Care Of Alpacas

Alpacas are hardy animals, so hopefully low vet bills. They need to have their toes nails clipped 3 to 4 times a year, plus have yearly worming and vaccination. They like to graze, but they also like to have hay, but be careful not to over feed. Fencing your Alpacas is fairly easy with post, rail and stock fencing. It is useful to keep some Sheep hurdles handy to make pens for husbandry and trimming. Because of their hardiness, they prefer to live outside all year. It is good to have a field shelter so that they can shade from intense summer sun or very heavy rain or snow. When the Cria are first born, depending on the weather and time of year, it is advisable to put a waterproof coat on them for about 1 to 2 weeks.

Alpacas And Pregnancy

Alpacas do not come into season, ovulation is induced, this means that birth times can be managed and timed for Spring and Summer. Ovulation occurs up to 26 hours after mating, the female will be covered by the same male on the repeat basis until she refuses him. (Spit off) Gestation is 11 1/2 months, this can vary by 2 weeks either way. Twins are exceptionally rare, birthing is normally managed with out any intervention, but it is a good idea to have your vets number at hand. Female Alpacas are ready to start breeding around 14 to 18 months of age, when she reaches 65% of her final body weight. The foetus of an Alpaca remains small for much of the pregnancy, so not causing much strain on the body. Alpacas are very devoted Mothers, the Cria are weaned at 6 months. The Males reach maturity at 2 to 2 1/2 years, at this point they should be gelded if they are not to be used as a stud male.