Alpaca Rearing & Feeding Guide (UK)

Key Nutritional Needs

Feeding by Age & Life Stage

• Cria Feed (0–6 months):
  High-protein (16–20%) starter feed or pellets for alpaca crias, supporting strong early growth and development. Feed little and often, alongside access to hay or grass.
  Purpose: Promotes healthy growth, immunity, and development.
• Growing/Youngstock Feed (6–18 months):
  Balanced nutrition (14–18% protein) to support steady growth, frame development, and fleece quality. Feed once or twice daily, plus forage.
  Purpose: Sustains healthy development and prepares for adulthood.
• Adult/Maintenance Feed (18 months+):
  Fibre-rich, mineral-balanced diets for adult alpacas, including breeding and working animals. Most adults do well on forage and a mineral lick, but supplementary feed can be added when needed.
  Purpose: Maintains condition, health, and fibre production.
• Breeding/Lactating Feed:
  Use a suitable breeding/lactation feed for pregnant and lactating females to meet their increased nutritional needs.

How to Feed

• Frequency:
  • Crias: Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
  • Youngstock/Adults: Once or twice daily for hard feed; forage ad-lib.
• Water:
  • Fresh, clean water at all times.

Housing & General Care

• Provide dry, draught-free shelter and secure grazing.
• Alpacas are herd animals—keep at least two together.

Health & Biosecurity

• Clean feeders and troughs regularly.
• Routine worming, foot care, and health checks.
• Use camelid-specific mineral supplements.

Common Feeding Mistakes & FAQs

• Overfeeding concentrates (risk of obesity/digestive upset).
• Not providing mineral licks (risk of deficiencies).
• Feeding sheep/cattle feed (wrong mineral balance).

• What is a cria? A cria is a young alpaca (or llama), from birth to about 6 months.
• Do alpacas need hard feed? Only if growing, breeding, or in poor condition.
• How much forage? Forage should be available at all times.