[AlpacaTalk] Re: Alpaca Chutes & Meds

We made a chute out of 2x4s and it is perfect for trimming nails. We lure them into the chute with food and attach their halter to a cross tie (they can still eat but not move around or back out).

To trim their nails I leave their feet on the ground and snip the overgrown pieces off. I no longer struggle with picking up their feet. Marty McGee's site has pictures of how this is accomplished.

I administer their shots by myself. I get them all into a small pen, where small is the key word. I don't want them running around getting stressed out. I hold the syringe in my mouth like a pirate then pick out my 'victim' and stand next to their shoulder facing their rear. I use my knee on their chest to keep them from going forward and my arm is draped on the back of their neck to keep them from backing up.

I use the Rick Horn method of injections so once I have captured my victim I just poke em anywhere that's convenient and inject the dewormer.

a bit of clarification...I should have said all the girls then all the boys. I do not actually put 'all' the alpacas in a small pen.
Regarding the syringe...because I use the Rick Horn method I don't worry about holding the syringe in my mouth, because the cap is still on it, well except for the 1/4 inch that I have cut off.

I have pictures of the chute if you would like to build your own.

jackie
Alpaca Road
Ridgely MD

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