"Tips 'n Info" is an ever-growing collection of helpful ideas and information about alpaca and llama behavior, training and herd management. Over the last 20 years I have collected, and continue to collect, a wealth of information I would like to share - so I thought this would be a great feature to have.
Tips 'n Info - The List (Most recent are listed at the beginning)
Skating On Ice: Safe footing for llamas, alpacas and us too! In many parts of North America, the winter months inevitably bring layers of ice. Driving or even just walking can be a delicate dance for us. It is easy to slip, lose balance and fall. Unfortunately, an ice landing is hard often causing all manner of harm to our bodies. Continued >>
Battling Those Pesky Insects - Spring gifts us with a vast array of re-appearances. The seemingly lifeless shrubs and trees begin to harmoniously blend in vibrant shades of green. Blooms appear where there had been only darkness. Life emerges with vigor from the silent earth and stillness of harsher times. Birds arrive and begin building homes. Slugs and snails once again become readily visible. Spring also marks to arrival of those pesky summer insects – most notably – flies, mosquitoes and those hard to see little biting bugs. Continued >>
Supply List - Just as most of us have a cupboard in our kitchen, bath… or both… containing a wide variety of useful -- though perhaps not often needed – items, so it is that we should have a toolbox, tackle box or cupboard with items specifically for our alpacas and llamas.
Continued >>
Nail Trimming - Just like humans, the nails of alpacas and llamas have varying qualities of strength and hardiness. The nails of some animals will grow fast and exceptionally long while others will rarely need trimming. Some animals have nails that will crack, split or break off. Continued >>
Strip Doors - Open window spaces and doorways can cause barns and shelter areas to become very cold during harsh weather. One very effective way to minimize that problem is through the use of “strip doors.” Continued >>
Heat Stress - Heat Stress in alpacas and llamas is a universal possibility around the globe. With the combination of higher and often prolonged temperatures, humidity and a wool coat, the body temperature begins to rise. Continued >>
Alpaca and Llama Treats - Alpacas and llamas are known browsers and grazers. On most farms and ranches, the bulk of their intake is in the form of pasture grazing and/or hay supplementation. Continued >>
Fashionable Winterwear For Alpacas and Llamas - During our more severe winter temperatures, some alpacas and llamas have difficulty keeping warm. Assisting them by adding a coat or blanket can make the significant difference. Continued >>
Checklist For The Show - With the alpaca and llama show season just beginning, we have found it very useful to have a general checklist for "stuff" to bring along! Continued >>
