Re: [Alpacasite] Newbie Questions

Lea,

It sounds as if you are off to a good start and you have good questions.

Deer... You are correct.. It is a parasite that, in it's NATURAL host (the
dear) are not so bad.. But in an UNNATURAL host (the alpaca) it is deadly.
IN MOST CASES...(NOT all!) a monthly injection of ivermec or Dexermex will
handle any problems. There is an intermediary host between these two. The
deer pass the pest into their stool. SNAILS then ingest this pest and TRAVEL
... The alpacas ingest the snails while grazing and THEN you have a problem.

As for poisonous plants.... Contact your local agricultural agency... They
will usually be willing to send an agent out to walk your property with you
and point out possible problems or plants that you may want to take special
care to keep. Another place to look are any local farmers... They can also
point out plants that they know are prevalent in your area that could cause
problems.

Trees that we KNOW are good are weeping willows and mulberry trees but there
are many more that are acceptable with some maintenance.

Cats... Yes, they CAN carry diseases that are transmittable to your alpacas.
If there are not many and you can catch them to vaccinate and worm them
then they can be of help in containing other pests such as rats, mice, moles
voles, chip-monks and such... As for frightening the alpacas.. Some have
seen them before and are not frightened.. Some may take a bit of time for
the alpacas to get used to them.

As for how many times a day to feed your animals... That differs from one
farm to the next. It depends greatly on the type of pasture and hay you
provide them, what supplements you use, how they 'body score' and how they
are doing from one week to the next.... For instance... If you feed once a
day but they seem to be LOSING weight and acting overly hungry... You may
need to add another supplement... Better hay or go to feeding twice a day...
Another 'for instance' is that you are in a cold climate during winter
months... You COULD need to feed once a day in summer but twice a day in
winter.

The only things I would add to what you are already doing is to search out
any alpaca classes and seminars and to keep visiting the farms.. Ask for
personal opinions on what works for THAT farm... But keep in mind that what
works for THAT farm may not be appropriate for YOURS...

I would also recommend that you purchase the 'Dr. Norm Evens Alpaca Field
Manual'.. As I understand it, the latest edition will SOON be available for
purchase.

Kathryn & Robert Coursey
kathryn@coursey.org
Chipola Alpacas
in the Panhandle of Florida
www.chipolaalpacas.com
(850) 639-6809
i am a source for weeping willow trees
and white mulberry trees.

Some folks are like Slinkies,
Not good for much,
But ya just can't help but smile
When you see one tumble down the
stairs.

-------Original Message-------

From: llauletta
Date: 11/27/05 09:27:53
To: Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Alpacasite] Newbie Questions

Hello all. I hope everone had a nice THanksgiving. I had more time to
think of questions lol.
-I have read that deers are not a threat to alpacas, but thier
paracites is what hurts the alpacas. We have deers that pass our farm
all the time. Would vacinations take care of the parasites?
-We have trees and bushes here and there on our farm. I have no idea
what they are. How can I tell if they are posionous?
-What are the trees to plant for alpacas?
-We also have some stray cats on our property. They would be scares of
the alpacas but I fear disease, any thoughts?
How many times a day do you feed your alpaca. I have been to an alapca
fair and 6 farm. I have heard some say once a day to twice a day. They
are always grazing grass and or hay
Just trying to get opinions.
Thanks
Lea
Williamstown, NJ

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