08/11/2025
Do alpacas need shelter?
YES!
With all this rain remember to think about your alpacas and how much shelter they have. Shorn animals exposed to extended rain, wind or cold are at risk.
All animals naturally will seek out shelter during cold, wet and rainy weather. In some cases, rain and wind can cause hypothermia in alpacas. Young, old and sick alpacas are particularly susceptible to this type of weather, and in some cases this may lead to death.
If your animals are not going to use their shelter, perhaps try putting their favourite snack in the shelter - lucerne hay.
So what type of shelter should I provide?
Alpacas are a prey animal so generally prefer shelter that they can see out of. A two or three sided shed with lots of natural light works well or even a paddock with large trees will provide sufficient shelter from the weather. If neither of these are an option, hay bales stacked in a brick pattern and create an ‘L’ shape. This will ensure that they are protected from the wind, particularly if you are not sure which direction the wind is traveling on your property.
