Alpaca Husbandry

Rotavirus in Alpacas
Rotavirus in Alpacas
After our debut at an alpaca show in Denver last week, we brought home not only a blue ribbon but Rotavirus.  It had spread throughout the show and many animals... Read more...
We Just Won First Place! Now What?
We Just Won First Place! Now What?
About an hour ago, I received a call from James saying that we had just won first place at the Great Western Alpaca Show.  Yippee!  I texted many friends and... Read more...
Can Alpacas and Horses Be Put Together?
Can Alpacas and Horses Be Put Together?
Can Alpacas and Horses Be Put Together?   Many people have asked if alpacas can be put with horses, either as companion animals or to help share a pasture.  Continuous,... Read more...
Alpaca Marketing - Creating an Image
Alpaca Marketing - Creating an Image
Marketing - Creating Your Image   Marketing is all about building an image that catches our prospects’ attention and holds it long enough to make them interested in becoming your... Read more...
Rickets - Not Just a Disease for Old People
Rickets - Not Just a Disease for Old People
Alpaca Rickets After almost 10 years with hundreds of alpacas, we had our first bout with Rickets this past fall. I had little idea what Rickets was until we started... Read more...
Alpaca Dystocia and Post-Partum Care
Alpaca Dystocia and Post-Partum Care
Alpaca Dystocia and Post-Partum Care As spring once again teases with beautiful skies and then cold, wet winds, we begin to think about the expectant dams on our farm.  This... Read more...
Heading to a Non-Alpaca Alpaca Show
Heading to a Non-Alpaca Alpaca Show
Over the past few years, as the economy has changed, so have our sources of revenue and how we generate our income depending solely on alpacas.  While we still sell... Read more...
The Basics of Alpaca Feeding
The Basics of Alpaca Feeding
The Basics of Alpaca Feeding The basic elements of every alpaca's diet are pasture, hay, concentrates, minerals and water.  The following is some essential information on these nutrients. Pasture  ... Read more...
The Alpaca Digestive System
The Alpaca Digestive System
The Alpaca Digestive System   Feeding llamas and alpacas is a complex subject.  It’s best to discuss the matter with your county extension agent or a livestock nutritionist in your... Read more...
Alpaca Protection & Guardians
Alpaca Protection & Guardians
Predator Protection   Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) doesn’t track the number of alpacas and llamas that die each year, it does keep track... Read more...
Cria Milk Supplementation
Cria Milk Supplementation
Cria Milk Supplementation Most crias require 8-10% of its body weight for maintenance and another 5-8% for growth and gain.  For a 15-pound cria, 10% of its body weight =... Read more...
Quarantine - Is it Necessary?
Quarantine - Is it Necessary?
Quarantine is defined as voluntary or compulsory isolation, typically to contain the spread of something considered dangerous, often but not always disease.  Is quarantine necessary in the alpaca industry?  Yes,... Read more...