Alpaca Husbandry

Fran clearing away mucous from newborn
Cristal’s mouth Larger (161KB)

Mum Audrey and newborn Cristal 20 mins
after birth, having a rest! Larger (171KB)

Alpacas are herd animals and as such need the company of other alpacas. We suggest the minimum herd size should be no less than three.

It is recommended that stocking should not exceed 6 alpacas per acre of average grazing pasture.

Alpacas need fresh, clean water and this needs to be changed frequently and daily in the Summer. We also feed our alpacas a supplementary feed twice daily throughout the year and hay ad-lib.

Shearing is required once a year, usually at the end of the Spring, before the start of the hot weather.

Toe nails need to be trimmed approximately every 6 weeks or so.

Alpacas need worming and inoculations twice yearly.

Here at Pennybridge Farm, we use post and rail fencing with wire stock fencing, to contain our alpacas into certain paddocks. Barbed wire should never be used as their fleece can get tangled in it and this can lead to injury.

Alpacas like to have some form of shelter from the driving rain (though sometimes they do just sit out in it!!!). We provide three-sided field shelters, but a few mature trees will do just as well. Shade from the hot Summer sun is also a must. Again, either field shelters or the shade from trees will provide this.

Alpacas give birth during the day and normally before 4pm. They generally give birth quite easily without assistance, though occasionally assistance is required. Most cases can easily be dealt with by the breeder/owner and usually requires no more than a little common sense, a calm, cool head and a “can do” attitude.