Alpacas are easy to manage. They are quiet, intelligent and very hardy.

Their padded hooves contribute to their suitability for small acreage farms as they do not damage the pasture and can be run at a similar stocking capacity as sheep.
 

Alpacas are shorn annually during the summer, and at this time a general health check can be done and their toenails trimmed. Suris can be left in the fleece for 2 years.

Alpacas have very few health problems. They require vaccinating six-monthly with "10 in 1". Crias receive their first vaccination at 6-12 weeks of age.

 
Worming with an injectable drench is carried out at 6 monthly intervals in Spring and Autumn, this also prevents Mite infestation. Alpacas use Middens (Dung piles) which keep the pasture clean and therefore reduces the internal parasites.
 

We recommend an injection of Vitamin A, D3 and E during the winter months because of lowered level of sunshine hours at this time. Crias born after 1st January will require a further 2 shots. Please check with your vet.

Gestation is 11.5 months approximately. Birthing or ‘criation’ is easy with the crias arriving during the middle of the day. Alpacas are natural mothers and experience very few problems.

The females are usually remated after 2-3 weeks of having their Crias. They are induced ovulators with the mating act inducing the egg to be released for fertilising.

Alpacas will thrive on a variety of pasture types, and adapt to most conditions ranging from drought to the wet and cold of winter. You may supplementary feed during winter with Hay but even this is not necessary if you have sufficient grass.

Some alpacas are susceptible to ‘Rye Grass Staggers’ – generally a seasonal problem brought about by grasses high in ‘endophyte’. This is managed by removing the alpacas from the affected pasture.

Some garden plants like Oleander and Rhododendrons are toxic to alpacas and can be fatal if eaten.

A list of toxic plants is available if you are a member of the Alpaca Association of NZ (AANZ).

We find alpacas are easy to halter train, we use a quiet, positive approach and generally find that after 2 weeks of regular handing they will walk well beside you. They have good memories and don’t forget the training they have had.

We have farmed both sheep and cattle over the years but find Alpacas are easy to farm in comparison. They don’t get fly strike so you don’t need to ‘dip’ then. They don’t have ‘dags’ so no need to crutch them. They do not suffer with footrot. Nor do they trouble the fences – sheep fences are adequate and barbed wire or electric fences are not required. There is no need for a dog to ‘round up’ alpacas as they are easily moved and once caught firmly round the neck generally become submissive.

Alpacas are wonderful animals to farm, their quiet peaceful nature makes them a joy to be around.