The safety of our animals is the number one priority when we send them to a new home. The facilities requirements are designed to make ownership easier for you and to ensure the animals’ well-being.Minimum Facility Requirements
- A fenced pasture large enough for llamas to move around freely, with room for running or jumping. Fences should be a minimum of 48″ high and safe for animal containment
- A three- or four-sided shelter that provides protection from prevailing winds. Temporary hoop shelters are acceptable.
- A sheltered storage area for hay and feed.
- Feed and clean water containers. Large, flat-bottomed pans are a good choice for feeding supplements or treats. Buckets with handles are not safe for llamas/alpacas.
- A catch pen where the animals can be herded and haltered. Catch pens made with temporary or cattle panels are functional as the pen can be rearranged when necessary.
- An off-the-ground hay manger or hay rack for feeding.
In addition to the above, the following is recommended:
A properly fitted llama/alpaca halter & lead rope
A local vet who has experience with treatment of llamas/alpacas.
A trailer for transporting llamas/alpacas or access to a trailer.
Sources of help and information on llama/alpaca care such as a knowledgeable, experienced mentor and membership in an association for access to materials, contacts.
A basic first aid kit for treating llamas/alpacas.
A llama care book such as Caring for Llamas and Alpacas: A Herd Management Guide.
Tools for toenail trimming, shearing, and cleaning the pasture.
A restraint chute or panel arrangement for general care, health treatments and medical emergencies.
Introduction of the family dogs to the llamas/alpacas must be done with care.