Halter Training
Alpacas are easy to halter train. A few training sessions is all it usually takes. Different farms take different approaches on halter training. I tried to make is as stress free on the cria as possible.
From a very early age, we are always touching our cria. To handle the adult alpacas, and cria, it is always easier to use a catch pen area. This area should be small and convenient. It will be a benefit when it comes to haltering your alpaca, doing health procedures, such as shots.
When I started my halter training, I started right before I was going to wean the cria. This gave the cria the opportunity to run back to mom and get the comfort and confidence that this training is not all that bad.
After a couple of times with mom, I would start taking the cria farther away. I would walk around the outside perimeter of the fence, where mom is still visible, but there could not be any contact.
The next time we would go out, I would take the cria completely out of mom's sight. Eventually, the cria realized that our trips were short term and then they actually started enjoying our walks.
It's never a good idea to leave halters on the alpacas all the time and do not tie the alpaca to a stationary object, such as a tree or post. They can break their necks trying to get away or by jerking their heads.
After your alpaca is used to being on the lead, it makes loading in or out of a vehicle much easier.
Transporting alpacas is easier than other livestock. They can easily fit in a variety of vehicles, from mini vans to livestock trailers. When transporting, the alpacas will normally cush for the ride.
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