AlpacaPedia

Alpaca Related Basic Education and Information

Created and maintained by Dianna Jordan, Alpacas of Somerset Farm

Basic Care

Overall alpacas are hardy animals and easy to maintain.  However, just as with other livestock, they do require certain minimum care.

Food/Supplements

Unless you have pastures that will support them we have found it costs about as much to feed an alpaca a month as it does a large dog.

• Pasture: the general rule is 4-5 alpacas per acre, depending on condition of soil and quality of  pasture.
• Good quality hay: alpacas do not require a high protein hay in most cases (pregnant or lactating moms being some of the few exceptions).  The average alpaca will eat between 1-1/2% of their body weight.

• Mineral supplements:  Provide the right mineral mix; speak to your veterinarian or other camelid owners in your area.  Pregnant or nursing moms and cria need more supplementation

• Clean Drinking Water: this is an absolute necessity at all times.

Shelters/Fencing

• Shelter: should be adequate for local conditions and allow the animals to get out of extreme weather (a roof and enclosed on three sides is usually all needed).
• Fans: Provide fans for summer heat and humidity relief
• Fencing: the purpose of fencing is more to keep predators out than the alpacas in.  Safe and secure fencing can be board, high-tensile wire, field fence or the like; barbed wire is not necessary as alpacas are not “pushers” and it can damage fiber and cause injury.
• Protection: from predators such as roaming dogs (dogs are the number one predator of alpacas).

Health and Maintenance

• Access to Veterinary Care: while alpacas are generally hardy animals, access to a veterinarian with large animal experience (preferably alpaca or llama) or one willing to learn, is very helpful in those situations where veterinary intervention is necessary. Find a local vet with alpaca or llama experience or has a willingness to learn.  The ranch you purchase from should be able to help you find a qualified veterinarian.
• Talk to your vet about the recommended vaccinations and de-worming for your area
• Annual Shearing: alpacas do require annual shearing, usually in the spring; it is a health issue as they are susceptible to heat stress. Either hand/electric clippers may be used. You can learn to do this yourself or there are a number of owners/breeders who will do this for a fee.
• Trim toenails as needed.
• Safe Transportation: alpacas can be transported in stock and horse trailers, and even in vans. They will usually lie down (“kush”) while transporting and should not be tied
• Poisonous plants: alpacas will eat many types of plants, so talk to your vet or extension agent about plants poisonous to alpacas.

Please “DO”

• Provide properly-fitted alpaca halters and use only when working with the animals.
• Talk to experienced breeders or a veterinarian about breeding and birthing
• Join an alpaca organization to learn more and keep up to date; there are numerous local and regional groups as well as national registries and show associations

Please “DON’T

• Have only one alpaca; they need a ‘buddy’

• Leave halters on

• Keep them tied up

• Keep them locked in a stall or small space

• Keep an intact male with female(s)

• Breed alpacas or llamas in hot weather

• Tie during transport

Alpaca Health and Care

Of the many excellent books available, I consider the following to be essential and "must haves" for new alpaca owners.

The ALPACA Field Manual C. Norman Evans, D.V.M.

If you own and breed alpacas and only have one book in your library, this must be it. Expect this book to become dog-eared and worn...if it doesn't, you are not using it the way it is meant to be used!

Llama and Alpaca Neonatal Care B Smith, K Timm, P Long

A "must have" if you intend to breed alpacas. Basic information presented in a straight-forward, easy to understand manner.

Personal note: if you intend to have cria born on your ranch, please attend a neonatal clinic.....for your peace of mind and the health and safety of your alpacas.

Website created and maintained by Dianna Jordan, all rights reserved.