Spring Care for Llamas and Alpacas

Key Takeaways

• Warmer weather means it’s time for spring shearing, fresh hoof trims, and annual vaccinations to keep llamas and alpacas comfortable and healthy.
• Dr. Laura Meier recommends spring vaccinations–including clostridial, tetanus, West Nile, and leptropirosis–given before vector season and turnout.
• Implement strong fly control and review deworming protocols; fecal egg counts, strategic deworming, and protection against meningeal worms are key.
• Prepare pastures and facilities by checking fence lines, ensuring fresh, clean water access, and providing adequate shade to prevent sunburn after shearing.
• Offer species-specific minerals such as Stillwater Minerals, with Llama-Min 102 being a good summer choice thanks to added electrolytes for hydration support.

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With warmer weather rolling in, chores are looking a bit different on the farm. Your llamas and alpacas might need some extra care to get them ready for longer, sunnier days.

Shearing

To prevent your llamas and alpacas from overheating, start preparing for the warmer weather by planning their spring shearing. Removing the fiber not only keeps them cool but also promotes overall comfort and health.

Hoof Maintenance

Provide your llamas and alpacas with a fresh hoof trim to begin the warmer season. This prevents discomfort and mobility issues as they become more active in the coming months.

Annual Vaccinations

Don’t forget to supply your llamas and alpacas with their annual vaccinations to ensure they stay happy and healthy throughout the year.

Dr. Laura Meier’s Recommendations for Annual Vaccinations in Llamas and Alpacas*

“I recommend my herds receive their vaccinations in the spring before the vector season and before going out on grass. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines labeled for llamas and alpacas so everything is extra-label use. Here is what I recommend:

• • 7 way clostridial vaccine, ex. Bovilis Vision 7 with Spur, UltraChoice 7. I recommend giving the sheep dose.
  • Tetanus toxoid, ex. Tetanus Toxoid by Colorado Serum, Prestige Tetanus.
  • West Nile Virus, ex. Prestige WNV or Equijec WNV
  • Leptospirosis, especially if breeding animals are near areas of standing water, ex. Lepto Shield 5 Cattle & Swine Vaccine.

Fly Control

Flies become more active during the warmer months. Be sure you are providing the best fly preventatives for your llamas and alpacas to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Dr. Laura Meier’s Recommendations for Fly Control in Llamas and Alpacas*

• • Place a collar on your animal with a fly tag attached to it, ex. CyLence Ultra Insecticide Cattle Ear Tags. I usually go with an organophosphate based ear tag because some llamas and alpacas have a sensitivity to Pyrethrin products.
  • Place fly traps around the barn out of the animals reach. 

Deworming

Spring is a great time to evaluate your deworming program in your llamas and alpacas to ensure they are properly protected and treated.

Dr. Laura Meier’s Recommendations for Deworming in Llamas and Alpacas*

• • Conduct Fecal Egg Counts for the adults both in the spring and the fall to assess whether internal parasite control is necessary.
  • For the younger llamas and alpacas (crias), I recommend deworming in the spring and fall with either a Fenbendazole product or Ivermectin product.
  • If meningeal worm is a potential in that area (snails and slugs located in the grazing area), deworming with Ivermectin in the fall is highly recommended. Deworming may be needed more frequently for these areas as well and should be discussed with your attending veterinarian.

Check Fence Lines

As you start turning out your llamas and alpacas in spring/summer pens, make sure to first walk the perimeter of your fence line. Check for holes in the fence they could slip through or any loose or damaged wire that could pose an injury risk. A quick inspection can keep your animals safe.

Provide Adequate Shade

With intense sun rays, your llamas and alpacas can become sunburnt, especially after shearing. Provide a place where your animals can get out of the direct sun and cool off when needed.

Clean Water Source

Check on all water sources available to your llamas and alpacas. Rinse water tanks and if you have an automatic waterer, confirm it is working properly, especially if sources have been sitting dormant during the winter months.

Minerals

A great option for minerals for llamas and alpacas are Stillwater Minerals. These minerals are tailored for the specific needs of both alpacas and llamas and there are different options available. For the summer, a suitable choice would be Llama-Min 102 because of the added electrolytes in it to help promote water intake during the warmer months.

*Please speak with your veterinarian about the best options for your herd.

Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our llama & alpaca category at ValleyVet.com