Any Alpaca gurus here??

[irret13]

This was a fun thread to read. I'm still learning. I have two elderly gelded alpacas. We have had them about three weeks now and they are settling in nicely. They will take feed from my hand and one will eat carrots. We will be taking them to be sheared this year. I'd like to see it done before I attempt it. They will get their teeth floated if needed and a nail trim then as well. Any advice you can offer is appreciated! They do hum on and off. The lady we got them from says they hum frequently. Like they are talking to each other. They alerted for the first time this past weekend. Saw a cat. They are not afraid of my dogs (who are not allowed in the pen with them) but definitely do not like cats in the distance lol.

 

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I haven't heard mine alert, probably because they are used to every critter I have and the LGDs keep the rest away.

I hand shorn mine. If I can figure out a better system for tying them, I'll probably buy a new electric shearer.

 

[irret13]

The people we got them from have a board that the alpaca against and then when they are secured they tilt the board so it becomes a table. Quite a contraption. When they alert they sound like donkeys on helium.

 

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The people we got them from have a board that the alpaca against and then when they are secured they tilt the board so it becomes a table. Quite a contraption. When they alert they sound like donkeys on helium.

I've heard YouTube videos of them calling, but mine never have done it, yet.

I have lots of time to look into ways of laying them down for next year. I need to find a way to make a tilt table cheaply.....

 

[Bruce]

My two only hummed the first few days after they got here. Unlike people who hum when they are happy, alpacas apparently hum when they are stressed. Mine have alerted on deer, turkeys, cats .... at least that I know about. They have alerted on things in the woods 100 yards away that I could not see.

Welcome to alpaca ownership @irret13

 

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Derrik & Miss Kitty from yesterday.

 

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Derrik is now fully shorn, 3.5-4in fleece, maybe more, I'm just guessing.
Sheared the mess from last time and blanket while he stood. ♡
Pic of him nakie tomorrow.

 

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Will trim up Aruto a little more for summer, but leave his blanket for the most part unless I see him having issues with the heat. He grows about 2in and that's too short for me to bother with.

 

[Bruce]

Pic of him nakie tomorrow.

Must avert my eyes!

That picture is too funny, does Miss Kitty think Derrik wants to play?

 

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