[AlpacaTalk] RE: Wooded lots
<<<Everything I have read or heard states that alpaca do well on dry
> lots or pastures/fields but what about wooded areas ? I have mine
> on a acre lot that is mostly wooded. They seem to enjoy it. When
> they get the run of the "front yard", 5 plus acres, they really
> enjoy the open space and fresh greens. But there is another 10
> acres they have never attempted into explore in the woods. I am
> kind of happy because as soon as I can't see them I go out looking
> for them but still I wonder. Any ideas ?
>
> Ken Hoh
> Alpaca Hoh Ranch
> Owneton, Ky>>>
My alpacas' pasture is half open half wooded, actually probably more
like 1/3 open and 2/3 wooded. They utilize all areas. They
especially appreciate the woods during the summer. I put a lg
industrial fan out there and a pool, all in the shade of the woods and
they love it; I also spray them down (or spray them "under" would be a
more accurate description) with a hose under the trees at least once a
day during the high heat of summer. During the winter they spend most
all their time out in the open.
The main problem to watch out for is poisonous trees and shrubs. I had
a lot of wild cherries. I knew the leaves were poisonous but they were
so high up they were not reachable so I never gave it a
thought.....
leaves that are the problem. I had a lot of them and of course they
drop their leaves each fall. I buried a lot of alpacas over the years
and had a lot of miscarriages and premature births (that didn't
survive). I can't say for a fact it was the trees, but since I've had
them all removed I have not buried a single alpaca.
At the time I was having this done I learned that all pit fruit trees'
wilted leaves are toxic, so sadly not only did I have to lose all my
cherries but all my wild plums and wild peaches as well.
I think your guys will do fine in the woods, esp since they have a FIVE
acre front yard to enjoy - lucky guys!
Predators would be my main concern after poisonous trees/bushes. There
is a reason you don't like them to get out of sight!
A couple of Great Pyrennees will take care of that problem very nicely
:-). I had a hundred reasons why I did not want to fool with getting
any more dogs, any more mouths to feed. I got my pair last May and
I've looked back; I'll never be without them again. I now sleep well
at night and never ever hear that bone chilling yipping of visiting
coyotes and the bobcat that attacked twice has moved on. They are the
greatest dogs ever and the easiest I've ever raised.
Janice in NW GA
posted by Chaddo at 7:33 AM
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