ALPACAS OF SUNSHINE FARM
Established May 1998
We will be CLOSED the month of JUNE
On-Line Store,
viewing Only
Observations from the Field . . . . over 25 years on the farm! We are compiling our list...............
1.
Not all Alpacas make a good Pet !
2.
Have a gate open and they will go through it.
3.
Alpacas do get cold and will shake, they will kush to keep their heat in
4.
Alpacas are a herd animal and will seek out a buddy
5.
Give them up to 4 paces away from each other when feeding grain (individual dishes are best, we’ve done this with up to 45 alpacas) and there will be less fighting and in turn, less choke scenarios. To minimize choke, put a large stone in the grain dish.
6.
Walk directly towards an alpaca and they’ll look to walk away
7.
Smell and check
your hay…….do not feed moldy hay, it can be a killer
8.
Meningeal worm is a real and deadly parasite !
Learn the needed deworming protocol for your area.
9.
Toe nails and bottom teeth need to be cut and managed
10.
Alpacas learn !
Teach them their names and some vocabulary, it helps you and them.
11.
When you have an alpaca on a halter and they are not paying attention, check the halter is on correctly.
If the halter is too far down on their nose they can not breathe !
12.
If you see wet wads of hay around, an alpaca has a tooth problem and can not chew correctly.
This needs attention.
13.
Alpacas know their family and hang out together, especially the girls.
14.
In a controlled area, work with your alpaca's feet. These are sensitive since in the wild animals attack them by grabbing their legs to take them down ....trust is needed and takes time and repetition.