Looking After Alpaca
Introduction
Alpaca are superb animals to farm as they are intelligent, easy to handle and very hardy. Compared with most other livestock species they need little routine maintenance and in general do not suffer from problems such as footrot and flystrike commonly associated with sheep farming. There is no need for crutching, tail docking, or dipping, leaving lots of time to simply enjoy these beautiful and fascinating animals.
Feeding
Alpaca are "opportunist browsers" and incredible converters of low grade forage. They will graze most grasses and the foliage of trees without stripping the bark.
Grass, hay and a clean supply of fresh drinking water is all a typical New Zealand alpaca requires. Generally they do not need additional feed supplements.
Regular hands-on checks as to the "condition" of the animals is encouraged as a full fleece can conceal a thin alpaca.
Grass, hay and a clean supply of fresh drinking water is all a typical New Zealand alpaca requires. Generally they do not need additional feed supplements.
Regular hands-on checks as to the "condition" of the animals is encouraged as a full fleece can conceal a thin alpaca.
Fencing
There are very few requirements in the way of fencing or yards when running alpaca. Alpaca do not challenge barriers and a standard sheep fence is more than adequate. Barbed wire should be avoided and electric "hot wires" are not needed. In most cases the existing fence on a property is sufficient.
Shearing
It is normal for an alpaca to be shorn annually in springtime when the weather is warm.
They may be shorn with conventional sheep shearing equipment with a flexible dropper or with electric clippers.
Some people learn to shear their own alpaca, others use professional alpaca shearers or sheep shearers.
They may be shorn with conventional sheep shearing equipment with a flexible dropper or with electric clippers.
Some people learn to shear their own alpaca, others use professional alpaca shearers or sheep shearers.
Reproduction
Alpaca have a slightly different reproductive cycle than other livestock. They are induced ovulators, so only ovulate once mated - meaning they don't come into season as such and can be mated at any time of the year. This has the advantage of being able to choose a convenient time of year to have birthing season.
The gestation period is generally 11 months but can depend on the time of year - Winter and Spring gestations are longer, Summer and Autumn gestations shorter.
Birthing is predominantly during the day, and alpaca mothers will often wait until fine weather to "unpack" their offspring. Baby alpaca are called cria (pronounced cree-ah). They are approximately 6 to 8 kilograms at birth and are standing, drinking and running within a few hours.
The gestation period is generally 11 months but can depend on the time of year - Winter and Spring gestations are longer, Summer and Autumn gestations shorter.
Birthing is predominantly during the day, and alpaca mothers will often wait until fine weather to "unpack" their offspring. Baby alpaca are called cria (pronounced cree-ah). They are approximately 6 to 8 kilograms at birth and are standing, drinking and running within a few hours.
Behaviour
Alpaca are herd animals and do best when kept and handled in groups. They are very curious, come when called, can be trained to eat out of your hand, and are easily taught to lead on a halter.
Once held, alpaca are naturally submissive. Crooking an arm around the neck and placing the other hand on the animal's back holds them. For an animal that looks deceptively big they are very gentle and actually weigh little more than a sheep.
Once held, alpaca are naturally submissive. Crooking an arm around the neck and placing the other hand on the animal's back holds them. For an animal that looks deceptively big they are very gentle and actually weigh little more than a sheep.
Routine Care
As alpaca defecate in communal sites around their field, preferring not to graze around these "dung piles", internal parasite levels are normally low thus drenching requirements are lower than for other livestock. Alpaca that are grazed with other livestock might need more regular drenching.
Alpaca can be vaccinated against the clostridial diseases found in New Zealand. The same products and dose rates for sheep can be used.
Alpaca have soft padded feet with two toes - thus two toenails. These may need trimming from time to time. It is a task easily carried out by the alpaca owner using clippers.
Farming conditions around New Zealand vary greatly so you should always find out what is necessary in your local area from your vet or local alpaca breeders.
Alpaca can be vaccinated against the clostridial diseases found in New Zealand. The same products and dose rates for sheep can be used.
Alpaca have soft padded feet with two toes - thus two toenails. These may need trimming from time to time. It is a task easily carried out by the alpaca owner using clippers.
Farming conditions around New Zealand vary greatly so you should always find out what is necessary in your local area from your vet or local alpaca breeders.
Note:
Information on this page was sourced from the New Zealand Alpaca Association Booklet - Focus on Alpaca.