Some Frequently Asked Questions

Question:
How many alpacas could I run to the acre or What is the general stocking rate?
Answer:
Camelid are very efficient converters of pasture, A generally accepted guide line is 5-8 animals per acre. These stocking rates assume good quality pasture; also Alpaca require roughly 40% dry matter in their diet.

Question:
What are the health/husbandry requirements for alpacas?
Answer:
Alpacas are generally very hardy animals with minimal problems. Two routine injections are usually required annually,
               1-WORMING, can be done through Ivomec or Dectomax injection usually every six months, This can be obtained from your local vet.
               2- Ultravac 5in1 or Covexin 10, A clostridial vaccine. Either can be used, as protection against Tetanus, Black Disease, Enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney) to name a few.  Most breeders should administer this at one month of age, followed by a booster 4 weeks later.  Then adult alpaca should preferably be vaccinated every six months, Pregnant females should be vaccinated one month prior to giving birth.
Also, more so for cria up to six months of age, or for adults when sunshine hours are few, (winter months or long periods of overcast and cloudy days) vitamin ADE injections are usually administered, but a warning of excessive doses of either A or D can be harmful.

Question:
What other general care will my alpaca need?
Answer:
A) TOENAIL CLIPPING-Some alpacas may need their toenails clipped, white or light coloured animals seem to grow much quicker than black or dark coloured animals which rarely need attention. This can be easily done at shearing or a well trained animal will pick up his/her feet like a horse while you trim the toes, you can use a pair of rose clippers or sheep foot cutters. In their native habitat, they generally wear down their constantly growing toenails on hard or stoney ground. But on soft pastures this does not happen.
B) SHEARING- Usually a annual affair, Although the Suri alpaca, providing they have good shade and maybe a water sprinkler to keep cool (for the hot summer months) can be left for up to 24 months before shearing (this is usually for showing purposes only, but the Suri do look so stunning with their beautiful long draping fleece) Although this can make the fibre difficult for processing by machine, I will say though I am having marvelous results with these fleeces from a home spinner!!
Shearing is a relatively easy process with a few experienced hands on deck, it also makes for great viewing to those who have never witnessed the process before. You could arrange contacts for this job through the stud you purchase your alpaca off, There are getting to be a few alpaca shears about now, although I would say booking would be essential, maybe 1-2 months prior to when you plan to shear your alpaca.

click on the images below to enlarge
Shearing	Shearing	Shearing	After

Question:
Who can help me with advice or any problems I might have with my Alpaca/Alpaca's?
Answer:
There is a lot of helpful advice and information on the AANZ (Alpaca Association New Zealand) website, www.alpaca.org.nz , or most breeders offers after sales service and support and are willing to help you out in your time of need, wether its just advice or for something more complex.