Tips 'n Info: Alpaca and Llama Care Insights
By Cathy Spalding
Tips ‘n Info is an ever-growing collection of helpful ideas and information about alpaca and llama behavior, training, and herd management.
Alpacas and llamas are known browsers and grazers. On most farms and ranches, the bulk of their intake is in the form of pasture grazing and/or hay supplementation.
Spring gifts us with a vast array of re-appearances. The seemingly lifeless shrubs and trees begin to harmoniously blend in vibrant shades of green. Blooms appear where there had been only darkness. Life emerges with vigor from the silent earth and stillness of harsher times. Birds arrive and begin building homes. Slugs and snails once again become readily visible. Spring also marks to arrival of those pesky summer insects – most notably – flies, mosquitoes and those hard to see little biting bugs.
I have recently received an above average number of emails asking for help regarding varying behavior levels of bottle fed alpacas and llamas – both male and female.
With the alpaca and llama show season just beginning, we have found it very useful to have a general checklist for “stuff” to bring along!
During our more severe winter temperatures, some alpacas and llamas have difficulty keeping warm. Assisting them by adding a coat or blanket can make the significant difference.
Heat Stress in alpacas and llamas is a universal possibility around the globe. With the combination of higher and often prolonged temperatures, humidity and a wool coat, the body temperature begins to rise.
Just like humans, the nails of alpacas and llamas have varying qualities of strength and hardiness. The nails of some animals will grow fast and exceptionally long while others will rarely need trimming. Some animals have nails that will crack, split or break off.
Safe footing for llamas, alpacas and us too! In many parts of North America, the winter months inevitably bring layers of ice. Driving or even just walking can be a delicate dance for us. It is easy to slip, lose balance and fall. Unfortunately, an ice landing is hard often causing all manner of harm to our bodies.
Just as most of us have a cupboard in our kitchen, bath… or both… containing a wide variety of useful — though perhaps not often needed – items, so it is that we should have a toolbox, tackle box or cupboard with items specifically for our alpacas and llamas.