What's inside..
Before making the commitment of time and money in purchasing alpacas or llamas,
please review the following points; you should be able to answer “YES” to all of these:
CAN YOU PROVIDE?
• Pasture: the general rule is (3-4) llamas per acre and (4-5) alpacas per acre,
depending on condition of soil and quality of pasture
• Fencing: safe and secure fencing can be board, high-tensile wire, field fence or the
like; barbed wire is not necessary as alpacas and llamas are not “pushers” and
it can damage fiber and cause injury
• Shelter: should be adequate for local conditions and allow the animals to get out
of extreme weather
• Clean Drinking Water: this is an absolute necessity at all times
• Protection: from predators such as roaming dogs
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO?
• Good quality hay: alpacas and llamas do not require a high protein hay in most
cases (pregnant or lactating moms being some of the few exceptions)
• Safe Transportation: alpacas and llamas can be transported in stock and horse
trailers, and even in vans. They will usually lie down (“kush”) while transporting and
should not be tied
• Access to Veterinary Care: while alpacas and llamas are generally hardy animals,
access to a veterinarian with large animal experience (preferably alpaca or llama) or
one willing to learn, is very helpful in those situations where veterinary intervention is
necessary.
• Annual Shearing: these animals do require annual shearing, usually in spring;
it is a health issue as they are susceptible to heat stress. Either hand/electric clippers
may be used. You can easily learn to do this yourself or there are a number of
owners/breeders who will do this for a fee.
IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO
THESE QUESTIONS….
PLEASE “DO”:
• Provide the right mineral mix; speak to your veterinarian or other camelid owners
in your area
• Provide fans for summer heat and humidity relief
• Trim toenails as needed
• Provide properly-fitted alpaca or llama halters and use only when working with
the animals
• Talk to experienced breeders or a veterinarian about breeding and birthing
• Join an alpaca or llama organization to learn more and keep up to date; there are
numerous local and regional groups as well as national registries and show
associations
PLEASE “DON’T”….
• Have only one alpaca or llama; they need a ‘buddy’, preferably one of their own kind
• Leave halters on
• Keep them tied up
• Keep them locked in a stall or small space
• Keep an intact male with female(s)
• Breed alpacas or llamas in hot weather
• Tie during transport
• Bottle-feed an alpaca or llama unless it is a medical necessity
HEALTH AND MAINTENANCE….
• Find a local vet with alpaca or llama experience or a willingness to learn
• Talk to your vet about the recommended vaccinations and de-worming for your area
• Dietary requirements are simple: hay or pasture plus a mineral mix are often all that
are necessary
• Pregnant or nursing moms and babies need more supplementation
• Alpacas and llamas will eat many types of plants, so talk to your vet or extension
agent about plants poisonous to alpacas and llamas