A Shed?
August 9th 2007 22:14
People who visit always ask if they need a shed for their alpacas. We have a large shed and we’ll find the alpacas in there on really hot days, keeping out of the sun.
We had snow here a couple of years ago, (The only time in the 10 years) and in the morning the alpacas were all white. They hadn’t bothered with the shed but chose to sit out in it instead.
The same with rain and frost. It seems that these elements don’t bother alpacas as much as the heat, which they do seek shelter from.
We shear in the spring time normally, so the alpacas will have good fleece cover again by the time the cold weather comes. We had a cold snap after shearing once and I noticed Bob (our ancient wether) sitting out in the paddock shivering. He didn’t want to go in the shed though. Another alpaca, a female did go for the shed, so it might have been that Bob just thought he was tough.
I have a theory though, that alpacas don’t trust man-made structures much – I can’t prove that, but sometimes feel the same way, especially when its windy and the structure is creaking a bit. I guess their fears are perfectly warranted when things do fall down, like that bridge in the US recently. They probably know us better than we do.
When bad weather is approaching, the alpacas go and find a sheltered spot in the paddock and sit like camels, with their legs folded up under them. If it's raining or blowing very hard, they’ll lay their necks out along the ground as if to get as close to the ground as possible.
When it’s hot, the alpacas sit in any shady spot, so having some shade trees, lean-to’s or some other shady place will be appreciated by your alpacas. Sometimes they'll lay out in the sun though, sun baking.
We’ve put up a portable gazebo for the alpacas on hot days when they’ve been in a paddock without other shade. They happily go and sit in there. Reminds me of a picnic at the Melbourne Cup for some reason.
We’re in a very temperate area, so we don’t get the extremes of temperature that some places get. Our winter low is normally around 0C and summer average 23 - 24C. We’ve had up to 38C on a few occasions but only for a day or so before a cool break comes. This seems to suit the alpacas. Suits me too!
Anyway, it is a good idea to have a shed and to get your alpacas used to it. If you do need to confine them for some reason like if you have one who is injured or sick, just given birth, or it's the night before shearing and raining, then you have the option. While they prefer to be outside, it’s peace of mind for you to know you can get them in if you need to.
We had snow here a couple of years ago, (The only time in the 10 years) and in the morning the alpacas were all white. They hadn’t bothered with the shed but chose to sit out in it instead.
Alpacas in the Snow
The same with rain and frost. It seems that these elements don’t bother alpacas as much as the heat, which they do seek shelter from.
We shear in the spring time normally, so the alpacas will have good fleece cover again by the time the cold weather comes. We had a cold snap after shearing once and I noticed Bob (our ancient wether) sitting out in the paddock shivering. He didn’t want to go in the shed though. Another alpaca, a female did go for the shed, so it might have been that Bob just thought he was tough.
I have a theory though, that alpacas don’t trust man-made structures much – I can’t prove that, but sometimes feel the same way, especially when its windy and the structure is creaking a bit. I guess their fears are perfectly warranted when things do fall down, like that bridge in the US recently. They probably know us better than we do.
When bad weather is approaching, the alpacas go and find a sheltered spot in the paddock and sit like camels, with their legs folded up under them. If it's raining or blowing very hard, they’ll lay their necks out along the ground as if to get as close to the ground as possible.
When it’s hot, the alpacas sit in any shady spot, so having some shade trees, lean-to’s or some other shady place will be appreciated by your alpacas. Sometimes they'll lay out in the sun though, sun baking.
We’ve put up a portable gazebo for the alpacas on hot days when they’ve been in a paddock without other shade. They happily go and sit in there. Reminds me of a picnic at the Melbourne Cup for some reason.
We’re in a very temperate area, so we don’t get the extremes of temperature that some places get. Our winter low is normally around 0C and summer average 23 - 24C. We’ve had up to 38C on a few occasions but only for a day or so before a cool break comes. This seems to suit the alpacas. Suits me too!
Anyway, it is a good idea to have a shed and to get your alpacas used to it. If you do need to confine them for some reason like if you have one who is injured or sick, just given birth, or it's the night before shearing and raining, then you have the option. While they prefer to be outside, it’s peace of mind for you to know you can get them in if you need to.
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
MS Paint Art
This is a lovely post and I just love the pic of those alpaca's in the snow.
I found the understanding descriptions very enjoyable indeed. You obviously know your animals well.
Well done,
katyzzz
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
You'd think they'd want to go inside, but I guess they don't feel the cold under all that nice fleece.
I have some clothes and quilts made from alpaca and they're soooo warm.
Cheers
Rosemary
Comment by Catherine
Natural Animals
just popped in to see another story on the alpacas. The pic in the snow is great, and I think you may be right about not trusting the man made structures, that made a lot of sense to me.
hopefully you are having a lovely sunny day today.
Catherine
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
It's been raining flat out here all today and yesterday. Water sitting all over the paddocks and the pacas look like drowned rats out there.
I don't mind at all though, we need the rain and I love the sound of it on our tin roof, so thank you, I am still having a lovely sunny day, just inside.
Cheers
Rose