Birthing is generally trouble free and very quick. Yes, but not generally at people. A lean-to or provision of similar shelter for protection against extremes of heat and cold is all they require. There s no need for special fencing as alpacas are generally content to stay in their own backyards . Many owners are small breeders who want to be part of a young, new industry.
Alpacas are ruminants, that is, they chew cud like a cow.
They do well on low protein hay or pasture, provided it has a balanced mineral content. Supplementary feeding should be given in winter and to females in the later stages of pregnancy. Alpacas do less damage than most other farm animals as they have pads, not hooves, so that degradation of the land is minimised. Alpacas don t over eat but browse gently, allowing faster pasture regrowth. Their dung makes excellent fertiliser and it s conveniently dropped in areas where animals avoid grazing.