We are just starting to set up our alpaca farm and wanted to know if we it up to where the alpacas can drink from a creek or spring will that work for them. I have heard that they wont and I have heard that they will. Please let me know.
You don't say where you are located so its difficult to say. Personally, though, I don't think its a good idea. Here are some questions to think about: What do you do if the creek runs dry? What do you do if the area gets flooded? How will standing in the water affect their fiber? What about how contaminated the water will get with them getting into it?
For me, a creek has too many risks - cria being born into water and drowning; fiber rot from standing or laying in the water; Giardia and similar parasites found in water sources; icing over in winter or drying up in summer. I don't recommend letting alpacas have access to natural water sources - most of them are too contaminated.
I have a large trough that always has clean water in it, but my boys will still occasionally drink out of puddles or the small seasonal creek. Flavoring maybe? Go figure. Anyway, as long as you provide fresh water I would let them choose what they drink. You can lead an alpaca to water...
watering alpacas
Posted - 03/06/2012 : 11:23:15 AM
