Chapter 3: Preparing the farm for your first alpacas

1. Fencing
If you ask 10 alpaca ranches about fencing, you may get 12 different answers. The correct answer is that the fence should keep out potential predators in your area. Remember that alpacas do not challenge a fence. The number ONE threat to alpacas in the United States is the neighborhood dog that is allowed to roam. Dogs hunt in packs, and alpacas are defenseless. We use no-climb horse fence for all perimeter fencing. Our eventual goal is to have a 6-ft fence with several strands of barbed wire on the outside posts for our entire perimeter of the 20 acres. Many alpaca ranches also use electric fencing in addition to no-climb horse fence. Email us if you would like further details.

2. Shelter
We live in Florida, so the number one purpose of shelter is to provide shade and protect the fans. Many Florida barns are single slope pole barns since there is no need for a fully enclosed barn. If your winters are severe, you may need an enclosed barn for the most severe days.

3. Nutrition
Alpacas thrive on a diet of grass, hay, and supplemental grain. In most areas, you will need to also supplement with free choice minerals. The greatest indicator of proper alpaca nutrition is by body scoring. For further information attend any lecture given by Dr. Steve Hull or visit his Timberlake Alpacas website. Your local agricultural extension agent is an invaluable resource and paid by your tax dollars, so get your money's worth!

4. Vet
A lucky alpaca owner will have access to an experienced camelid vet. Find your vet before your alpacas arrive. If there is no experienced camelid vet in your area, then you may be able to find a vet who is willing to learn.

5. Security
See number 1. A good fence is your best alpaca security. Many alpaca owners also use livestock guard dogs or llamas. We have one guard llama that is worth his weight in gold! Remember that security also includes quarantine of any incoming alpacas to protect your resident herd.

6. Alpaca Training
Alpacas are very intelligent animals with a personality much like a cat. They can be very sweet and loving, but it seems to be on their terms. Crias that are socialized early are a joy to work with halter training. Showing an alpaca only requires that the alpaca understand two commands: walk and stand still. The best resource for alpaca training is “The Camelid Companion” written by Marty McGee Bennett.

7. Alpaca transportation
There are many experienced and reputable alpaca transporters who will transport your alpacas from one side of the continent to the other. If you need to transport only one alpaca a short distance, then a mini-van will suffice. Most stock trailers will easily adapt to hauling alpacas, but special consideration should be given to transporting in extreme weather.

8. Supplies
Every alpaca ranch has its own idea of the perfect list of supplies. The list below is a good starting point, but your facilities and location may require other items also.

Basic everyday supplies for day 1:
Books: Dr. Evans Field Manual ** most important item on the list
Marty McGee – The Camelid Companion
Feed troughs – Allow 4 ft of trough for each animal. Trough should be 18-24 inches from the ground. PVC Sewer pipe or house gutters work very well.
Water troughs – At least one large trough per area.
Nolvasen – great general antiseptic
Nail clippers
Clot-stop
Feed bucket and scoop
Fenbendazole
Ivomectin
Minerals
Hay
Alpaca Feed
Halters and leads – at least once per animal

Basic health supplies for the future include:
Electrolytes – “Stop-Stress” - Probiotics
Latex gloves
Bottle and cria nipple
Penicillin-G
Thermometer
Syringes and needles – 3cc and 10 cc with 21g X 1” needles
Vet wrap
Scissors
Vet tray ( Wal-Mart version with carrying handle is less than $5 )
Towels
Feeding tube (16 f) and large 60 cc. syringe
Mineral Oil
Goat colostrum (freezer)
Benadryl
Betadine
Banamine
Oxytocin
Kaolin
OB lube
Stethoscope
Cria scale
OB gloves
Small jars (old pill bottles are perfect for dipping navels)
Hair dryer with a warm (not hot) setting
CDT vaccine