Feeding
Lawn grass is not an acceptable food for an alpaca. We keep an ample supply of grass hay available for our alpacas at all times when they are not in the pasture grazing. Alpacas have a 3 chambered stomach which is very efficient at digestion. For this reason they make very good use of the food they consume. They eat a fraction of what a cow or horse would eat. We keep some alfalfa rich hay on hand for a special treat. They also get some of this hay in the cold winter. But you must be careful how much you give your alpacas. It is possible to adversely affect your fleece production with too much protein. It is important to provide your alpaca with additional vitamins and minerals. Your local Farmers Coop can be helpful. Our local Coop does not carry a specific alpaca pellet. Instead we use a product they call "Llama Lunch" which works well. Again, be careful not to give your alpaca too many pellets or you will affect your fleece production. Alpacas also require an abundant supply of water all year long. We are fortunate as we have an automatic heated water supply for our animals in each paddock. Do not provide water for your alpacas in large ponds or troughs. An alpaca will stand all day in a water trough until their fleece is rotting. If you bucket water to your animals be sure that you check your buckets frequently and that they cannot be knocked over. We have a few females that love to stand or sit in the spray of a sprinkler on hot days! Alpacas will easily eat out of your hand. As they have no top teeth they do not "bite". Giving them pellet treats out of an open hand or small bowl is exciting and safe for children and visitors. Choosing an Alpaca , Land , Veterinarian , Hands on Care , Alpaca Care , |
Feeding an alpaca is not complicated. Alpacas rarely over eat. Although there is always one in every crowd that puts on a little too much weight. Most alpacas do better with low protein grass hay.