"Caring for the Alpaca"

     As the region they come from has terrible and limited forage ,

some areas such as Peru and Chile have not had rain in over fifty years ,

they are among the most efficient utilizers of food and water on earth !  An

adult alpaca will comsume about 2 1/2 pounds of forage a day.  Most breeders

in this country will supplement this with a grain and mineral mix.  Due to their

efficiency their solid waste looks like "rabbit or deer pellets" and is primarily

composed of indigestable fiber.  This means , unlike other livestock , they

are relatively smell free and their waste can be composted almost immediately

and used as fertilizer.

     Caring for alpacas is much like caring for a dog or cat.  However , they are

livestock and require more knowledge and a little more care.  Compared to

horses , cattle , sheep etc... they are easier to care for.  The actual time

involved in caring for them may only amount to about an hour or two a day ,  

but it is "everyday".       Typical care might be :

• Hay and supplement feeding - twice a day.
• Fresh , clean water - all the time  !
• Pasture and shed cleaning , fence check - weekly.
• Worming and routine body check , including weight - Monthly.
• Trim toenails and check teeth - every couple of months , as needed.
• Shearing fleece - once a year , before hot weather sets in.
• Visit from the Vet - once a year or again as needed.
• If showing - halter and lead training as required (including socializing)

     Heat is a big concern for alpacas and you must provide shade and protection

from strong heat and humidity.  Fans and good air circulation is a must !  

     Alpacas are relatively helpless when it comes to protecting themselves.

Therefore , preditors are another big concern.  Make sure your pastures and

fenced areas are sufficient to keep out all other animals , including the

neighbor's dogs !  Alpacas will not challenge a fence , it is mostly to keep the

preditors out !  Some farms will actually have a  "guard llama"  for protection.