When we bought our first small herd alpacas, impressed by the knowledge of the owner of the name of each animal. We were told that we quickly learn which one that was. But for us, everyone looked the same, but with closer inspection some were bigger, some were smaller, and some had identification. It took a few weeks, but finally we were able to give each of our alpacas.
Whether you want to be an alpaca breeder, keep them as pets or guard animals, getting to know each of your alpacas is crucial. They are herd animals and the herd instinct is masked by the other (and you of) if they do not feel well or if they are in pain. To establish a close bond with your alpacas you need to spend some time with them on a daily basis to have.
With daily observation you will be able to judge, stress each animal, an insight into the herd hierarchical structure (who is the leader?) And monitor each animal's overall health. You will be able to identify about feeds. Among feeds that is gentle and who is bullying others It is important that you understand the patterns of behavior of individual animals, if you want to be able to determine when they are not feeling on top of the world.
Whether you want to be an alpaca breeder, keep them as pets or guard animals, getting to know each of your alpacas is crucial. They are herd animals and the herd instinct is masked by the other (and you of) if they do not feel well or if they are in pain. To establish a close bond with your alpacas you need to spend some time with them on a daily basis to have.
With daily observation you will be able to judge, stress each animal, an insight into the herd hierarchical structure (who is the leader?) And monitor each animal's overall health. You will be able to identify about feeds. Among feeds that is gentle and who is bullying others It is important that you understand the patterns of behavior of individual animals, if you want to be able to determine when they are not feeling on top of the world.
Alpacas communicate through the posture of the ears, tail, head and neck, and they also add sound. Get to know some of these communication methods that will help with your understanding of your alpacas.
The Alert Stance - The alpaca is standing upright with a rigid body and turn their ears forward in the direction it stares. It signals a curiosity about a change. In the immediate area It could be a person walking in the next field, the sight of a cat or dog, the arrival of someone unknown to them, or sometimes even a bird that landed in their pasture. Very often turn around and every alpaca in the same way and takes the same pose. It can all members of the herd in line ahead to investigate or cause to expel the intruder. Alpacas have very keen eyesight and will often see creatures that are well hidden, long before people are aware of additional presence in the vicinity of a herd. If the alpaca interpreted there is no risk then the whole herd will just go away. If they perceive it as a threat, it can result in an alarm call or rapid escape of the whole herd.
The alarm call - This is a high-pitched shrill sound which often only given by the leader of the group, and then the others will follow. There is a slight difference in sound between a Suri and Huacaya one. Alpacas on the farm are more likely to call again at the sight of the cat, the dog, the chickens, and even a paper bag in the wind alarm. In fact, they will call alarm if they see something they never experienced. As a responsible owner, it is important that you look for the source of their concern. Remember, they have bright eyes, but if you can find in the same direction that they are looking looking for, then you can use the reason for their appeal.
Alpacas communicate in many ways, too many to cover in this article, so that more will follow. But will always be familiar with these two behavior patterns to help you understand some of your alpacas behavior.
