that 1 acre will support about 5 Alpacas, though you do need to consider 'resting' a field especially in Winter.  Alpacas are hardy animals and can live outside all year round, and do not need stabling at night (nor mucking out every day !).  They do need some form of shelter from hot sun or driving rain (hedges, trees, field shelters or a barn), but generally they are very happy with a good supply of grass (and hay in the Winter), clean water, and a handful of special Alpaca feed supplement.  This is largely to replace the minerals they would find naturally in the Andes, and gives you an opportunity to mingle with them each day.

There are plenty of sources of information on the internet, some outstandingly comprehensive (if expensive) books, such as 'Tha Alpaca Book' (ISBN 0 964 6618 0 2).  There is also the extensive network of members of the British Alpaca Society and the British Camelids Association (merged in 2007) and some good periodicals. 

You will also get plenty of advice from most breeders and owners, directly or at regional meetings such as those of the South-East Alpaca Group, (southeastalpacagroup.co.uk)  or just by asking.  The Alpaca world is relatively small though growing steadily, and newcomers are always welcome.  There are an increasing number of training courses available via BAS or the local groups around the country if you want to develop your skills and knowledge.

You will find that, as in most fields, there are differing opinions and advice, and you have to choose which to follow.  We are happy to offer what advice we have, and you can see if it suits you.  Feel free to contact or visit us and we'll gladly share our knowledge and experience built up over the years.