Alpaca Care and Diet
Of all livestock you can own, the alpaca is one of the easiest
and most inexpensive to maintain. This factor contributes
significantly to their overall investment value and the quality
of life of those who care for them. Small wonder that the alpaca
is now considered the world's finest livestock investment.
Their physical needs are simple and "user friendly" for the
new owner as well as the experienced alpaca farmer:
Shelter
Since alpacas have survived several millennia in the harsh
cold of the high Andes, they have developed a remarkable ability
to be comfortable during the worst of our winters (if only the
same could be said of their human caretakers). A three-sided
shelter with the open side facing east-southeast is usually
adequate. The maximum number of animals you plan for that area
should determine the size of shelter.
In warm weather, alpacas need shade and airflow. Make sure
your shelter and/or barn has adequate ventilation and be
prepared to use fans in these areas on warm, muggy days.
Clean, fresh water should also be available in or near the
shelter. Alpacas do not consume much water, but they will resist
drinking stale or dirty water.
Diet
The efficiency of the alpaca is especially noticeable when
you consider that they are highly developed ruminants and
require much less food intake than most animals their size.
If your pastures have adequate natural, non-fertilized grass,
they will content themselves to simply graze there. Alternating
them between pasture areas allows the grass to re-grow and fecal
parasites to die before reusing the areas. Ideally, rotation
schedules at least two weeks long will allow these desirable
events to occur.
You can supplement grass intake with a low-protein grass hay.
A little alfalfa is okay, but you need to watch protein levels.
Remember, your alpacas are designed to utilize their food in a
very efficient manner. Put their hay in an area where it can
stay dry and in a container that minimizes waste.
Finally, most alpaca owners will add a small amount of
commercial grain prepared for alpacas to their animals' daily
diet. The important value of this is to provide selenium and
other necessary vitamins, which cannot be obtained from grass
and hay in the United States.
Acreage
The general rule is that five to ten alpacas can be easily
and efficiently maintained on one acre of usable land. This will
vary depending on your farm layout, the nature of your land, and
other factors. Obviously, if your pasture has a little grass and
a lot of alpacas, you will need to provide additional
high-quality grass hay for your herd.
Fencing
Alpacas are non-aggressive animals that do not "challenge"
fences like other types of livestock. Indeed, your fencing
should be designed more toward keeping predators out than
keeping your alpacas in. This suggests a height of at least five
feet and mesh openings no more than four inches wide.
Veterinary Care
Under normal circumstances, your medical expenses for your
alpacas will be minimal. These are essentially hardy and healthy
animals, toughened by 5000 years of life in the hostile
environment of the high Andes, and protected by stringent import
guidelines maintained by the US government and AOBA.
The standard regimen of care for the alpaca includes annual inoculations and monthly worming. Toenails need to be trimmed every six months. As you become more experienced, you may want to handle most of these procedures and utilize your veterinarian only on an as-needed and consultative basis.
One of your first tasks in researching your alpaca options should
be to locate a qualified veterinarian near you who has specialized
experience in treating camelids, preferably alpacas. Your state
veterinary association will be able to assist you in this search.