Getting 2 baby Alpacas tonight, any tips on care for them?

[feathrencox]

Oh Redhen, I just adore you! You sound just like me! I'm so jealous of your alpacas! I've been reading/studying about them for almost 2 years now. The post about making your house into a chicken coop...OH MY! That IS an idea! People just don't understand the obsession I have with animals and the love that they give back to us. EVEN CHICKENS! People I work with think I'm seriously crazy! Keep posting pics of these babies! I love them. How in the world did you get/buy them so quickly? I never see alpacas for sale around here!

Heather

 

[Bil]

Redhen,

You asked what you do about the fleece. Nothing at this point. Don't worry about cleaning it at all. Once you get them sheared, you can lay it out on a skirting table and then pick out some of the debris. Never brush it, you don't want the fibers separated. When you send it in to be processed, they will wash it to get the dirt out. Also, if you want to show the fiber, they will lower your score or even disqualify you if you have done much more to it than just pick out the debris.

Both of your alpacas are huacayas. The one with straighter hair just doesn't have as nice of fiber as the other one. The one with the more curly fiber has very nice fiber. That is a nice crimp, a very nice sheen to it, very nice bundling and is very dense. All things you want in fiber.

If you have them gelded (not until they are 18 months old at least) they will keep their fiber better longer. Also once you have them sheared you should have their fiber tested just to see how nice it is.

Yocom-McColl does this, and you will have a really good idea how how good the fiber is.

They are very cute!! Looking forward to seeing them grow!

Bil

 

[redhen]

Quote:
heehe thanks!

my animals mean alot to me...they are like my kids.

i have always been interested in them also...but something made me google search for "Alpaca breeders in Mass" yesterday, and i called this guy, he said he had 2 weanlings ready now...i talked to him a bit....and said, okay i'll be there for 6....

they are outside now in their tempory kennel *until i see how my goats are going to treat them* with 2 bales of straw as bedding and for warmth...my goats keep going up to them and checking them out..and no problems so far..

and OMG! you should hear how cute they sound! i cant describe it ..its just SO sweet!...not loud at all..i really hAve fallen for these guys!

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Thanks Bil! and i read those links you sent me! awesome! so..the one with curly hair is the better fiber one huh? good to know, thanks! that is the one that is still pretty shy...

but, i will work with him more....any handleing tips?

heehe, youre gonna be sorry you messed with this thread when i'm done bugging ya!...

 

[Bil]

Quote:
Not at all, I love talking about alpacas. backyardalpacas anyone?

Handling? Well, some like it some don't care and some hate it. The best thing that I have seen is to be around them, talk to them and don't reach out for them a lot to try and pet them. Don't pet them on the head, go for the back and lower neck (softer fiber there anyway!).

Go out everyday and get the halter on them and a lead and work with them for a few minutes everyday and they will become more accustomed to it over time.

If you ever want to show them or take them to schools or nursing homes you could look in to Camelidynamics. She has some good videos and books on the subject.

Bil

 

[redhen]

I just love you Bil thanks! tomorrow is the big day! i will let them out loose in the goat pen with them...hopefully they will get along...

question...should i give them some probias? just to be safe with the move and all...

 

[Bil]

I would think a little wouldn't hurt. They are probably a little bit stressed with the car ride/change of location/new people/new animals/etc. Be sure to take a camera out, video camera if you have it. Watching alpacas pronk through a new area is always fun!

Bil

 

[Chirpy]

Bill has already given you great advice and I agree; the one with the crimpier fiber looks pretty good.

I just wanted to add that you don't ever want to leave halters on them. Take them off and put them on when you are working with them. Always move slowly and quietly around them (at least until they've been there a while and are real comfortable). They hate having their legs touched but will need to have their feet trimmed (it's easy to do) so you need to touch their legs regularly so it's easier when you do trim their feet.

If you stand in front of them and kinda lean forward and blow through your nose they will often come up and give you a kiss.

Alpacas are not known for predator protection; the alpaca farms around here all have llamas for that purpose, in with their alpacas to protect the alpacas.

They generally won't drink water that is dirty so keep it clean and fresh.

Their manure makes great garden fertilizer; let it compost a season or two and it's fantastic!

Have lots of fun.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Thanks Chirpy, this is definatley going to be interesting for me...there is so much to learn about them...i am googling my fool head off for info on them...

i havent seen them drink yet actually...but i have seen them both eat pellets...gotta try the blow thing to get kisses!..

 

[poultrykeeper08]

Did you get a pair or 2 boys/girls ?