CLEANING UP | WINTER TIPS | FEEDING | BIRTHING | MAINTENANCE | BOOK SUGGESTIONS

Below are some frequently asked questions . We would like this page to become a sharing of information so please email us questions or tips you would like to share or alternatively use the message board posted on this page.
Email: atlanticseaside@ns.sympatico.ca

 

CLEANING UP <top>

My alpacas dung pile has spread all over the barn. Do you have any tips for this?

Although Alpacas use a communal dung pile if it is not cleaned regularly it will begin to spread as they do not like it when the dung pile becomes too thick . When cleaning up use 'stable boy ' - or other deodorizer as anywhere they can smell their manure or urine they will consider a 'poop' pile. Create a specific area that will be their toilet and put a litte manure in it so that they know where to go'

What do you do with your dung piles outside?

A strong leaf mulcher with a vacuum is one secret. You can vacuum up the poop pile and the mulcher shreds it into a peat consistency. (this only works when the pellets are dry ) This is then ready for the garden and the pasture is clean. Alpaca poop takes around three days to pass through the animal which means it can be directly applied as a compost and will not burn plants like other manures will .

WINTER TIPS <top>

• Adult alpacas keep themselves warm in winter time by eating fibre such as hay - for this reason it is not imperative that they get fed 'hard feeds' if the hay you are feeding them is good quality and consistent . However it is important to realise that if you dont supplement with a ration the animals will be missing nutrients vital for producing good fibre ,skin and overall health. Lactating Hembras especially need nutrients replaced .
• Always have your hay tested .
• Cria are unable to produce the same warmth from hay and so it is a very good idea to supply an alpaca ration for them even if they are still suckling .
• No animal can produce the warmth they need without a fresh and constant supply of water. Lack of this supply can lead to Hypothermia and other health problems due to a weakened immune system .
• Sunlight and Excercise are also important for winter health . Don't allow them to sit around in the barn each and every day bored. If you can - take their hay/feed away from their shelter so that they have to exercise a little.
• Probiotics added to feed as a top dressing helps prevent acidosis in animals under stress,this includes Cria who are weaning which is a stressful time in their lives.(I.C.I)

FEEDING TIPS <top>

• Don't feed them on the ground - parasites enter the digestive tract that much more easily. We use wooden rain guttering for our exterior hard feeding . Easily transported and weather proof. It is said that each animal should have around eighteen inches of guttering to eat without competition. Failing guttering - screw two smooth planks together at a right angle and then screw two short end pieces to this to create feet and an end.
• Feeding either at ground level or around a foot off the ground helps animals who suffer from choke. (Dr Norm Evans)
• Alpacas do not like ice in their waterers - to the point where they will not drink even if the water is not completely frozen - Therefore it is a good idea to invest in heated buckets for freezing winters.

BIRTHING / 'CRIATING' <top>

How do you tell if one of your alpacas is about to give birth ?

The best lesson of all - KNOW YOUR ANIMALS. Although it may not be obvious - they are creatures of habit - one may hang out at the gate - one may always be in the midst of the crowd - one may like to lie flat out and another might be particularly vocal. Whatever the character of the particular animal - if you spend time with them - there comes the day when you walk into the barn and something is wrong - you are alerted by an inner alarm - one glance over the herd and you know exactly where the problem is. This is the best way to tell when someone is nearing their time or when someone is sick and in need of attention. If you can foster this connection, time and time again you will be able to come to the rescue or just bear witness at a birthing. It does not take much to let them tell you what's going on.

MAINTENANCE <top>

There seems to be alot to do to alpacas like toe trimming etc. is it difficult ?

TOENAILS: Our most successful days of toenail trimming - shots or halter training come when one of us has gone alone out to the barn. The Alpacas are not intimidated and mostly allow the job to be done with no fuss what so ever. The fear comes from anything that is made into a 'performance' The anticipation being very much worse than the event.

CATCH PEN: We use a small area - based on a Marty McGee mini catch pen for all procedures so that the alpaca can move around but still be within touching distance. So far we have not had the need for a shute . We shear, shoot and trim whilst they calmly much on a snack. (its a good idea to put tennis balls in the feed bucket so they cant gobble it down all at once)

FOOTPADS: Check the pads of an alpacas feet when you trim toenails. Cracks can appear on the pads - leaving an opening for bacteria - squirt some antiseptic -'blue coat ' on these areas and also between the toes where parasites might like to hide when it is wet and muddy

FOOT BATH:We have made a shallow foot bath which we sometimes place at the entrance to our female communal stall. One part vinegar to four parts water and sand to stop slipping - the ladies walk through it every time they enter or leave their shelter cleaning any wounds and killing bacteria. Carpet is also an option as a non slip base for your foot bath .

ALPACA LIBRARY suggestions <top>

• Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids by Murray E. Fowler
• The Alpaca Book: Management, Medicine, Biology and Fiber
  by Eric Hoffman and Murray Fowler,
• Llamas and Alpacas: A health Management guide
  by CLAA Hoffman and Ingrid Assumes
• Llama and Alpaca neonatal Care
  by Branford B. Smith , Karen I. Tim and Patrick O. Long
• Purely Suri Magazine by the Suri Network