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Caring for Alpacas in the UK

Expert advice and practical tips from Hensting Alpacas, keeping and breeding alpacas in Hampshire since 2009. Our comprehensive guide to keeping a herd of around 40 alpacas healthy, happy and thriving in the British climate.

Caring for alpacas is a rewarding experience that requires dedication and commitment. These gentle, intelligent animals thrive with proper care and attention. At Hensting Alpacas, we've developed comprehensive care protocols since 2009 that keep our herd of around 40 alpacas healthy, productive and content.

Remember: Alpacas are social herd animals. They need companions, consistent care routines and attentive observation to thrive.

Essential Care Areas

Daily Care Routines

Morning and evening health checks
Feeding schedules and water monitoring
Weekly, monthly and seasonal tasks
Record keeping and observation logs
Practical routines from our own herd

Feeding & Nutrition

Daily feeding requirements and schedules
UK hay quality and supplementation
Vitamin D management for the UK climate
Seasonal feeding variations
Water requirements and quality

Health & Disease Prevention

Vaccination protocols and schedules
Body condition scoring systems
Parasite control and testing
Emergency care and vet guidance
UK-specific health challenges

Shearing & Fleece Management

Annual shearing techniques and timing
Fleece grading and processing
Equipment and safety protocols
Post-shearing care and monitoring
Commercial fleece opportunities

Cria Care & Weaning

Newborn care and the critical first 24 hours
Growth monitoring and feeding protocols
Vaccination schedules for young alpacas
Weaning process and post-weaning management
Emergency care and UK-specific challenges

Breeding & Birthing

Genetic selection and breeding programmes
Mating procedures and pregnancy monitoring
Birthing preparation and emergency care
BAS registration and record keeping
Guidance from experienced specialists

Parasite Management Programme

Critical: Liver fluke is a serious threat to UK alpacas. Regular prevention is essential, especially in wet areas or where sheep have grazed.

Our proven fluke prevention protocol

Fasinex: oral drench. We medicate our alpacas every 6 weeks due to having a river through our land
Flukiver: oral drench providing broader parasite control
Dosage: adult alpacas at 80kg receive 28ml of oral drench
Rotation: we alternate between products to prevent resistance
Testing: regular faecal analysis to monitor parasite loads
Location-specific: standard protocol is every 6 months, but high-risk areas like ours require more frequent treatment

Important: Treatment frequency depends entirely on your land conditions. A vet should assess your specific situation. Wet areas, rivers or previous sheep grazing may require more frequent treatment than the standard 6-month protocol.

Hensting tip: Contact Derek Moore for a customised parasite control plan specific to your location and herd size. We can help you establish an effective prevention schedule.

Common Health Concerns

Foot Rot

Bacterial infection from wet conditions. Prevent with regular trimming and dry ground. Treat promptly with antibiotics.

Coccidiosis

Parasitic infection causing diarrhoea and weight loss. Most common in young cria. Requires prompt treatment.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Common in the UK due to limited sunshine. Causes rickets in cria. Prevented with supplements or injections.

Heat Stress

Can occur in UK summers. Provide shade, water and consider fans. Shear before hot weather.

Explore Detailed Care Topics

Choose a guide below for in-depth advice on specific care areas:

Daily Care Routines Feeding & Nutrition Guide Health & Disease Prevention Breeding & Birthing Cria Care & Weaning Shearing & Fleece Management Handling & Training Emergency Care Procedures

Six detailed guides now available, with more comprehensive care topics coming soon.

Need Personalised Care Advice?

Every alpaca herd is unique. Derek Moore offers customised care plans, health consultations and on-farm visits to help you establish the best care practices for your specific situation.

Contact Derek Visit Our Farm