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Alpaca Grooming
Alpacas are notorious for easy maintenance, and this means grooming as well. Although the Alpacas do not require an abundance of grooming they do require regular grooming which will not only ensure their comfort level, it will help to ensure their well-being.
First, it is important to realize that grooming does not include bathing or brushing, as both bathing and brushing could damage the animal's natural fiber. There are specific maintenance grooming requirements, however, and the following how to list will help to ensure that you are providing your Alpaca with the proper grooming and techniques that they require.
How to Groom an Alpaca: Firstly, the Alpacas toenails continually grow throughout the span of their life. It will be important to trim the Alpacas toenails on a monthly. To do so, you should have a good pair of Alpaca trimmers.
Trimming the Alpacas nails is a two person job unless you have a very well trained Alpaca. It is important to balance the Alpaca Start with the front legs of the Alpaca. Have your helper hold the Alpaca from the opposite side you will be working on. Face the rear of the Alpaca and slide your left hand over the shoulder and the right hand down the side of the Alpaca's leg. You may need to use your left hand to check them gently to ask them to stand back in balance. Lower your hand to the knee and ask them to lift the leg as you press toward the rear of the alpaca. When they lift the leg, cradle the ankle in your hand. Begin to trim the toenails It is important not to cut into the quick to prevent bleeding. If you happen to cut into the quick apply pressure immediately and some topical antibiotic. It will be important that you keep your eye on the animal for a few days following the wound to ensure that infection does not set in. Once you have trimmed the front nails, begin on the rear.
Alpacas tend to pick up ticks in their ears. Therefore it is necessary to regularly check the animal's ears for ticks each day.
Monthly veterinarian visits should be schedule for worming, vaccinations and nutritional supplements.
Each year before the hot weather sets in it will be important to shear the Alpaca. Keep the Alpaca cool in the summer by assuring they have plenty of shade, a well ventilated barn with fans that allow breezes at the Alpacas belly level where their thermal window is and by spraying their bellies with water.
Inspection of your Alpaca's teeth should be performed frequently and once their front incisors protrude past the top of their gum line, it will be necessary to trim their teeth. It is best to have a veterinarian perform this task.
Always discuss with your veterinarian any special needs your Alpaca may have, such as diet and care for any ailments. It is important also that your veterinarian is aware of the parasites and ailments of other animals within a 10 to 15 mile radius of your farm, to ensure that they are not in effecting your animal as well.
