Things You Should Know About Alpacas
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Fleece: There are two types of alpaca, the Huacaya and the Suri. Huacaya fleece looks wooly and has a “teddy-bear” appearance. Suri fleece is silky and resembles dreadlocks.
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Size: Adults generally weigh between 150-200 lbs. and are around 36” tall at the withers (shoulder).
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When shorn at appropriate intervals (usually once a year) are adaptable to any climate.
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Do not have horns, hooves or claws to hurt you with.
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Have no upper teeth in the front.
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Eat grass and chew cud.
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Average lifespan is about 20-25 years.·-Gestation is 11.5 months.
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Females are reproductively mature at approx. 18 months old. Males mature sexually between 2 and 3 years old.
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Baby alpacas are called cria(pronounced cree-ah). Cria are normally born, without assistance, during daylight hours. Twins are rare and often do not survive.
Requirements
Fencing:
Alpacas normally do not challenge fences, so minimal fencing is
adequate. 4 to 5 foot woven-wire fence is commonly used. Barbed-wire
and electric fence is NOT recommended.
Shelter: A 3-sided shelter to provide shade and protection from rain, snow and wind is all that is required.
Shearing: In most areas of the United States alpacas need shearing once
a year to protect them from overheating in summer. This is usually done
in the spring and there are professionals that travel the country
providing this service if you choose not to do it yourself. The cost is
minimal and sometimes includes nail-trimming and/ or teeth trimming.
Vaccinations: Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate vaccinations
for your specific area. Our farm gives tetanus shots yearly, de-wormer
shots quarterly and as needed per fecal test results. These are readily
available from farm supply stores and are easily given via subcutaneous
shot by us. You may choose to have a vet do this for you.
Other maintenance: Most alpacas need their nails trimmed once or twice
a year. The farm you purchase from can quickly show you how. Young
males will need their “fighting teeth” trimmed and some
alpacas will need their front teeth trimmed occasionally. You may
choose to have your vet or shearer trim teeth but it’s not
difficult to do yourself.
Caring for Your Alpacas
Daily Care
Fill water/clean water buckets as needed. Feed hay, grain, and minerals
as needed. Clean feces. Check overall appearance of each animal. We do
these things twice a day. Some owners only feed once a day.
Weekly Care
Inspect pastures for debris/safety hazards and check fences/gates.
Thoroughly inspect all animals. Weigh cria and record results.
Monthly Care
Weigh (and record) adults. Body score and adjust feeding amounts
accordingly. Inspect feet and trim nails as appropriate. Inspect teeth
and trim as necessary. Mow grass in/around feces piles. Test feces for
parasites and medicate accordingly.
Annual Care
Shear in spring. Vaccinate. Research and schedule breedings for your females.
Seasonally/As Needed
Inspect shelters. Test pasture and hay for nutritional value and adjust feed and/or minerals accordingly.