Caring for Geriatric Alpacas
Our Beloved Lucy
We have at least two geriatric alpacas on our farm. Lucy and Cacia are 18 and 17 years old. We think. (Import records are not 100% reliable).
This Spring, both Lucy and Cacia gave us little girl cria. We were thrilled! First of all because we love girl babies, and second of all, because these dams are still producing even as they advance in age. I consulted with my veterinarian about caring for older alpacas. Here are some tips for that I took away from our conversation:
- Be sure your older alpacas are getting around orthopedically without pain.
- Check to be sure that they still have teeth that are capable of eating properly. Hint: check those in the back used for chewing.
- Some people recommend giving B-12 shots. This is an okay thing to do, but will not be “the answer”. Think about the big picture as well.
- As with geriatrics of all species, their lives should be made as leisurely as possible. They need to keep a LOW STRESS level.
- Be sure they have plenty of room to eat and relax. No overcrowding or fighting over food.
- Be sure they have enough time to eat their food. It will probably take them longer to eat than younger animals. Nutrition is a key to good health.
A pen and paddock with fewer alpacas and lots space between food buckets will greatly benefit the geriatric alpaca. Dr. Stewart says that with these precautions in place, these older alpacas will likely out-produce some of the younger alpacas. Go old girls!
Read more about caring for geriatric alpacas.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:36 am
She is still beautiful!!!! We ‘older’ women have to stick together
July 13th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Glad to hear some other older gals are still able and ready for breeding. Unfortunately I’m constantly reminded it can’t last forever, and it will be a sad day when that time comes for Misty Maiden.
July 13th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
As another owner of several older import dams, I have found that it’s also beneficial to to give them pasture whenever possible, instead dry lot. As the molar surfaces get worn down with age, chewing hay becomes more difficult, but fresh pasture is soft and easy for them to chew. I love my older alpacas and appreciate how much they have to offer.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Thank you for the link to the website too. My farm is full of younger alpacas but as they age, it’s good to know this information.
I love visiting farms around us and listening to people talk about the love and care they have for their older girls/boys who have produced for them. It is another testament to the love and care of our herds that set the alpaca industry apart from other livestock. Too many livestock farms would disregard their older animals but this is proof that with proper care we don’t have to.
May 13th, 2010 at 7:54 am
I was just having a conversation over this I am glad I came across this it cleared some of the questions I had.