Planning a field for your alpaca must be done very carefully to utilize the pasture for maximum usage. There are many different kinds of fencing. The one I find to be the most versatile, being able to easily move or expand, is the electrical tensile. This fencing is not harmful to the animals and keeps out predators. 

There must be a main aisle where all the other fields enter into, that way the animals can easily be corralled at shearing time, vet, or anytime the alpaca need to be examined. Each pasture leading to the aisle should have a gate to block the alpaca from entering that pasture. The width of the aisle should be the same width of the gate so it can be used to block the aisle. This way the alpaca can be easily separated by sex or at weaning time. Also, by doing this the alpaca are much more at ease when being manipulated, not being chased. I just walk them down the aisle with my arms stretched out escorting them to their awaiting vet check.
 
The only shelter the Alpaca need is a three-sided roofed shed to protect them from the harsh weather of extreme heat and cold. I also have a heated water bowl that automatically refills when low. So I brought water and electric to the shed to make my life easier.   

My Alpacas are very tame, as soon as they see me they come to the gate to have their backs rubbed and cuddled. I make sure they know I'm in charge so there is never an issue of who is the alpha male. At birth I'm there watching the birth, (not participating, unless trouble arises), once the cria hits the ground I let the mom bond, then I touch the animal all over to desensitize them to human touch. Every day after the birth I repeat the process for at least 15 minutes a day. The mother knows I'm not a threat, so she has no objections.
 
When it's breeding time, my daughter calls it "pimping out". I take the time to select the right sire to ensure the best possible cria. Nature has the ultimate decision of what the cria traits will carry over but by investigating as thoroughly as possible, usually makes odds better. I had an experience once, when one of the males that I didn't want to breed found his way into the female area and impregnated a female, 11 months later, a beautiful show quality white cria was born. "Go figure".         

Alpaca dung is simple to clean-up and useful. They use a communal spot. All it takes is a shovel and wheelbarrow to scoop-up and wheel to the nearest garden. Great fertilizer!!!

Feel free to contact me with any questions on planning your venture into the Alpaca business, or if you have any comments, I'm always available for Alpaca Talk.





Alpaca Fields Forever, LLC
4 Duncan Lane
Lincoln University, PA 19352
610 255-1412 office 610 255-0627 fax
Daniel@AlpacafieldsForever.com