Alpaca Ulcer Update

Posted 15 March, 2007 in Alpaca Health |

Alpaca Ulcer Update - As you all know the end of last month we lost one of our females due to perforated ulcers. We have done some research on ulcers and learned that grain, such as cob, can cause ulcers in alpacas. Not that we fed too much of this, but it has now ended. We will no longer feed alpacas any supplement to their hay unless it is specifically formulated for alpacas such as the Mazuri Alpaca Chews.

We also observed that the feeders are a place of stress. Therefore, instead of having just one feeder per stall we have now added modified laundry baskets that we can hook onto our paddock fencing. Depending on the stall and who is inside we added one or two baskets. This way if any of the alpacas is being spit on at the feeder they can simply walk to another feeder and eat in peace. Of course some of the alpacas just prefer to eat where they are eating regardless if they are being spit at. This is especially true of my crias. They are so stubborn. However, I have noticed other stalls/paddocks a lot quieter now during feeding.

Since ulcers cannot be detected at this time these were just some ideas to consider.

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