Tips 'n Information

By Cathy Spalding
www.gentlespiritllamas.com

Alpaca and Llama Treats

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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. As Dr. Murray Fowler and Eric Hoffman explain in "The Alpaca Book," alpacas and llamas are capable of utilizing many different forages and concentrates. In South America, the amount and type of forage available varies greatly between the wet and dry seasons.

Many of us in North America have discovered that alpacas and llamas can clear out blackberries and undergrowth as well as any goat! While alpacas and llamas vary somewhat in their forage preferences (as well as in the individual preferences of each animal), it is clear most become very excited and thoroughly enjoy any opportunity to consume all manner of fruits and vegetables.

Photo courtesy Llamas of Wier World

As these "treats" are normally quite outside their average daily standard fare, they are often at first hesitant to try them. However, be prepared. once they do, most will respond with intense enthusiasm.

Possible treats include:

• Carrots (a favorite)

• Apples (another #1)

• Grapes (tied for 1 st place)

• Rose petals and fresh rose foliage shoots (a top choice)

• Pears

• Plums

• Cherries

• Raspberries - includes entire vine

• Blackberries - includes entire vine

• Strawberries

• Bananas

• Watermelon

• Squash

• Cantaloupe

• Peaches

• Raisins

• Peas

• Broccoli

• Green beans

• Cabbage

• Cucumbers

• Onion and Leak tops

• Spinach

• Peanuts

• Various crackers

• Fir tree bows

• Salal

• Sword Ferns

RECIPE for CAMELID COOKIES: This is not my original recipe. In fact, it has circulated over the years and today no one seems quite sure of the originator.

Preheat oven to 350. Mix sticky ingredients in a bowl. Measure out balls about the size of a teaspoon and place on a foil covered cookie sheet, Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

As always, be mindful of any possibility for choke. While some do feed whole apples and carrots, cutting them into smaller pieces is a good idea. Additionally, be knowledgeable around what plants or garden produce might be poisonous such as potato and tomato vines.

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