Alpacas and Llamas: A Guide to Animal Husbandry

This guide to animal husbandry offers detailed information for the keeping of alpacas and llamas. It addresses both prospective and current keepers of new world camelids, providing foundational knowledge and practical advice.The content begins with the fundamentals, covering legal requirements such as animal registration and transport regulations. It provides guidance on planning infrastructure, including the construction of shelters and the proper setup for feeding and watering stations. A significant section is dedicated to the cost to keep alpacas, breaking down initial acquisition costs for animals and equipment, ongoing operational expenses, and the importance of financial reserves for emergencies.Practical aspects of alpaca and llama care are explored in depth. Readers will find information on pasture requirements, including pasture maintenance and hygiene management. A dedicated chapter focuses on the crucial topic of fencing for camelids, discussing material selection, appropriate construction, and maintenance. The principles of feeding alpacas are also detailed, covering the role of roughage, the necessity of mineral and vitamin supplementation, and how to identify and avoid poisonous plants.Furthermore, the book covers alpaca health issues and preventative care. This includes routine procedures like vaccinations, parasite control, and hoof and dental care. It provides insights into recognizing signs of illness through behavioral changes and physical symptoms. The guide also discusses the management of common health problems.Finally, the text delves into herd management and breeding alpacas. Topics include the social dynamics of the herd, such as integrating new animals and managing hierarchies. The section on breeding covers the selection of breeding stock, pregnancy monitoring, and providing assistance during birth. It concludes with information on raising young animals, from care for the newborn cria to weaning and early training.