New Baby CareA Note on BirthingAlpacas are driven by instinct and prefer to birth alone, often in a corner of the barn where it is cool and shady. Hard labor typically does not last long, (where the dam is actually straining to push the cria out.) We have seen births where the dam is standing and where she prefers to lay on her side. Most of the time, the dam will pass the placenta or afterbirth 30-40 minutes after the birth. We always check the placenta to see that there are no small holes or rips indicating the parts of the membrane may still be in the dam which can cause infection. Once the cria is nursing, we check to ensure that the dam has sufficient milk by gently squeezing her four teats. Colostrum is the first milk the baby suckles; it is sticky, thick, and a yellow color. It is vitally important that the cria have colostrums or an equivalent substitute for the antibodies that it provides. [Continued below] Photo Gallery
Ma Cherie in Sling
Mochaccina in Sweater
Mochaccina Feeding
Frappuccino
Frappuccino
Frappuccino
Frappuccino
Frappuccino
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Moonstruck Mustang
Alpacas are induced ovulators. This means that eggs develop in the female as a result of the breeding process. Accordingly, pairs of alpacas may be bred at any time. Typical gestation is 335 days or 11-12 months. Baby alpacas, or crias, usually weigh between 15-22 lbs at birth and are generally born singly. Many times, the female alpacas will stand around the birthing dam and watch the birth. Often they will ‘hum’ softly and seem excited that a new arrival is on its way. After the cria is born, they are inquisitive and all gently smell the newborn, grouping around, as if to provide protection for the new mom and baby. |
