Feb 12
15
Common Sense Tips For Your Alpaca Farm
With greater environmental safety measures impacting on various industries, it may be good news to know that an alpaca farm is greener than most. Since their footpads leave only light imprints on the ground, alpacas effect less erosion on their pastures than either horses or cows would.
Although much is made of the modest dietary needs of alpacas, at least some of that belief is based on a misconception. Alpacas can and do survive on low protein grass during the dry season in South America, but it has to be born in mind that during the rainy months, the protein content of those same grasses are significantly higher. Most South American alpacas are born at this time. In pregnant dams, malnourishment can lead to fatty liver disease.
Although alpacas are fond of water, they require less of it, being of the camelid family. If you live in an area where the sky is often overcast, you may want to consider a vitamin D supplement for your alpacas, particularly the younger members of the herd.
Alpacas derive security and comfort from the presence of the herd, particularly when startled. They are social and docile. Even males show far less hostility to each other than with other types of herd animals.
Clever and gregarious, alpacas conform strongly to the activities of the rest of their herd. One alpaca taking a dust bath will soon see its companions rolling around. The breeding activities of one female will be arousing to the others. This copying of behaviour can be helpful, if a shy young male proves a reluctant breeder. Just let him observe an older male at work. Another trait that fascinates owners is the diligent use of the communal dung heap, often in concert with the rest of the herd.
Alpacas do not usually escape their enclosures, but the inhabitants of your alpaca farm may need protection from the wild hunters of nature. They are hardy, as far as the climate of their environment goes, but may require shelter, in the form of an open barn to protect against hard rain or very hot weather.
According to at least one source you can cut down on the time you spend getting your alpaca fiber up to grade, by paying closer attention to the condition of your herd’s pasture. A lot of nuisance with weeds such as thistle, foxtail and blackberry-vines can be avoided by eliminating them from the grazing area. The word is to groom your pastures before you even look at your alpacas. If you think the process of shearing may traumatize some of your alpacas, give them a few drops of rescue remedy to calm them down.
Although alpacas are known to adapt to climate and other challenges, it should be remembered that their homeland differs vastly from an alpaca farm where they live today.
