Re: [AlpacaTalk] My Boy Won't Eat Grain - Help!
I do agree about the Thyro-L, that's not really something to treat
with unless it's medically necessary - prescribed by the vet. That's
why it's not an over the counter item! :) And checking for E mac is a
good idea.
Does your farm give crias ADEB12 paste? That should be done at least
monthly, especially in the cold and less sunny months. It does help
stimulate appetite and does furnish some calories.
So how much does your boy weight right now? If his body score seems
good, there may well NOT be a problem. He is likely to be cold if he
doesn't have a cria coat on. Suris are susceptible to cold because
they don't have that fluffy fleece at the topline. If he weighs 50
lbs, that's quite normal. We like to see 60 lb weight by 6 months,
generally.
Also, some crias don't have an interest in pellets even at 6 months.
It's frustrating to the humans, but there's not a lot to do except
try to convince them that they're tasty! We've even had some
weanlings who weren't too quick to show interest in pellets.
Another thought, he may be a small alpaca. We have a one or two crias
who, even with good appetite and energy levels, normal bloods, just
turned out to be on the small side. They do continue growth until 5
years of age, so you can't know what his full size will be at 4 1/2
months.
Finally, all crias do grow at different rates. Mothers' milk
production rates differ, so crias of the same age won't always be the
same size. We have one 8 month old here, who is as big as our 18
month olds. No kidding! And we have a little 6 month old who is a
good 10 lbs or more smaller than a 5 month old. But they're all doing
fine, in their own way.
Heather
On Feb 16, 2009, at 9:22 AM, Pia Al-Ubaidi wrote:
> So far the fecals have been negative. From day 1, my boy has just
> refused to go in the creep feeder, didn't even seem curious about
> it. When offered a bowl of grain, he also has no interest in it.
> I am concerned about the farm using Thyro L in the absence of a
> blood test and I am going to check on that. I know the farm
> manager was going to start him on a concoction similar to the one
> referenced below, and I'm hoping that will help as well.
>
> It's really weird, but this little guy has always appeared to be a
> real "momma's boy" and I've always had the impression that he just
> has no interest in growing up. It's almost as if he would prefer
> just to stay a cria so he can stay with his mom. Strange indeed,
> but frustrating because from the moment of birth it was obvious he
> had strong herdsire potential!
>
> Reading all the responses to my post with great interest and
> appreciation,
> Pia
>
> Best regards,
> Pia M. Al-Ubaidi
> Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas
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posted by Chaddo at 9:42 AM
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