Care & Animal Health: Alpacas and Llamas Well Looked After

Care & Animal Health: The Yearly Plan for Your Herd

Alpacas and llamas need little, but they need it regularly. Shearing is due once a year, the nails are trimmed several times a year, and in summer you protect the animals from horseflies and flies. Here you will find clippers, hoof care, disinfection, dosing syringes and care products, so you are well equipped for everyday work and for treatments.

Hygiene in the barn and at the entrance

Disease often arrives on the farm under the soles of shoes. A disinfection mat in the format 85 by 60 by 3 centimetres or a premium HDPE boot disinfection tray at the barn entrance clearly lowers that risk, especially with visitors or after shows. Change the solution regularly and keep the mat free of coarse dirt, otherwise it loses its effect. Equipment you use between animals should be cleaned before the next job as well.

Treatment and daily care

For worming and liquid preparations, dosing syringes are the tool of choice, for example the Flex Master dosing syringe or a 50 millilitre syringe with a drench attachment, which puts the amount safely into the mouth. Against insects, sprays such as the DEET fly spray in the 2.5 litre container help, and Superfresh care spray supports the care of skin and fleece. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and record every treatment for your herd paperwork, including the date and the amount given. Set yourself a fixed order for shearing, nails and worming, then nothing gets forgotten over the year.

Frequently asked questions

How often do alpacas need hoof care?
Usually several times a year. On soft ground the nails grow faster, so it is best to check them at every handling session.

When is the best time for shearing?
In spring, before it turns properly warm. The animals then get through summer without heat stress and the fleece stays clean.

What does a disinfection mat achieve?
It reduces germs on the soles of shoes at the barn entrance. A fresh solution and a spot nobody can walk past are what matter.