by making rainbows and people smile because of its magical cuteness powers in North Carolina ^_^
You can but the alpaca will probably hate being inside. The alpaca will also make the house stink because it will use the restroom all over the place.
At least 4 people. One to lead the alpaca in and hold the head during shearing. One to maintain tension on the ropes holding the alpaca stretched out. One to do the actual shearing. And another to gather up the fleece. For things to move quickly & efficiently with a small herd to shear, 8 is a good number. One shearer, one to hold the head, and another to manage the ropes. Then 2 people to bring the alpacas in & out, another 2 to gather the fleece, and one person to sweep up between alpacas.
A horse is a herd animal, and horses always like to be kept in groups. A horse without a companion is rarely a happy horse, and many adopt vices such as constant drinking, windsucking, cribbing or weaving. The best cure is to get another horse. If you cannot support another horse, a miniature pony does not require as much care. Generally they do not need to be shod or fed concentrates, but will still need roughage and vet care. If another horse is out of the question, cattle, sheep, llamas, yes alpacas, and sometimes dogs can make good companions for horses. If the alpaca's temperament is calm and it will not spook the horse, try putting them in the same pasture to see how they get on. There is no guarantee that they will like each other, but they may become firm friends.
Alpaca is not generally eaten in North America but is consumed in South America and elsewhere. Here in the USA where some people still think alpacas are worth thousands of dollars, they are raised primarily as a tax shelter. Yes, that's right, I said it! Other people believe their days of high value are over and are dumping them for as little as $100. A good lamb will cost you more than than that. This is not just anecdotal writing, for I have purchased these animals for even less than that. We at Cota Farms raise and sell alpaca meat; this is a fairly new thing for us and I don't presently know of anyone else who offers this type of product. It is certain that soon, we will not be the only ones doing this. The more successful we are, the faster we will be copied. For more info, contact me at CotaFarms.com
Dennis
Usually scaly patches with scabs and touch the area that you think they have mites, if they squeal they might have mites. Take them the vet's and they can tell you if they have mite's or not. It does take a long time for them to clear up so be careful!
Yes, most alpacas will be just fine in a pasture with other herbivores (horses, cattle, sheep, goats). However, if you have two or more alpacas, you'll likely find they form a herd by themselves and do not associate much with the other animals in the pasture.
They jump incredicly high, and long distances. Approx 3 metres. They also feel the need to lick random objects. I came home last night and my door knob was comvered in alpaca slobber. They also make a loud trumpet like noise, through their nose. Sometimes they even, lose half their eyesight and run into stuff.
Alpacas can be harnessed and led with a rope attached to the harness. Catching an untrained alpaca can be difficult, so they are often herded into a small area where they can be caught and harnessed. Handling them for specific tasks like walking up into a trailer or having their toenails clipped involves lots of patient training (or impatient manhandling).
Yes, alpaca milk is drinkable, but it may not taste good (just a warning.)
Mountain Ash leaves are not poisonous to Alpacas. In fact, the leaves and the berries are not poisonous to any animal.
Since alpacas and llamas can crossbreed, possibly making alpacas an endangered species since its genetic make-up is being compromised by crossbreeds with the llama. In other words when the Alpacas and llamas crossbreed, it possibly makes Alpacas an endangered species since the genetic makeup is being compromised by crossbreeding with the llama.
A full grown person CANNOT ride an alpaca -- it can severely damage it's back and give it lifelong health problems. Small children, however may be able to. Llamas can also pull carriages, though I know it does not have the same effect.