Mucking Out Alpaca: Forks and Shovels for the Daily Round

Mucking Out: A Quick Round, a Dry Barn

Alpacas and llamas set up shared dung piles. That is a real advantage, because you do not have to work through the whole area, only a few spots. With the right tool it takes just a few minutes a day. Here you will find shavings forks, muck shovels and rakes that sit lightly in the hand and are still sturdy enough for daily use.

Forks for every surface

The glass fibre reinforced shavings fork from Waldhausen is light and has good spring, which is kind to your wrists on the daily round. A version with high side panels takes up more at once and loses less on the way. If you want something more robust, reach for the metal shavings fork, which also copes with trodden down bedding and damp material. Look for narrow gaps between the tines, then clean bedding stays put instead of going out to the muck heap. A smooth handle without splinters and a good balance make the work more pleasant still.

Shovels, rakes and helpers

On smooth floors and in yards, a set of muck shovel and rake is practical, because you can pull the droppings together and pick them up in one go. Matching rakes are also available separately as replacements when the old one wears out. For children who help out on the farm there is a mini muck shovel in a smaller size. Hang the tools up after the round so they dry off, then the handle and tines last considerably longer and nothing lies about in the way. A wheelbarrow with a sturdy wheel makes the trip to the muck heap easier and saves you many journeys over the year.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clear the dung piles?
Daily is best. That keeps the lying area dry, reduces flies and noticeably lowers parasite pressure on pasture and in the yard.

Plastic or metal for the fork?
Plastic and glass fibre are light and kind to your joints. Metal is more robust and suits trodden down or damp bedding.

Can I use alpaca manure in the garden?
Yes, it is fairly mild and composts well. Let it rest long enough before you spread it.