Sad news about Preston the alpaca

[bluebirdfarm]

the shorn fiber has to be made into roving before you can spin it .

 

[Biddieacres]

Sebrightmom, found this website with some good information. I didn't realize there was a step in between the shearing and spinning either.

http://www.alpacameadows.com/spinning.asp

 

[greenthumb89]

i dont mean to hijack this thread, but i was wondering because someone mention dont keep alpacas with goats...in the future *crosses fingers* i want a farmette and i kinda wanted some alpacas, llamas, and sheep, i decided on probably 2-3 alpacas, 2-3 llamas, and about 6-10 sheep( mostly shetlands but probably have a few romanovs or another smaller breed), oh and all female, can they all live together or should the sheep be apart or how should they be pastured?...mainly can they all graze in the same pastures and co exist, i know that i will have to rotate the pastures because of sheep and parasites...also about the goats i was looking at some dairy breeds does that make a difference on if they can be housed and pastures together being dairy goats and all?

 

[ih_james]

Many people keep goats and sheep with alpacas. It can be done but it can make parasite management more complicated. If new goats are coming to the farm they should be tested for CL (caseous lymphaditis). It is quite contagious and can be very difficult to get rid of since it survives on surfaces for years.

Barber pole worm is also becoming a big problem, especially in warmer climates. It has become very resistant to most worming medications.

If you live in white tail deer country (or your hay comes from fields that have white tail deer) the alpacas need to be treated with 1% Ivomec injected SQ (under the skin) at a rate of 1cc/100 pounds every month. Oral Ivermectin horse dewormer will not kill meningeal worm. Meningeal worm will never become resistant to the Ivomec because the alpaca is a dead-end host, but the monthly Ivomec injections will cause other parasites in the alpaca to become resistant to ivermectins, and this can cause problems for other livestock. Basically, it makes ivermectin dewormers useless on your farm for anything but meningeal worm.

Alpacas are more susceptible to parasites than goats and sheep. A parasite load that is not a problem for goats or sheep will cause problems for an alpaca.

Resistant parasites in goats, sheep, and alpacas have become a real problem in recent years. Please do not blindly "deworm on a regular basis" (with the exception of meningeal worm). Deworm individual animals as required based on fecal tests, and concentrate on prevention through cleanliness and pasture management.

Fiber is usually carded before spinning. For small amounts, you can use inexpensive hand carders. Drum carders make it easier to process larger amounts. I have seen experienced spinners "spin from the fold" using uncarded fiber. If the staple length is long enough, they simply fold the fiber in half as they feed the spinning wheel. Pretty cool, but these were people with years of spinning experience.

As far as misinformation goes, most of the reference is to the perception that alpacas are valuable animals, that their fleece is valuable, and that it is easy to make a quick buck selling the babies. Yes, some alpacas are valuable - just like any well bred livestock - but we are seeing more and more alpacas is rescue situations because new owners realize that they can't sell the offspring or don't understand some of the special requirements of caring for alpacas. Raw alpaca fleece can be had for $10/pound (or less), with a single animal producing maybe 3 or 4 pounds per year. That doesn't cover the cost of upkeep, and is the reason there are so many unwanted males. Like most other livestock, alpacas have a wide range of personalities. Some make good pets and some are a real pain to deal with.

The person who sold Preston (the alpaca that started this discussion) was, in my opinion, irresponsible. First, he sold a single alpaca (a herd animal) to a person who was not prepared - although for Preston's sake he seems to have found a loving home. He provided no information on how to care for alpacas. He provided no medical records. He did not shear the animal this year. Preston must have really suffered in the heat of the summer. Judging from the picture Preston has either fiber rot (from standing in water or mud trying to cool off) or mange on his lower legs. There should be fiber right down to his toes.

Please don't get me wrong - it's great that people have an interest in keeping alpacas and using the fiber. It can be a real joy to have them around. But realize that they have special nutritional and health requirements compared to other livestock, that they need the companionship of other alpacas, and that good gelded fiber boys are available for free, or nearly so.

Best Regards - Jeff

 

[jkcove08]

If you keep pacas, llamas, and sheep together you just have to make sure they get wormed and up to date on thier shots. I have a ewe sheep that stays with my girl alpacas. The only problem we have once in a while is that the sheep will run the girls off the hay that she is eating on. The main concern I have heard about is that you dont want to keep alpacas around cattle since there is a virus that cattle can carry that can kill apacas. I think the cows can be tested for it but there is no cure that has been real affective for alpacas. I was a little put out about that since I want to raise a couple for meat but my inlaws live just up the road so I can keep a couple up there next spring. THe biggest thing it to watch to make sure that no one is very aggresive. You dont want your alpaca injured by another animal. Jenn

 

[ih_james]

The disease that Jenn refers to is BVD. It's kind of complicated -

A pregnant alpaca that is exposed to BVD will pass the virus to the fetus. The fetus thinks that the virus is "normal" and does not develop antibodies. When the cria is born it is a persistent carrier and sheds enormous quantities of the virus that can then infect other pregnant alpacas. The infected cria are generally not thrifty and usually die within the first year.

An adult alpaca exposed to BVD will usually develop antibodies and clear the virus on it's own.

Best Regards, Jeff

 

[ih_james]

Sebrightmom, I'm pretty sure this is your guy:

Born April 26th, 2004

If this is him he should have a microchip #4574607COD, probably at the base of his left ear. If not there, maybe somewhere around his rump.

 

[greenthumb89]

does anyone know how yaks fit into this...can they carry the same disease that cows can or can they be kept at the same farm but in a different pasture as the llamas, alpacas, sheep, and goats...im looking for different types of fiber here, my sister spins and uses it so does my mom and my aunt...

 

[Sebrightmom]

Thanks for all the information. What is the best thing I can do for the fiber on his legs? I checked them. They seems normal.

Preston's registered name is Los Prados Woody. He was born Nov. 20, 2007.

 

[ih_james]

Sebrightmom - I sent you an e-mail.

Jeff