Health Planning For Alpacas
Country Smallholding|January 2018

A summary of husbandry practices.

Charlotte Mouland
Health Planning For Alpacas

There are around 40,000 alpacas registered in the UK and they are a popular species kept by smallholders. Alpacas are mostly kept for their fibre or as pets, but are also used as guard animals to protect lambs or poultry against predators. There are a number of regular husbandry practices that should be carried out as with all other species and it is important to work closely with your vet in order to monitor the health and welfare of your alpacas. An annual health plan review should include the following topics but this is certainly not an exhaustive list!

Identification

Currently it is not a legal requirement to officially identify your alpacas, but most will be microchipped and ear-tagged for management and security reasons. These details can be registered with the British Alpaca Society. Traditionally female alpacas wear an ear tag in the left ear, and males in their right.

Diet

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