Daily Alpaca Care Routines
Practical husbandry schedules from Hensting Alpacas, keeping a herd of around 40 animals in Hampshire since 2009, alongside guidance from Tim Hey and BAS. Establish consistent daily, weekly and seasonal care patterns for optimal alpaca health.
Consistent daily routines are the foundation of successful alpaca husbandry. Regular monitoring allows early detection of health issues, ensures proper nutrition and maintains the security and wellbeing of your herd. All alpacas should be checked at least twice daily, first thing in the morning and again before dark.
Golden rule: During birthing season or times of illness, increase checks to every two hours. Never compromise on the minimum twice-daily routine, it can save lives.
Essential Daily Care Schedule
Morning routine (first thing)
Essential Morning Checks
- Visual health assessment - look for signs of illness, lameness or distress
- Attendance check - count all animals and ensure none are missing
- Water supply - check automatic drinkers or refill water troughs
- Feed provision - provide fresh hay and any required concentrates
- Fence inspection - walk boundaries and check for damage or weaknesses
- Paddock safety - remove hazards, check gates and latches
- Shelter maintenance - remove soiled bedding from overnight use
- Weather preparation - adjust shelter access based on forecast
Pro tip: Always approach alpacas calmly and quietly. Sudden movements can stress the entire herd and make health assessments difficult.
Evening routine (before dark)
End-of-Day Essentials
- Final headcount - ensure all alpacas are accounted for
- Health re-check - look for any changes since morning
- Evening feed - provide hay for overnight (if not ad-lib feeding)
- Water check - ensure adequate water for the night
- Shelter preparation - fresh bedding if weather requires shelter use
- Security check - lock gates, check fencing remains secure
- Remove daily manure - clear shelter areas of droppings
- Record observations - note any concerns in your logbook
Critical: Never skip evening checks, especially in winter or during breeding season. Problems can develop rapidly overnight.
Monthly tasks
Monthly Health & Maintenance
- Body Condition Scoring (BCS) - score each alpaca and record results
- Detailed health assessment - check teeth, eyes, ears more thoroughly
- Pasture management - rotate paddocks, assess grass condition
- Feed review - assess body condition and adjust feeding accordingly
- Vitamin supplementation - ADE & B12 paste (Sept-April in UK)
- Equipment inventory - check medical supplies, replace expired items
- Record keeping review - update health records, breeding notes
- Boundary maintenance - repair minor fence damage
BCS monitoring: Body condition scoring is crucial, as fleece can hide significant weight loss. Use the 1-5 scale and maintain records for trend analysis.
Essential Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records as recommended by BAS guidelines and experienced breeders:
- Daily log: weather, feed provided, health observations
- Individual records: weight, BCS, treatments, breeding dates
- Medical records: vaccinations, worming, vet visits
- Feed records: quantities, types, supplier information
- Breeding records: matings, pregnancies, birth details
- Financial records: feed costs, vet bills, equipment purchases
Digital tip: Use alpaca management software or spreadsheets for easy data analysis and BAS registration requirements.