Alpaca Maintenance
Compared to other livestock, alpacas are
relatively inexpensive to maintain. They are very easy on your land because their padded feet and toes
(like a dog's paw), do
not destroy the grass and dig
into the soil liked hoofed animals. Their split upper lip prevents them from
damaging the vegetation's roots--instead of pulling grass in the pasture, they
shear it.
What alpacas' basic needs?
 | fresh water |
| shelter from rain and wind--although alpacas don't
mind snow so much, they do mind getting wet! |
| fencing to guard against predators and keep
them in their home |
| small amounts of grain with minerals |
| good quality hay |
| a fixed regimen of worming and vaccinations
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You will want to have your alpacas
sheared each
year. Because their feet have "nails," you will need to trim them--you cut them just like dog's nails! Males grow fighting teeth
that need
trimmed occasionally (they are very sharp and the machos use them to assert
dominance
over other males!).
Learning about how to care for your alpacas is
not difficult. Most farms that sell alpacas (like BMCA) are
more than willing to provide support for you.
We have provided links to some pertinent
medical information (including a list of
veterinarians
who are familiar with alpacas) and alpaca associations
that are invaluable sources of information.
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