Caring for Alpacas in the Extreme Cold Weather

January 2014
Hi, Julie here,

This January we experienced extreme cold weather 

and precautions needed to be taken

 to provide extra warmth and care for our alpacas.

 I'd like to pass on some useful winter practices:

1. Always make sure that alpacas have fresh clean water at a comfortable drinking temperature.
- Heated buckets are best,

  here is a tip I heard that was working at one farm that didn't have electricity in the barn. 

They taught their alpacas to nose colorful balls, 

this came in handy once the ice started to form on the water. 

Moving the balls around, in the water trough, kept the water from freezing. 

2. Shelter - Alpacas are very hardy and can with stand harsh weather however our resent snap of sub degree temps came on so quickly it really was necessary for them to have protection. Alpacas, as most animals, need to be able to get out of the harsh weather such as strong wind, pounding rain and snow and ice. 

For the most part a three sided shed positioned with the back wall catching the wind will be enough. A barn with doors is handy. With this resent snap of sub zero wind chill, our barn doors were closed to prevent the wind from making it even colder. 

3. Even though alpacas grow their own wonderfully warm fiber coat and in winter at a length that is extra warm, the older they become this coat length grows short, the older alpacas don't move around as much and therefore don't produce as much of their own warmth so it may be necessary to provide them a blanket to wear as an extra coat. Baby alpacas known as cria, also could use a blanket until they become comfortable with the weather. 

4. Most barns or 3 sided sheds (called Run-Ins) have dirt floors that will hold the cold temps. For this reason it is necessary to add extra layers of hay or straw on the shelter floor to provide an extra layer of insulation.

5. Make sure that you move your alpacas to the sunshine during the heat of the day. The sun will warm them as well as getting them to walk, exercise, will warm them. Plus they love to be outside. 

6. Feed - Make sure that you provide them with plenty of fresh hay and feed supplement as usual. By the alpacas staying nourished, they are able to produce their own body heat and will stay healthy and make it through the cold snap. 

Thanks for reading my blog. I would appreciate any tips that you have found to help you though this extreme weather situation. 

Quarry Critters Alpaca Ranch

                                                 

Littlestown, PA

                                                                                     http://www.QuarryCrittersAlpacas.com