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How to Provide a Safe and Secure Environment for Alpacas

Learn how to protect and care for alpacas in the UK with essential tips on fencing, shelter, nutrition, predator safety, and herd companionship.

How to Provide a Safe and Secure Environment for Alpacas

Alpacas are gentle, social, and highly intelligent animals. They thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and part of a stable herd. Whether you’re a first-time owner or managing a growing herd, here are the key things you need to know to provide a safe and secure space for alpacas in the UK.

1. Creating a Safe Space

Your alpacas need a secure and spacious paddock with:

  • Fencing that is at least 4–5 feet high (stock fencing or mesh)
  • No barbed wire (it can damage fleece and injure alpacas)
  • Gates with secure latches to prevent escapes
  • Dry, well-drained pasture with shaded areas for grazing

A good enclosure gives your herd room to roam while keeping predators out.

2. Providing Shelter

Alpacas need a simple 3-sided shelter to protect them from wind, rain, and sun. Your shelter should:

  • Be large enough for the entire herd to enter at once
  • Offer dry bedding and ventilation
  • Be cleaned regularly to prevent ammonia build-up

Even in winter, alpacas prefer the cold to dampness — dry shelter is key.

3. Nutrition & Hydration

Alpacas thrive on:

  • Fresh grazing grass or hay
  • Occasional mineral supplements (consult your vet)
  • Unlimited access to clean, fresh water

They are ruminants, meaning they digest in stages, so it’s important to feed slowly and consistently. Avoid sugary or high-protein feeds.

4. Monitoring Health

Healthy alpacas are alert, social, and steady in weight. Regular care should include:

  • Monthly condition scoring (BCS)
  • Quarterly faecal testing for parasites
  • Vaccinations and worming as per your vet’s plan
  • Hoof trimming, tooth checks, and annual shearing

Read more on monitoring alpaca health

5. Companionship & Enrichment

Alpacas are herd animals. Never keep a single alpaca alone. We recommend groups of 3 or more. You can keep:

  • All-female or all-male groups
  • Wethers as companions for other males
  • Other camelids (e.g., llamas) as companions

They also enjoy toys, slow feeding stations, and enrichment like natural browsing areas or treat stations.

Keeping Alpacas Safe from Dogs

While alpacas are alert and vocal, they are vulnerable to dog attacks. To reduce risk:

  • Install secure fencing (at least 5 feet)
  • Supervise alpacas when near unknown dogs
  • Keep your own dogs calm and trained around them
  • Avoid walking near known dog areas if possible
  • Use security alarms or trail cameras on gates

If you're concerned about dog incursions, contact us — we’ve advised many first-time owners on livestock security.