Fallowfield Alpacas - Alpaca Husbandry

Alpaca Husbandry

The information given below is a guide to routine tasks and it is in no way meant to substitute for advice from your vet who should be called if you suspect any alpaca is unwell.

Spending time with your alpacas is an absolute must for the novice breeder. By familiarising yourself with the normal behaviour of these fascinating animals, you will quickly detect any problems that may arise. You will find that this is no chore as watching your alpacas becomes quite addictive and the more time you spend with them, the quicker they will relax with you and trust you.

Alpacas are shorn annually and there are now increasing numbers of experienced alpaca shearers in this country, some teams coming over from Australia and New Zealand every summer. The fleece can be processed either by hand spinners, small mini-mills or the larger commercial mills.

Alpacas need constant access to clean, fresh drinking water. Their grazing requirements are approximately five alpacas per acre of grassland, and they require hay all year round. Although the grass in this country is very lush, it does not have the high mineral levels as the grazing in South America and to compensate a specially formulated Camelid mix is recommended to supply these vital nutrients. A vitamin drench is also recommended, particularly in the winter months.

The parts of South America where alpacas evolved are extremely cold and arid. Although, alpacas have adapted very successfully to weather conditions in the UK, they do appreciate shelter from the rain and snow. Their fleeces do not contain lanolin and therefore cannot repel water in the same way as a sheep’s fleece. Also, they appreciate shelter from the sun in the height of the summer and perhaps somewhere to escape the flies.

Alpacas have soft pads, not hooves. Their toe-nails grow fairly rapidly in the UK where the ground is frequently too soft to wear the toe-nails down naturally. Generally, toe-nails need trimming every three months.

Alpacas are ruminants and have front teeth in their bottom jaw only. When the animal grazes, the grass is clamped between the incisor teeth on its lower jaw and the dental pad on the upper jaw. Their teeth constantly grow and most breeders have them checked, and if necessary trimmed, when they are restrained for shearing.

It is important to regularly vaccinate alpacas against Clostridial diseases. It is best to consult your local vet on this matter. Also, be prepared to inject against worms and parasites which may be prevalent in your area - again your vet will advise.

Alpacas respond to gentle but firm handling. Alpaca crias can be halter trained after they have been weaned at about 6 months.