HaSu Ranch Alpacas: alpaca health

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Hypothermia; Are You Ready for the Winter

This article, written by camelid health and care expert, Dr. David E. Anderson, DVM, addresses the concerns and care of alpacas during the colder months of winter.

Plants Poisonous to Alpacas

Hopefully, all breeders of alpacas know the appropriate feed for alpacas. We know the ratio of hay to grain. We know we need to provide grass and foraging for our animals but do we know which plants are safe foraging plants and which plants are not? We humans have been placing so much importance on the need for fresh vegetables and greens in our diet that we can certainly identify with the need to provide fresh greens for our animals. It would be easy to assume that the vegetables and greens that grow in our organic gardens are healthy and safe for our animals, after all, we eat them. This, however, is a dangerous assumption. What is healthy and safe for humans is not necessarily safe for camelids. The gardens that we routinely plant around our farms and ranches; vegetable and flower, could be deadly for our alpacas should we not be careful. It is, also, dangerous to assume that the most common trees and shrubs that surround our property are equally safe. Just because we see these plants everywhere does not mean that they are innocuous.

Protecting your Alpacas from Heat Stress

Now that summer is in full swing it is important to remember that alpacas are not native to our country and need to be protected from the heat and humidity that is common throughout the US. Alpacas are valued for their luxurious, warm fleece but in the summer that fleece can be deadly. Even sheared alpacas are vulnerable to extreme heat and humidity that is so unusual in their native land.

Alpaca Health

articles

Hypothermia; Are You Ready for the Winter

Plants Poisonous to Alpacas

Protecting your Alpacas from Heat Stress