First and foremost, your alpacas will need a structure to protect them from the elements in both cold and warm seasons. In the summer, alpacas need a place that is shaded from the sun so they can stay cool. In the winter, they need a place that will shelter them wind, especially for moms and crias. The structure should be sturdy to protect them from the harsh weather and be properly designed to meet their needs. Shelters are also helpful when providing medical treatments such as vaccines or tending to sick alpacas.More »

The most important thing about alpaca fencing is to provide safety from predators. Most kinds of fencing will confine alpacas; they do not challenge fences. Alpacas are prone to attack by your neighbor's dog, hungry coyote and in some areas, young roving cougars. That being said, we often come across alpaca herds with minimal protection. Llamas on the other hand may be used as guardian animals to protect sheep or alpacas. Both will face off when confronted but the llama's larger size and posturing will make the aggression more believable. It is good practice to run stock netting around all of your boundary fences to stop predators from gaining access to your property in the first place.More »

When I decided to expand my pastures a few years ago, I chose to use electric rope fencing, primarily because it is much less expensive than wire fencing. A combination of supporting T-posts and fiberglass rods allowed me to have the great advantage of flexibility in changing paddock/pasture configurations before boundaries were made permanent with wooden corner posts.More »

We have built two alpaca farms since getting into the business years ago, and visited many others along the way. With over one hundred alpacas to work with every day, having the right set-up and layout is essential. We found the fencing can be used as a tool if laid out correctly, and a frustration if things are not in the right place. Every farm is unique, so you will have different requirements than we did living in the Rocky Mountains. Draw out your plan in a couple of different scenarios to see what elements you like best. Here are some important areas to consider when laying out your alpaca farm.More »

If you are interested in buying some pet alpacas, fencing will probably be your biggest expense. Fencing for alpacas serves two goals: It keeps your alpacas in It keeps predators out Alpacas have different needs than most livestock. Let's take a brief look at some of the fencing possibilities with regards to their suitability.More »

Choosing the correct fencing for alpacas is important for the safety of the alpacas from both an internal and external standpoint. Fencing not only keeps the animals safe from outside predators but it allows movement of the herd through the different areas of the farm and pasture.More »

There isn't much you can do to stop them from putting there head through the fence. Chicken wire or any other small gap type of wire could be strung up but that option is expensive. The fencing types which are best avoided are barbed wire. This type of fencing can be very harmful to any animal and is best to be removed from any property with alpacas.More »

There are many types of alpaca barn layouts. Which you chose depends on your property layout, financial considerations, number of alpacas you plan on having, and personal preference. What is required is that your alpacas have a dry place to get out of the wind and bad weather. A three-sided Run In shed like those used for horses is adequate provided it allows the alpacas enough room and protection from the weather. We started out with a 12 ft. x 14 ft. shed and added as our numbers grew.More »

Alpacas don't challenge a fence the way other livestock do. When fencing for alpacas keep one thing in mind. predators! This does not necessarily mean bears, mountain lions, etc. but more the neighbor's dogs or any pack of dogs that might roam the area. At Walnut Creek, we also have guardian dogs that guard the perimeter of the alpaca pens. This discourages a great deal of predators before they get close to the pens. Of course, your geographic area will determine what types of predators you have to worry about. Contrary to popular belief, coyotes don't seem to be a problem. I have only heard of one instance where coyotes attacked and killed alpacas. This was in the drought stricken area of Colorado. Animals of prey become pretty bold as times get harsh. I would especially think the cria (babies) would be inviting to a hungry pack of coyotes. Remember, don't fence your alpacas in! Fence their predators out!More »

YES alpacas do need shelter! Designing basic shelter for your new alpacas will depend greatly on your location. Consider the extremes in your weather annually and then decide what kind of shelter will best protect your alpacas. They do not do well baking in the sun, and they do prefer to get out of the wind and rain. Visitors or workers who are used to horses and cattle laugh when they see our herd run for shelter at the first drop of rain.More »