Recommended Alpaca Equipment

Getting Started

• New Owners
• Books We Recommend
• Training Courses at Alpaca Power

Everyday Alpaca Care

• Biosecurity
• Feeding & Nutrition
• Feed Supplements
• Health Monitoring
• Wellbeing
• Routine Husbandry Equipment
• Handling Equipment
• Fly Control Planning
• First Aid Essentials

 Pasture, Farm Management and Shelters

• Farm Management
• Pasture Management
• Shelters

For Breeders 

• Birthing Box Essentials

Although the internet provides a wealth of information, a good reference book is still one of the best investments an alpaca owner can make. These are the books we return to time and again and regularly recommend to new and experienced owners alike.

No single book covers every aspect of alpaca ownership, but together they provide an excellent foundation for understanding alpaca behaviour, husbandry and health.

The Camelid Companion: Handling and Training Your Alpacas & Llamas

Author: Marty McGee Bennett
Publisher: Raccoon Press
ISBN-13: 978-0970991607

If you only buy one book on alpaca handling, make it this one.

Marty McGee Bennett's Camelidynamics® approach has transformed the way many people handle alpacas around the world. The emphasis is on understanding camelid behaviour, communicating clearly and working with the animal rather than against it.

We have followed Camelidynamics® handling principles since establishing our herd, and this book remains our first recommendation for anyone wanting to improve their handling skills.

View current price on Amazon → The Camelid Companion

The Glove Box Guide to Alpacas

Author: Jane Vaughan
Publisher: Australian Alpaca Association
ISBN-13: 978-0646975108

This practical guide is packed with straightforward advice covering many aspects of routine alpaca husbandry. Although written from an Australian perspective, the principles remain highly relevant and it is a book we still regularly refer to.

Its compact size makes it an excellent quick-reference guide to keep close at hand.

View current price at Australian Alpaca Association → The Glove Box Guide to Alpacas

Llama and Alpaca Care: Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition and Herd Health

Editors: Christopher Cebra, David E. Anderson, Ahmed Tibary, Robert J. Van Saun & LaRue W. Johnson
Publisher: Elsevier Saunders
ISBN-13: 978-0323242912

For owners wanting a deeper understanding of camelid medicine, this remains one of the most comprehensive veterinary reference books available.

Although written primarily as a veterinary reference, we have found it invaluable for researching more complex health conditions and understanding the science behind camelid medicine. While more technical than the other books on this page, it is an outstanding reference for experienced owners, breeders and veterinary professionals.

View current price on Amazon → Llama and Alpaca Care

Alpacas: Synthesis of a Miracle

Author: Mike Safley
Publisher: Northwest Alpacas / Robert Beard Books
ISBN-13: 978-0970968708

Sometimes it's nice to step away from textbooks.

This beautifully produced book tells the story of the modern alpaca industry and the people whose passion helped shape it. It captures the enthusiasm, vision and optimism that attracted so many of us to alpacas in the first place and deserves a place on every enthusiast's bookshelf.

View current price on Amazon → Alpacas: Synthesis of a Miracle

Books provide knowledge, but experience brings that knowledge to life. We believe the best learning comes from combining good reading with practical husbandry and support from experienced alpaca breeders.

Good biosecurity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your alpacas from infectious disease. It doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require good planning, good habits and consistency.

Whether you're establishing a new herd or improving existing facilities, we recommend thinking about biosecurity from the outset. Secure perimeter fencing, sensible quarantine procedures, effective disinfectants and dedicated equipment all play an important role in reducing disease risk.

Good biosecurity is far easier than dealing with the consequences of disease. Prevention will always be better than cure.

Secure Perimeter Fencing

Good biosecurity begins at the farm boundary. If you are installing new perimeter fencing or replacing existing boundaries, we strongly recommend installing buried vector-proof fencing for peace of mind.

Our preferred system uses X-Fence supplied by McVeigh Parker, buried at least 50 cm below ground level, with the lower section curved outwards before backfilling. All gateways, entrances and any gaps beneath fencing should be closed to 5 cm or less. We also recommend a mains-powered electric wire along the top of the perimeter fence to deter unauthorised access by people and pet dogs.

When installed correctly as part of a complete perimeter system, this approach has proved to be an effective and robust biosecurity measure on our own farm for over 13 years. However, its effectiveness depends on correct installation and attention to detail. Small gaps, poorly constructed gateways or incomplete boundaries can compromise the integrity of the entire system.

View X-Fence → McVeigh Parker

Practical biosecurity doesn't stop at the farm boundary. We also recommend suitable foot dips, effective disinfectants, quarantine facilities for new arrivals and simple cleaning equipment dedicated to each group of your alpacas. These straightforward measures help reduce the risk of disease entering and spreading within your herd.

Below are the products we use as part of our own routine biosecurity programme.

Disinfectant Mats

Premium Option

Footwear is cleaned at our washing station and then disinfected using the disinfection mat before entry to our biosecure alpaca areas. 

Our own disinfectant mat has been in continuous use for over 15 years and still looks almost as good as new. Like any biosecurity measure, it should be kept clean and replenished regularly with fresh disinfectant solution to remain effective.

View disinfectant mat → Intershape Disinfectant mats 60cm x 90cm

Budget Alternative

We also use a simpler, lower-cost disinfectant mat in other areas of the farm. Although it isn't as substantial as our main entrance mat, it has proved to be an effective and economical alternative where heavy daily use isn't expected.

View current price on Amazon → Disinfectant Mat

Foot Dip Box

For routine use at field gates and other outdoor areas where disinfectant solutions can evaporate quickly, we use a lidded plastic storage box as a foot dip.

There is no need to buy an expensive purpose-made unit. Simply prepare the disinfectant at the correct dilution, store in the original container, and use enough solution to thoroughly wet the soles and sides of footwear. A sturdy storage box with a close-fitting lid works extremely well, helping to reduce evaporation and keep the disinfectant cleaner between uses.

In our experience, many purpose-made foot dips become brittle, crack or leak over time, whereas a good-quality storage box is inexpensive, durable and easy to replace if required.

View suitable storage box → Wham 36 Litre Black Heavy Duty Storage Box

FAM 30 Disinfectant

FAM 30 is the disinfectant we use for our highest-risk biosecurity areas, including our main entrance foot dip, quarantine areas, livestock trailers and any incoming people or vehicles entering the farm.

Used at the correct dilution (1:14), it is effective against a wide range of pathogens, including mycobacteria, making it our first choice for protecting the farm boundary.

View current price on Amazon → FAM 30 Disinfectant 1 litre

View current price at Mole Online → FAM 30 Disinfectant 5 Litres

Safe4 Disinfectant

For routine disinfection of our alpaca barns and indoor areas, we use Safe4 Disinfectant. It is an excellent everyday disinfectant for maintaining good hygiene of surfaces and equipment between animal groups and is available in a range of fragrances.

Our preference is the apple fragrance, which leaves the barns smelling fresh after cleaning and disinfection.

View current price on Amazon → Safe4 Apple Disinfectant 5 Litres

Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Disposable nitrile gloves are one of the simplest and most cost-effective biosecurity measures you can introduce, after effective hand washing. We use a clean pair for each animal whenever there is a risk of contact with body fluids, wounds or contaminated material, and always when working with quarantine animals. Changing gloves between animals is a simple habit that helps reduce the risk of spreading pathogens around the herd.

View current price on Amazon → Disposable Nitrile Gloves

If you would like to learn more about how to establish and maintain effective biosecurity for your premises, we run an online webinar which covers everything you need to know about keeping your alpacas safe and your buyers confident about purchasing from biosecure herds. Contact us for dates of online training. 

Supplements should never replace good nutrition, husbandry or veterinary advice. However, they can provide valuable additional support when used appropriately.

We only recommend products that we have used ourselves with good results, or products that are widely trusted and relied upon by experienced alpaca owners. Every herd is different, so always consider the individual needs of your animals and discuss any new supplement with your vet before introducing it into your herd.

Eggs-Port Triple D Vitamin Gel

Alpacas in the UK require additional vitamin D between late autumn and early spring due to low levels of ultraviolet (UV) light. Daily alpaca mineral supplements do not contain sufficient vitamin D to meet their winter requirements, so additional supplementation is an important part of alpaca health management.

Vitamin D is especially important for growing cria to help prevent rickets, but alpacas of all ages require adequate levels to maintain healthy bones, normal growth and overall health.

While we prefer to administer vitamin D via injection, under veterinary guidance as part of our herd health programme, this oral gel is widely used by alpaca owners and provides a practical alternative where injections are not the preferred option.

Important: Vitamin D can be overdosed, so always check the correct dose according to the strength of the product, the body weight of each alpaca and the recommended dosing interval. If in doubt, seek advice from your veterinary surgeon.

View current price at Eggs-Port →  Triple D Vitamin Gel

Eggs-Port Fastract Jump Start Paste

An essential part of our medicine cupboard, Fastract is easy to administer and something we always have available. It provides additional nutritional support during periods of stress, illness and recovery. It provides additional nutritional support during periods of stress, illness and recovery.

It is particularly useful during the birthing season, providing rapidly available energy, probiotics and vitamins to weak or slow-starting newborn cria, especially following a difficult birth or where colostrum intake has been delayed. We also use it to support young cria until they are confidently eating hard feed.

View current price at Eggs-Port →  Fastract Jump Start Paste

Dodson & Horrell Itch-Free

Developed for horses, this herbal feed supplement is designed to support animals prone to seasonal skin irritation and itching.

We first discovered Itch Free when looking for ways to support an alpaca with allergic skin disease. By starting supplementation in spring before midge season, we found she was much less itchy throughout the summer months. Results will vary between individuals, but we have found it to be an effective way of reducing itching in affected alpacas.

View current price on Amazon → Dodson & Horrell Itch-Free Horse Supplement 1kg

GWF Joint Aid Plus

GWF Joint Aid Plus contains a comprehensive blend of ingredients to support joint health and mobility in alpacas affected by age-related stiffness and conditions such as arthritis.

We have found it helps our older alpacas remain comfortable, active and engaged within the herd for longer, often delaying the point at which prescription medication may be needed. As with all joint conditions, it should be used alongside good husbandry, appropriate weight management and veterinary care.

View current price on Amazon → GWF Nutrition Joint Aid Plus For Horses Pouch 3kg

The EQU StreamZ magnetic therapy collar is a non-invasive magnetic therapy collar designed to support comfort, mobility and general wellbeing. Unlike many magnetic therapy products, it can be worn continuously without generating heat, making it suitable for long-term use.

We have been trialling the large dog version, worn around the neck of an alpaca, with our 16-year-old retired breeding male, MFI Kapow, as part of his overall lameness management. We have been really pleased with the results so far, which prompted us to share our experience with other alpaca owners.

Read Kapow's EQU StreamZ story to learn why we decided to try the collar and how he has been getting on.

If you would like to find out more or purchase a StreamZ collar, please use the link below.

Enter the discount code ALPACALADY at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

https://www.streamz-global.com/products/dog-streamz-magnetic-dog-collars?ref=alpaca_power

Zephyr Camelidynamics Alpaca Halters

Alpacas are not horses, sheep or goats, and they should not be handled using standard livestock headcollars. Their unique head shape and delicate nasal cartilage require equipment designed specifically for camelids.

We only use Zephyr Camelidynamics alpaca halters for our own alpacas and recommend them to all alpaca owners.

Designed specifically for camelids, these halters are comfortable, safe and effective when fitted correctly. They are highly adjustable, allowing them to be fitted correctly to a wide range of alpaca head shapes.

We have used Zephyr halters since establishing our herd after learning to handle alpacas using Camelidynamics® handling principles, and have found them exceptionally durable. Ours have been through countless training sessions and regular trips through the washing machine and are still going strong. They are more expensive than some alternatives, but in our experience they are an investment in animal welfare, safety and longevity.

Correct fit is essential for every headcollar. Alpaca handlers must understand unique camelid anatomy and how to fit a headcollar correctly. No headcollar is safe if it is poorly fitted. A correctly fitted halter should sit securely around the head without being able to slip forward onto the nose. The accompanying photograph shows a correctly fitted Zephyr halter.

View Zephyr Camelidynamics Halters → Simply Alpaca

If you are new to alpacas, learning how to fit and use a halter correctly is just as important as choosing the right equipment. We cover safe handling and correct halter fitting on all of our practical training courses.

A well-stocked first aid kit allows you to deal promptly with minor injuries, monitor sick alpacas and provide appropriate first aid while veterinary advice is sought. Most of the items below are inexpensive, but having them available before they're needed can make all the difference.

Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Disposable nitrile gloves help maintain good hygiene while examining wounds or providing first aid. We always use a fresh pair when treating an individual alpaca.

View current price on Amazon →Nitrile Gloves

Digital Thermometer

A digital thermometer is one of the most important pieces of equipment every alpaca owner should own. Recording a temperature is often one of the first things your veterinary surgeon will ask you to do and provides valuable information when assessing a sick alpaca. We keep one in our first aid kit, our quarantine box and our birthing box.

View current price on Amazon → Digital Thermometer

Hibiwash® (4% Chlorhexidine)

Containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, Hibiwash® is antibacterial and antifungal and is one of the most useful products in any alpaca first aid kit.

Diluted appropriately, we use it to clean contaminated wounds before applying topical treatments. It is an essential product that we always keep in stock.

View current price on Amazon → Hibiwash 500ml

Sterile Saline Eye Wash

Sterile saline eye wash is useful for irrigating eyes and flushing clean wounds before treatment. It is inexpensive, gentle and a valuable addition to any first aid kit. Having individual ampoules or pods is ideal for use in different animals. 

View current price on Amazon → Sterile Saline Eye Wash Pods 20ml x 25

Tweezers

A simple pair of clean household tweezers is useful for removing thorns, splinters, hay seeds and other small foreign bodies.

There is no need for specialist surgical forceps - a good quality pair of household tweezers is perfectly adequate. We like to use plastic disposable tweezers which can be allocated to different animals if required.

View current price on Amazon → Disposable Tweezers x 10

Cotton Wool

Cotton wool is useful for general cleaning and padding beneath bandages where appropriate, but we recommend sterile gauze swabs rather than cotton wool for direct wound cleaning.

View current price on Amazon → Cotton Wool

Sterile Gauze Swabs

Sterile gauze swabs are invaluable for cleaning wounds and applying topical treatments. They produce very little lint, making them far more suitable for wound care than ordinary cotton wool. We always keep a supply in our first aid kit.

View current price on Amazon →Sterile Gauze Swabs 10x10cm

Primary Dressings & Bandaging Materials

A few basic dressing materials will deal with most minor wounds.

We recommend keeping a supply of Melolin® non-adherent dressings, Micropore™ tape, cotton wool and a couple of rolls of Vet Wrap ready for use.

These items are inexpensive, store well and are invaluable when protecting wounds or supporting veterinary treatment.

View current prices on Amazon → Melolin 10x10cm x 10

View current prices on Amazon → Micropore Tape 2.5cm 

View current prices on Amazon → Vet Wrap 7.5cm

AluSpray®

Aluminium spray provides a breathable protective barrier over clean wounds and helps protect healing skin from dirt and flies. It should only be applied once the wound has been thoroughly cleaned and assessed.

View current price at VioVet → Alu-Spray

Battles Summer Fly Cream

We find Battles Yellow Fly Cream to be one of the most effective barrier creams for protecting minor wounds and damaged skin during the fly season. As well as discouraging flies, it is soothing to apply and helps protect healing tissue.

We recommend wearing disposable gloves when applying it—it stains almost everything bright yellow!

View current price online → Battles Summer Fly Cream

Oral Dosing Syringes

Large oral syringes are invaluable for administering fluids, nutritional support and oral supplements when advised by your veterinary surgeon.

View current price on VioVet → Agrihealth Drencher 30ml

Scissors

A simple pair of household scissors is perfectly adequate for cutting tape, dressings and bandage materials.

For working with animals, especially around the head, delicate areas, and close to the skin we recommend curved blunt ended scissors. 

View current price on Amazon → 5" Stainless Steel Surgical Scissors, Curved Blades, Blunt Tips

A first aid kit doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to be complete. A well-stocked first aid kit should be easy to find, regularly checked and restocked after use. Being prepared before an emergency arises is far more valuable than searching for supplies when you need them most.

Preparing a birthing kit before cria season means you'll have everything close to hand when you need it. Most alpaca births are straightforward and require minimal intervention, but being organised allows you to monitor both dam and cria calmly and respond quickly if veterinary assistance is required.

We keep our own equipment together in a dedicated, clearly labelled storage box that is checked and restocked before every birthing season.

Fortunately, with good management, most alpaca births are uncomplicated and many of these items remain unused. However, having them available before you need them provides valuable peace of mind throughout the birthing season.

These are the items we believe every breeder should have available before the first cria arrives.

• Sturdy lidded storage box - Amazon
• Hand towels - Amazon
• Space blanket - Amazon
• Glucose powder(or household honey) - VioVet
• Digital thermometer - Amazon
• Vetericyn Super 7+ Spray for umbilical cord hygiene - Amazon
• Umbilical clamp - Amazon
• Micropore™ Tape (for supporting folded ears where required) - Amazon
• Cria weigh harness - Osmonds
• Digital scales for field use - Amazon (also platform scales or human scales)
• Waterproof cria coats of different sizes - Homestead at Amazon
• Waterproof cria coats of different sizes - Animate at Amazon
• NAF Off Extra Effect Fly Spray - Amazon
• Plastic bag for placenta collection and disposal 
• Camera or mobile phone for photographs and record keeping

These items are intended for owners who are appropriately trained and confident to provide basic birthing assistance. If you are concerned about the progress of a birth, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately and avoid repeated attempts to examine or assist the female while waiting for help.

• Hibiwash 4% Chlorhexidine Solution - Amazon
• Disposable nitrile gloves - Amazon
• Obstetrical lubricant → Amazon

Cria Nutritional Support

Fortunately, most new born crias receive everything they need from their dam. However, because the first 4–6 hours after birth are the most important for successful absorption of protective antibodies from colostrum, nutritional support products should always be available before the birthing season begins, in the hope they won't be required.

Alpaca plasma sourced from your own herd - Discuss with your vet prior to birthing season

• Immucol Platinum Calf Colostrum 700g or SCCL Calf Choice Colostrum 700g – Farm Vet Supplies
• Full-fat goat's milk – (source from local supermarket & freeze at the beginning of the season for emergency use)
• 60 ml syringe and feeding tubes(only if appropriately trained and confident to use) – Mole Online
• Feeding bottle with Pritchard teat – Mole Online
• Bottle sterilising tablets - Amazon
• Caprilac powdered goats milk replacer for long term cria feeding - Amazon

We find that being prepared provides valuable peace of mind - and, perhaps by tempting fate, we rarely seem to need them!

Useful Extras

• Small dog drying coats (great for popping on wet crias to help dry them off initially) - Amazon
• Artery forceps(for clamping the umbilical cord if ever necessary) - Amazon
• Dodson and Horrell foal creep pellets to aid early weaning and creep feeding - Amazon

Tip: We recommend checking and restocking your birthing box before the start of every birthing season, replacing any expired products and ensuring batteries are fully charged.

Our Birthing Box Essentials above contains the products we keep ready for every birth, together with essential supplies to support a cria should problems arise, plus a few optional items that we have found useful to keep close at hand.