How
many Alpacas can you run to the acre?
The number of Alpacas you can run to
the acre depends on your property location but as a general
rule you can run the same number of alpacas per acre as
sheep.
How long do
Alpacas live?
Alpacas have a known life span of 15-20
years.
Are there any other
things you need to do within Alpaca husbandry?
Feet and teeth need to be checked and
trimmed if necessary, Vitamins such as A, D & E have
value in some areas and 5 in 1 treatment is given twice
a year.
How many times
a year do you need to shear?
Once a year shearing is the average required
using conventional shearing equipment. Some properties,
depending on location, will shear twice.
Do Alpacas come into
season?
Alpacas are induced ovulators and can
be mated at any time of the year. Many breeders are trying
to mate for Spring or Autumn births. More information is
best obtained from specialist Veterinarians
Gestation period is approximately 330
to 360 days. Alpacas normally have single births that mostly
occur during daylight hours. Remating can take place at
around 21 days.
Do
I need special fencing?
No,
Alpacas can be contained with conventional sheep fencing,
however we have not found a need to use barbwire. The occasional
cria has been known to slip through five strand wire fences
and we would suggest a more secure fencing for a nursery
paddock.
Do
you need to worm Alpacas?
Worm
tests are preferable to wholesale worming of animals as
Alpacas have specific dung piles, which they rarely eat
around; this reduces the likelihood of ingestion of worm
eggs. We do worm animals if they have been purchased from
another property prior to introduction to the herd.
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