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Llama & Alpaca Health – Winter Checklist

Winter can be a harsh season in some parts of Australia, we are close to 1000m here and often get snow as well as wind chill down to -15°C. Here is a quick check list of things to be aware of as the cold (and hopefully) wet weather approaches.

• SHELTER: Ensure you have some form of wind break for your animals, a line of trees, or shade cloth along the fence in the corner of a paddock are beneficial but a three sided covered shelter protecting against the prevailing winds and rain is preferable. I put a cushion of straw in my shelter as this allows the animals to block off the thermal window under their bellies. It is also important to make sure there is enough room in the shelter for everyone, including those low down in the pecking order. I have a girl that loves to sit in the entrance and stop others from seeking protection. I over came this problem by creating another entry point and now everyone can take cover.  

• Hyperthermia: Watch for signs of hypothermia, animals at particular risk includes cria, elderly, thin or sick animals. Symptoms of hyperthermia include shallow breathing, lethargy, reluctance to stand, limpness, cold to the touch and coma. Remember WET + WIND creates the biggest risk for hyperthermia.  

• FEEDING: Keeping warm takes energy so perform regular body scoring on your animals and increase their feed rations if any start to lose condition. I add a very small amount of grain (lupins/barley/oats) to the winter muesli mix and offer free choice meadow hay plus I start to include a bit of Lucerne hay.  

• WATER: If you are in very cold areas make sure water sources do not freeze. (Alpacas don’t drink as much water if it is very cold). I put buckets of water in the shelters as this protects it from freezing. I also give my herd buckets of warm water with electrolytes throughout the day (I think of it as a nice cup of tea), but admit this is a little over the top - you can imagine what the local sheep and cattle breeders think of me!!!  

• COATS: Have a few old jumpers/coats on hand to protect animals that do not cope with the cold and need extra protection.  

• BIRTHING: Watch any girls due to have crias very carefully, on a wet and windy day a new born cria can succumb the effects of hyperthermia quickly. Dry off the cria and move them and mum to a dry stall where they will be protected from the elements. Monitor the cria carefully for signs of hyperthermia.  

• TEMPERATURE: Have a thermometer on hand as checking their temperature will help confirm if an animal is suffering from hyperthermia. If the temperature is lower than 36°C then the animal needs to remain in the shelter with some quality feed and should be monitored carefully. If it is below 35°C they are already chilled and may need a blanket to help them warm up, if it is below 33°C then the animal is in a critical state, call the vet for immediate assistance. 

• KNOW THE IMPENDING WEATHER: Regularly check for sheep grazier alerts in your area. Several internet weather sites notify current alerts as do regional radio stations. I use www.weatherchannel.com.au  

• ADE SUPPLEMENTATION: In our area it is necessary to give ADE supplementation during the winter months to prevent rickets. I treat the adults in late autumn (about now) and then again in early Jul, cria get an additional treatment late August. Check with your vet for dosage rates and frequency in your area.