Hi Everyone, Yes we are coming to the end of what seems to be a beautiful summer. We have had six babies this year so far and have 3 more due. We had 3 boys and 3 girls so far. I don't know how everyone else is managing. We find the Canadian Alpaca Business expensive . Once you have purchased your Alpacas, what is the next step to start your business? We have found that being in business Since October of 1999 we have had many obstacles. This includes the fact that my Husband and I work full time and still find the time to look after 79 Alpacas. With the help of course with our partners My Mom and Dad who are now retired. One of the pitfalls is that after all the hay hauling and the poo shoveling, clipping nails, shots and creating the web page, driving back and forth every weekend to look after the animals from Airdrie to Innisfail. There is very little or no time at all to market our animals. We don’t have time to enter shows. We started with seven animals and have worked our herd up to 79. Now we need to sell. If you see anything on our website you would be interested in please contact us. Selling the Alpacas is not my main purpose for the newsletter although sales would be nice. My main purpose is to get feedback from you on the Industry and how we can put our heads together to make it profitable for everyone. Even for the Small Farm owner. Since we have started we have done Four years of business making Christmas Baskets for a major Construction Company, Standard General with a variety of Products. The first year we did baskets with Alpaca Socks. The second year we did Alpaca Blankets and the third year we did Quillows. (This is an alpaca pillow filled with Alpaca batting and pulls out to a blanket). We have also done Alpaca Vests. We have created our own products without the help of Can Cam. Our socks and yarn has been a big seller so far. Both my husband John and I have been certified in the Husbandry of Alpacas. So any questions you may have we would be glad to help. I thought I would forward to you my Vaccination list to prepare for anything that may arise in your particular situation. Hope it helps and we will keep in touch. Winter is coming so keep you and your Alpacas warm. Till next quarterly Newsletter see you soon. Lori
Within the first 12 hours of birth, cria are given 1/4 CC a/d under the skin or in the muscle 1/4 CC Dystosel Selenium under the skin The ideal needles for this are 22G x 1” or 25Gx3/4” for the Selenium 20G x 1” for the A&D At the same time the mom receives 3 1/2 CC Tasvax under the skin with a 22G x 1” needle and 1/2 cc of oxytoxin in the muscle with the same size needle.
From birth to weaning, cria receives at 1 month of age 2CC Tasvax 8 under the skin 2 to 2 1/2 months 1CC A&D in the muscle 3 to 3 1/2 months 2CC Tasvax 8 under the skin 4 1/2 months 1CC A&D in the muscle 6 months or at weaning 3 1/2 CC Tasman 8 under the skin
Remember the various reasons when weaning can be delayed. For animals 6 months and under 12 months 1CC A&D in December in the muscle 1CC A&D in February in the muscle
Ephichlor 2CC IM If Allergic Rxt To A&D
Deworm 2X a year Babies 1CC Ivomec until a year old then 2CC’s. Adults 2CC
Adults 1CC 2X A year of Selenium
Antifungal for ringworm zincoderm 1 Can Colostrum 1st 12 hours of birth divide into 3 parts can freeze Leave Moms & babies segregated for the 1st 24 hours Halter train baby for 1st week and handle alot
Keep A&D in Dark cupboard Keep Tasvax in fridge Antibiotics Biomycin LA Under the skin General purpose antibiotic Synergisten in the Muscle Daily Can Give all pregnant females 1 CC of A&D in Dec every year 1CC of Selenium when babies reach a year
