Stable Equipment Alpaca: Order for Your Daily Barn Round

Stable Equipment: A Barn That Takes Work Off You

Alpacas and llamas are undemanding, so their barn mainly has to be dry, airy and easy to clean. With the right equipment you save time every single day: hay racks and slow feeders keep the feed clean, absorbent bedding binds moisture and odours, and sturdy drinkers secure the water supply even on cold days.

Feeding and water

Galvanised hay racks and double hay racks keep the hay off the floor, which cuts losses and parasite pressure. If you want to stretch feeding time, use a slow feeding net, and for round bales there are matching nets and frames, for example in the size 1.81 by 1.81 metres. Feed troughs and feed bins with lids keep the concentrate sorted and safe from rodents. Plan enough feeding places so that lower ranking animals can eat undisturbed. Dry hay and clean troughs are already half the battle in the everyday feeding routine.

Bedding and mucking out

A dry lying area protects hooves and fleece. Bedding powder on a zeolite basis such as KerbaDry binds moisture and ammonia, which noticeably improves the air. It helps that alpacas use shared dung piles. If you go over these spots daily with a fork and shovel, the rest of the area stays clean for a long time and you need less fresh bedding. Tools with a light handle and a sturdy blade get this round done quickly, and a hook by the door keeps them where you need them. Watch out for good air without draughts as well, because damp and stale air burden the airways of your animals.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does an alpaca need?
Plan a dry, draught free lying area with enough room per animal and open access to the pasture, so the group can decide for itself.

Which bedding is suitable?
Absorbent bedding such as straw or shavings works well, combined with a bedding powder that binds moisture and odour.

Why a rack instead of feeding on the floor?
Hay on the floor gets soiled and trodden in. A rack keeps it clean, cuts losses and reduces the intake of parasites.