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.
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.
I have recently received an
above average number of emails
asking for help regarding varying
behavior levels of bottle fed
alpacas and llamas – both
male and female.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
