The summers are extra hot but alpacas can be successfully raised in Texas with some precautions.
Tips to Avoid Heat Stress
- Make sure their shelter is as cool as can be. A nice breeze and strong fans can make a huge difference.
- Never run out of drinking water.
- Check often and have extra buckets available. You can electrolyte a few buckets of water, but it’s good to give them options.
- Spray their bellies down with a hose. You want to cool their belly and arm/leg pits. Be careful with any puddles since they will sit in them and rot off their fleece.
- If anyone looks a bit off, take their temperature and call a vet. Check on them often.
- Cool your males down so they don’t become sterile.
- Bounce Back is a great electrolyte product to have on hand.
- Avoid summer breedings. Don’t stress them out when it’s hot.
- Do your herd management activities in the coolest hours possible.
- Make sure they get shorn every year in the spring before it gets too hot.
- If you have younger crias, make sure they stay out of the sun during the hottest hours
- Request our FREE “Raising Alpacas in Texas” report for more information.