Alpaca Association New Zealand

05/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CuoCtqaCt/

Not often this happens - a cria found alone on a riverbed! Sharing this here in case one of our members knows where this wee one belongs.

FOUND – ALPACA – (TWIZEL AREA) CANTERBURY

4.12.25 A young alpaca (cria) was found today, Thursday 4 December 2025, on the Southern Twizel River Trail. This young cria is currently being cared for by the Timaru SPCA, and we would like it to be reunited again with its owner.

If you are the owner, or have any further information, please contact Council on (03) 685 9010 or email tristan.hope@mackenzie.govt.nz

4.12.25 - Original post - https://www.facebook.com/mackenziedistrict/posts/pfbid033fLJsb9UHYt1vWLWw3uPAe9j1gd44LZJrQDXomei3AUGr7nA38GyziQxnLbYCyykl Mackenzie District Council (Donna)

30/11/2025

And that’s a wrap on AANZ Alpaca Mythbusters Month!

We’ve BUSTED ❌ the myths and confirmed a few TRUE ✅ facts along the way — all to help kiwi owners give their alpacas the best care possible.

💬 Which myth surprised you most this month?
Keep learning, keep sharing, and keep caring 🦙💚

28/11/2025

“All male alpacas should be castrated if not used for breeding” ✅ TRUE

Correct ✅

It’s recommended to castrate any male not intended for stud work.
This helps them be calmer, safer, and happier paddock pets.

📅 Castration should be done by a vet, with proper pain relief, at an appropriate age (usually 12–18 months).

28/11/2025

“Alpacas can be trained” ✅ TRUE

Absolutely! With calm and consistent handling, alpacas can learn to:
🦙 Walk on a halter
🚚 Load into a trailer
💉 Accept health checks

Training builds trust and makes management easier for everyone.

💬 What’s the best trick or task your alpaca has learned?

25/11/2025

“Alpacas make great guard animals for sheep” ✅ TRUE

Yes! Many overseas farmers use alpacas to protect their sheep as they’re naturally alert and will chase off foxes or dogs. However, they can still be attacked by dogs so it isn't 100% protection.

👉 Always use a small group of alpacas, not just one.

24/11/2025

“Alpacas spit all the time” ❌ BUSTED

Alpacas don’t spit for fun! 😆
They spit mainly to show dominance or irritation — usually at each other, not people. Sometimes you may get caught in the crossfire!

If one spits at you, it’s probably because it’s frightened or feels cornered. Handle calmly and give them space.

Have you been christened with alpaca spit?

23/11/2025

“You can tell if an alpaca is healthy just by looking” ❌ BUSTED

Fleece hides a lot!
Alpacas can look plump but be underweight underneath.

✅ Always check Body Condition Score (BCS) by feeling along the spine and ribs.
Ideal range: 2.5–3.5 out of 5.

20/11/2025

“Alpacas are no-maintenance” ❌ BUSTED

They’re hardy, yes — but not “no-maintenance”!

They need:
🌾 Quality feed and pasture management
💧 Fresh water daily
🩺 Vaccinations, drenching, and toenail trims
🐑 Annual shearing

They’re wonderful animals — but they still need daily care.

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Please feel free to tag yourself and/or your Alpaca Herd on the relevant photos.

18/11/2025

“Alpacas don’t need shearing every year” ❌ BUSTED
Annual shearing is essential for alpaca welfare!

Skipping a year can lead to:
🐑 Overheating and heat stress
🧵 Matting and skin issues
💧 Flystrike risk

Aim to shear once a year — usually in spring — and provide shelter after shearing if it’s cold.

Not to mention the fleece is glorious for spinning and knitting, or you can sell it raw from the animal!