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Facilities for Alpacas
Author: GLAA members Lorrie and Randy Krause of Alpaca Acr
Alpacas are hardy creatures that adapt well to all climates and have
minimal requirements in the way of shelter. Access to an open barn, a
simple overhang or a 3-sided shed is adequate shelter from the weather
during adverse conditions and provides shade during warmer seasons.
Your facilities configuration should promote easy care and handling of
your alpacas.
The perimeter fencing's main purpose is to keep predators out, rather
than keep the alpacas in. Some ranches use five-wire high-tensile
fencing; this may not be secure enough to keep herdsires away from
breeding females or from having crias stand up on the wrong side of the
fence after cushing next to it. The most widely used fencing is welded
or unwelded field fencing that has smaller holes on the bottom to keep
out dogs and other critters. Usually five foot high is enough to keep
unwanted animals from jumping over. However, in areas of high deer
population, eight-foot high fences or electric top wires may be needed
to keep deer out.
Shelters are mostly needed to provide shade in summer and haven from
winter's cold wind and snow. Typically, a simple three-sided shelter is
all that is needed provided it does not face into the wind or sun.
There are several excellent plans available in alpaca and livestock
magazines that have storage areas configured into the shelter. See your
local lumber supplier for price estimates and other suggestions.
This is a small area to catch your alpaca in to perform necessary
procedures. It should be in a location that is readily accessible for
you to herd your alpaca(s) into with a simple gated entry. A size that
affords your alpaca room to pace but a comfortable reach to the alpaca
for you is ideal; typically 8 by 10 foot.
The alpacas' pasture should be kept free of harmful debris and
regularly inspected for dangerous mole holes and such. Keeping dung
piles mowed will help battle parasites by allowing sunlight to reach
the larvae and deter alpacas from graze near them.
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