ENVIRONMENT

The temperature range they can endure is wide ranged. They are most comfortable between 0 deg F and +60 degree F. (Their normal body temperature is about 101 degrees F.) The general rule of thumb if the mathematical sum of temperature and humidity is greater than 125 to150, you need to get them a fan! (Fortunately here in Colorado this is not a serious problem .) Alpacas (and some Llamas) generally enjoy being watered down with a garden hose or walking through standing water in the summer months to stay cool.

Low temperature in winter is a concern for crias and pregnant females. Sheltered adult Llamas and Alpacas can endure extreme weather conditions with reasonable ease. (Remember Alpacas they came from 12,000 ft. high Andes Mountains.) When these animals sit down (kush) they place their legs and feet under their long fiber which hangs down along side of them protecting them from the elements. Alpacas generally enjoy snow storms especially during early spring when the temperature hovers just below freezing. Some llamas & alpacas will get under cover and some just sit out in it. Drying out takes only 3 to 4 hours regardless of the temperature.

Llamas can be easily confined within a 54" high fence. Male Llamas can, if provoked, by danger to themselves or other nearby animals can clear such a fence. They would actually probably fall over the fence rather than jumping it.
It is best if the female and male Llamas are separated by more than one fence. Llama females in close proximity to a male, whether receptive to breeding or not, can simply be provocation enough for a male to go over a 54" fence. Although the same instinct is within the smaller Alpaca, a 54" fence is a formidable barrier to these animals.

In addition to a fence other methods such as an electric fence outside the traditional fence is often used in more dangerous areas. Electric fences should not be used with fiber animals, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, etc. In many cases, their fiber prevents the electrical charge from reaching their skin, thus they never feel the fence.

Fences for camelids are used primarily to keep out predators rather than camelids in. For this reason one should have a good fence of wire mesh, field, fence, stable mesh, etc. A single strand of electric fence that could be used to confine other animals will not work to confine crias and to keep out predators.

Camelids are semi-ruminants with 3 stomachs and are very efficient eaters.

They require between 1.8% to 2% of their body weight per day for food. Food consists generally of grass hay. Alfalfa contains too much protein and cannot be fed to the Llama and Alpaca on a regular basis. A small amount of sweet mix (corn, oats, barley, etc.) can be fed as a supplement. The species requires (free choice) of supplement minerals , as well. Llamas and Alpacas do not lick themselves, their young, or as a general rule salt blocks. Their tongues are not serrated like cattle and will generally try to bite the mineral block rather than licking it. For this reason the minerals are generally in granular form rather than a block.

During the summer months the animals graze the pasture. Some plants in nature are poisonous to them and they cannot make a regular diet of them.

The animals have dung piles only in specific areas. Both animals use the dung piles for all of their body waste. They don't poop just anywhere like many other animals do.  It's said that this trait is almost civilized! Their dung is in the form of a pellet similar to the deer but does not have an offensive smell as the waste of other animals. It is a natural organic fertilizer and is excellent for indoor use, city gardens, flower beds, new lawns and other similar needs.

Natural predators of these animals in North America include coyotes, bobcats (mountain lions) and a pack of dogs. A full grown male Llama can usually, without too much difficulty, thwart off one or two dogs at a time. The pack is the real threat. Male Llamas generally are also very protective of other animals that are in danger.