Moving Alpacas - Part 1
October 24th 2007 21:26
I’m often asked how we transport alpacas. Within Tassie, we use our trailer which was purpose-built by my Dad. See my other post Anatomy of an Alpaca Trailer.
For interstate travel, we use Tasmanian Horse Transport. As the name suggests they are horse movers, but they have also been transporting alpacas as well, for many years now.
The company name also suggests they work in Tasmania, but in fact, they travel the east cost of Australia, between Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne and Hobart. They are based in Tassie, but they’re up and down the coast every week, taking alternatively the Pacific Highway or the New England Highway.
We’ve used them several time to move alpacas interstate and each time the alpacas have arrived content and in great condition. They schedule in several stops along the route for the animals. Apparently some horses don’t travel very well and need plenty of rest stops. I’m sure the alpacas also appreciate being let out to stretch their legs.
The vehicles have a video surveillance system, so they can constantly check on the passengers whilst on the road. A horse pen can comfortably carry two or three adult alpacas.
The Tasmanian Horse Transport people are very experienced and obviously care about the animals they are entrusted with. We’ve transported pregnant female alpacas, males and un-handled youngsters and they’ve always handled the trip with no problems. They’ve always arrived at their destination clean, healthy and quite un-fazed by the experience.
We have used another carrier once, and were pretty un-impressed. I got the feeling the alpacas were treated more like bales of hay, than live animals. I’ve also heard assorted horror stories from other alpaca people about their experiences transporting their animals. So I think I’ll stick with the ones I know do their job properly.
I tend to worry about my alpacas when they’re travelling because there is always the risk of accidents and, so knowing they’re in the best hands is great peace of mind for me.
For interstate travel, we use Tasmanian Horse Transport. As the name suggests they are horse movers, but they have also been transporting alpacas as well, for many years now.
Alpacas - Just completed a long journey
The company name also suggests they work in Tasmania, but in fact, they travel the east cost of Australia, between Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne and Hobart. They are based in Tassie, but they’re up and down the coast every week, taking alternatively the Pacific Highway or the New England Highway.
We’ve used them several time to move alpacas interstate and each time the alpacas have arrived content and in great condition. They schedule in several stops along the route for the animals. Apparently some horses don’t travel very well and need plenty of rest stops. I’m sure the alpacas also appreciate being let out to stretch their legs.
The vehicles have a video surveillance system, so they can constantly check on the passengers whilst on the road. A horse pen can comfortably carry two or three adult alpacas.
The Tasmanian Horse Transport people are very experienced and obviously care about the animals they are entrusted with. We’ve transported pregnant female alpacas, males and un-handled youngsters and they’ve always handled the trip with no problems. They’ve always arrived at their destination clean, healthy and quite un-fazed by the experience.
We have used another carrier once, and were pretty un-impressed. I got the feeling the alpacas were treated more like bales of hay, than live animals. I’ve also heard assorted horror stories from other alpaca people about their experiences transporting their animals. So I think I’ll stick with the ones I know do their job properly.
I tend to worry about my alpacas when they’re travelling because there is always the risk of accidents and, so knowing they’re in the best hands is great peace of mind for me.
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Those skinny, fragile looking necks contain surprisingly strong muscles.
Comment by Catherine
Natural Animals
I am curious, could you have an alpaca as a pet in a city yard, or would he or she need a companion. (no not thinking about it, just curious as I only ever hear of them in herds).
thanks
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Alpacas do prefer the company of other alpacas. Most like to be part of a herd, (safety in numbers), but two will pair up and be good company for each other. Many people have just two.
I wouldn't keep an alpaca in a city yard. They are farm animals and a regular yard wouldn't give them enough space to move (run) around. You'd have to hand feed all the time too and that's not healthy for a grazing animal. They get serious gut problems if they're fed too much grain.
They'd eat your plants too so you wouldn't be able to have any garden. Chances are they make a poo pile right outside your door
It would just be too hard really, and the alpaca wouldn't be happy living in town. Cheers.
Comment by JoH
Spoken like a real mother!
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
I still need to worry about those things but around here they're called Mating, Needles and Halter Training. I guess at least I always know where they are.