The best way to keep your herd healthy and productive is by keeping them vaccinated, with updated vaccinations or parasite control. It's important that you watch the herd constantly, so they don't get sick, especially as we now are experiencing dramatic seasonal changes.  You may think that alpacas are indestructible, but they're not. When one of your alpacas becomes sick, it can be difficult to tell how much damage the illness has done because these animals will rarely show any signs of being ill or injured. This makes prevention more important than cure!

Alpaca Husbandry and Care, what we will do:

• Quietly move alpacas into the holding pen. 

• Learn how to safely and quietly herd them.  

• Pen, handle and hold each alpaca. 

• Handling complex and scared alpacas. 

• How to trim their toenails. 

• Vaccination, Vitamins, Drenching (oral or injection) 

• Body Scoring each alpaca 

• Checking eyes 

• FAMACHA Chart

• Recording notes for each alpaca

Your animals deserve to be happy and healthy. With that in mind, you have an ethical responsibility toward their welfare by providing a safe and caring environment such as good food sources, clean water, and shelter  - so they can always reap the benefits of living on your farm.  This is only for adults and for people who are interested in owning alpacas. It’s a great introduction to see if they are the right fit for your farm and become confident when handling them. You will see the good side and the not-so-easy-to-handle alpacas and how we do it. 

Expect a fast pace day and getting a little dirty.

The morning is around 1.5 hours, and we will end the session at the house with a relaxing morning tea. 

What you need:

- Closed shoes for safety 

- Please wear long pants/jeans for safety

- Sunhat 

Time: Approx 2 hours.  Start time: 10:30 am.

This event is not suitable for children and please do not bring your dogs to our farm.   We run this event only 2-3 times a year and keep our number limited so hands-on learning time is maximized.  There is also our alpaca management manual if you would like to purchase that also on the day.  We will go ahead in the rain and would only cancel if there is a threat of fire or flood.  Price includes GST and morning tea.

This hands-on experience is free for people who have completed our Sunday Alpaca workshop. To book in for the first part of the workshop, click here for dates and prices.