About a year ago, we had to put down Princess Leah, a 19 year old alpaca. We donated her body to the Montana State Veterinary program where they have since put her as a mount and she is utilized in the program for Anatomy, Histology, Oncology, Pathology, Physiology. Full mounts of alpacas are rare - they are a less studied species and expensive to put together.
We are so happy that she is able pass on information to vet students and caretakers alike to help other alpacas live a long, healthy life.
HOW TO FEED TURMERIC TO CATS, BIRDS, RUMINANTS, etc.
NOTE: Commercial turmeric capsules/pills containing high doses of curcumin, are NOT RECOMMENDED for use with animals
For many years, veterinarian Dr. Doug English, has been recommending turmeric for animals to help control inflammation and pain in itchy skin conditions like allergies, atopy, arthritis, infections, age degeneration and various...
SETTING UP YOUR ALPACA FARM
Introduction
One of the primary topics we are asked about when prospective alpaca owners come to visit us is how we chose to set up our alpaca area, what we like about the set up, and what we’d do differently if we had to start all over again. Making the investment upfront to have an organized layout with the proper tools on hand will save you time...
Throughout our Montana seasons we need to rotate pastures to accommodate our alpacas and llamas as one field is eaten up after another. Camelids are ALWAYS excited to explore a new pasture and today was no exception. The Lucy the Llama checks out the new digs as a livestock protector, as do our three Turkish Anatolian Livestock Guard Dogs Chilli, Finn and Hazel. The 3 month old baby alpacas run...
Weaning Your Cria
by Ann Haldane
Weaning can be an extremely stressful time for dam, cria and owners! However, we often make it more traumatic for allconcerned because of lack of thought and planning. While most cria are ready for physical weaning at 6 months old,
both they and their mother have a strong emotional bond.
Do not assume that weaning will always occur naturally if the pair are left...
Copper Nutrition in Camelids
By Robert J. Van Saun, DVM, MS, PHD
Llamas and alpacas require dietary copper (Cu) to help maintain normal body functions but in excess this trace mineral can be toxic.
Copper (Cu) nutrition is a double-edged sword being associated with both deficiency and toxicity disease concerns. Although all microminerals are of importance, Cu is receiving more attention as a result...
By Lance Gegner and Updated by Hannah Sharp
Llamas or alpacas can be a good addition to a farm or ranch—an alternative livestock enterprise on marginal pastureland that fits well into a diversified farming operation. This publication discusses considerations for raising llamas and alpacas, including regulations, marketing, nutrition, care, reproduction, and handling.
Llamas or alpacas can be a good...
Alpacas have a 11.5 month gestation, so when they are born they are ready to go in about 30 minutes. Give them 2 days and they are full on playful and fun. Watch Marco hanging out with him mom Pogo and enjoying life in every way.
Lake Titicaca is a large, deep lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru, often called the "highest navigable lake" in the world. It sits at an elevation of 12,500 feet. On the lake, various native Peruvians thrive on their own island - some made made naturally from the earth and other islands are made made reed islands.
Other cultures lived on Lake Titicaca prior to the arrival of the...
Other cultures lived on Lake Titicaca prior to the arrival of the...
As with every being, alpacas have their own language. Some communication is easier to read than others and this is not exhaustive by any means, but here are the basics:
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| Even though her ears are back, she is relaxed and looking around, not angry or threatened |
Ears back: While this can mean an alpaca is frightened or angry, most of the time they are in a relaxed and listening position. Unlike a horse...
Each year we celebrate our alpaca farm by opening the gates to thousands of guests. A free community event, each year creates new excitement, new events and new friends. This year was no exception. Enjoy this 4+ minute video about our particularly brisk weekend in October 2018.