Congratulations! You are an alpaca owner…but what now?

Alpaca Field Manual
We strongly encourage you to purchase the “Alpaca Field Manual” by Dr. Norm Evans. This is the BEST resource for any alpaca owner. The “Alpaca Field Manual” will answer most of your questions for any situation that occurs for the life of your alpaca.
• https://lightlivestockequipment.com/product/dr-evans-alpaca-field-manual-4th-edition/

Veterinarian
Start looking for a veterinarian now. Your vet does not have to know everything about alpacas but should have an interest to learn! Experience with ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle) would be beneficial in your vet. Do not wait until you have an emergency or a newborn cria to locate a veterinarian willing to treat your alpaca. Encourage and help your vet find resources.

Meningeal Worm
Meningeal worm larvae migrate to the spinal column of an alpaca causing neurological symptoms and then death. White-tail deer spread this parasite through their feces.
• The most common prevention is ivermectin injections given every 4 weeks.
• Ivermectin is dosed at 1 ml/70lbs in the muscle (IM)

Parasites
• Parasite testing or Fecal testing should be done monthly to ensure the health of your alpaca.
• Consult your “Alpaca Field Manual” for deworming protocols or contact your veterinarian.
• Learn to check your alpacas color on the FAMACHA score. A pale animal could indicate a high parasite load.
• We recommend housing alpaca separate from cattle, goats, sheep, or donkey. These ruminants share common parasites that can quickly multiply and become deadly in an alpaca.

Supplement & Hay
• Feed your alpaca 2-3 lbs./animal/day quality orchard grass hay if you have no grass pasture available. Beware of hay cut for cattle.
• Alpaca supplement is a pelleted feed. Supplement is one of the tools to ensure your alpacas are receiving proper nutrition. Feed according to the brand you choose but be sure you are feeding the amount for an alpaca NOT a llama. Alpaca and llama nutritional needs are NOT the same.
• We prefer Mazuri brand. If you would like to feed an alternate brand, please compare the content, nutritional values, and recommended daily feeding amounts on the label with Mazuri.
• https://www.mazuri.com/alpaca-llama-camel/alpaca

Minerals
You will need to purchase loose minerals (not a block) formulated specifically for alpaca. Loose minerals are one of several tools to ensure your alpacas are receiving proper vitamins & minerals to be healthy and productive for you.
• http://www.stillwaterminerals.com/

Body Condition Score (BCS) & Weight
Check each of your alpaca once per month for weight loss/gain. If you do not have a scale to weigh your animals, using body condition scoring (BCS) is an alternative to maintaining proper weight & health. BCS will help you identify problems on your farm and give you time to make adjustments or contact your veterinarian.
• https://www.ukalpacavet.com/resources/body-condition-scoring-alpacas/

Vaccines
Vaccinations are given yearly to adult alpaca. A vaccine called CD&T is mostly commonly used, but you may also use a vaccine called Covexin8. These vaccines may be purchased from your veterinarian, Co-Op, Tractor Supply, or online stores. It is extremely important that you store vaccines in a refrigerator.
You will want to create a way to record when you give vaccines to your alpaca.
• Adult CD&T vaccine is dosed at 2mls under the skin (SQ) or in the muscle (IM) annually on or around the same date each year.
• Cria are given a series of vaccines with follow-up boosters.

Shearing, Teeth, & Nails
Alpacas should be sheared once per year. Depending on average temperatures in your area, this could be done March-May. Shearing must be done before the heat of the summer to avoid heat stress in your alpacas.
• Start looking for a shearer at least 6 months in advance of shearing time, as many traveling shearers book up at the start of each year.
• Teeth grinding and nail trims should be done at the time of shearing or whenever needed.
• Check for fighting teeth that erupt around 2 years of age. Fighting teeth are extremely sharp and can cause injury to other alpaca. These teeth should be ground to the gumline once erupted.