Monday, July 6, 2020
Are Alpacas for You?
We are frequently contacted by people who are interested in raising alpacas. Initial discussion usually focuses on the infrastructure needs for an alpaca farm: pasture, shelter, adequate nutrition, clean water, and good fences. Because alpacas have no way to protect themselves, it is essential that owners are willing to provide a safe environment. Here are some basics that all potential alpaca owners should understand and be prepared for as they explore starting a herd.
Pasture: Generally you will want at least 1 acre for every 5-7 alpacas. We also recommend that farmers plan for pasture rotation to rest pastures and to assist in internal parasite control.
Fences: A no-climb woven wire fence (4 - 5 feet high) with holes of about 2x4 inches is the ideal fence for alpacas. While alpacas don't usually challenge fences, you want to keep potential predators out of the pasture. We do not recommend barbed wire or electric fencing; these can damage both the alpaca and their fiber. Fencing with holes larger than 2x4 inches may prove hazardous for alpacas as well, since they can get heads or limbs stuck.
Water: Fresh clean water must be available for alpacas at all times.
Shelter: A shelter must be available that allows alpacas to get out of inclement weather (both cold and hot). There must be adequate space in the shelter for alpacas to lay down, stand up, and move around. Think about the best location for your shelter. In most cases, you will want the opening/s to be on the south side to avoid cold north winds. You will want to position the shelter in an area that stays dry in wet weather. Alpacas should be able to move freely and at will between indoors and outdoors.
Nutrition: Good quality hay should be available 24/7, in addition to pasture. To determine the best type of hay and pasture for your area, consult with your county extension agent and/or other alpaca farmers in your area. We provide loose minerals and an additional pelleted supplement for our alpacas as well. Both are specially formulated for the needs of alpacas.
Shearing: Alpacas in Missouri (and in most areas of the United States) must be sheared annually for their health. This should be done in the spring, before the summer heat arrives. Shearing is an ideal time to also clip toenails. Schedule a shearer 6 months in advance as shearers' schedules fill quickly.
Cleanliness: Alpacas poop in common areas (generally), and their poop is easy to clean up. It should all be cleaned up daily. Barns/shelters should be kept clean so that alpacas always have a clean dry place to lay down. Cleaning up poop daily will help with internal parasite control.
Safety: Keep metal, glass and other trash cleaned up on your farm. Alpacas have soft padded feet; they should be able to walk anywhere without the risk of stepping on something that cuts or hurts their feet.
An Alpaca Needs a Herd: Alpacas are herd animals and should never be kept by themselves. In fact, an alpaca should live with a "herd" of at least three alpacas; four or five alpacas are even better. Alpaca cria (babies) should be handled in such a way that the boundary between humans and alpacas is clear. Over-socialization can result in what is known as "beserk" syndrome - an aggressive and dangerous animal that cannot be trusted around humans.
Males and Females: Males and females should always be kept in separate quarters and separate pastures, even if the males have been gelded. Repeated breeding activity is hazardous to the health of the females. New farmers can consider starting with a female-only or a male-only herd.
Other Livestock: Generally speaking, it is best not to mix alpacas with other livestock. Larger livestock like horses and cows can seriously hurt the much smaller alpaca. Some other livestock share parasites with alpacas, and will poop anywhere. Some people use guard llamas for protection of their alpacas. As with alpacas, do NOT mix genders between alpacas and llamas.
Alpacas as Pets: Alpacas are not pets (although we love every one of our alpacas!). Alpacas are livestock. They should not live in the house, and they should not be over-socialized. "Cute" videos on social media that show single alpacas chasing humans, or being led around by a dog leash do not give a healthy view of alpaca ownership. Alpacas that are over-socialized can become aggressive and dangerous to humans. Alpacas should live with a herd, organized in groups of the same gender.
A few additional safety points:
Halters need to be fitted appropriately.
Halters should never be left on the animals when they are unattended.
Alpacas should not be tied up when traveling. They will cush (lay down) when the vehicle is moving.
Alpacas should be fed (hay, supplements, etc.) low to the ground. That is their natural eating posture.
The Camelid Community Standard of Care Working Group developed an excellent primer on Minimum Standards of Care a number of years ago. We encourage you to download this document and keep it with your research materials. A more in-depth document developed by the same group is Recommended Practices in Caring for Llamas and Alpacas.
Additional information and downloads are here: https://hasselbringsharmonyranch.com/about-alpacas.html