The First 30 Days With Your Alpacas

A gentle guide for new owners

Charlie Lambert

Bringing alpacas home is one of those moments that feels equal parts exciting and slightly terrifying.

You have done the research, prepared the field, bought the buckets… and now they are actually here. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, you are not alone. Every alpaca owner starts exactly where you are now.

The first 30 days are not about perfection. They are about settling in, observing quietly, and building the foundations for a healthy, happy herd.

Here is a simple guide to help you through that first month.

Your herd will be nervous to take time to let them settle in.

Days 1 to 3.

Let them settle

Your alpacas have just experienced transport, new surroundings and unfamiliar smells. Give them space to decompress.

Keep things calm and simple:

• Fresh water at all times

• Access to grazing and shelter

• Minimal handling

• Quiet observation from a distance

Watch for normal behaviour such as grazing, cud chewing and standing together as a group. Some nervousness is completely normal.

Resist the urge to introduce visitors or make changes straight away. This is their adjustment period.

Days 4 to 7

Begin a gentle routine

Once things feel calmer, start creating a simple daily rhythm.

Spend a few minutes each day:

• Walking quietly through the paddock

• Checking water

• Observing dung consistency

• Watching how they move and interact

This is when you start learning who is who and noticing individual personalities.

If something feels “off”, trust your instincts and ask for advice early. If you need us we are here at the end of a phone.

Week 2

Health checks and planning

Now that your alpacas are settling, it is time to think ahead.

This is a good point to arrange:

• Registration with a local vet

• A basic herd health plan

• Faecal egg counting

• Vaccination discussions

• Toenail checks

If you are new to alpacas, owner training at this stage can be incredibly valuable. Learning safe handling, body condition scoring and basic health checks early on builds confidence fast.

Week 3

Handling and practical skills

With guidance, begin gentle handling.

Start learning:

• How to move alpacas safely

• How to inspect feet and toenails

• How to check body condition

• What healthy eyes, gums and posture look like

Keep sessions short and calm. Alpacas respond best to quiet, predictable handling.

Week 4

Looking forward

By now you should be feeling more settled, even if you still have lots of questions.

This week is about longer term planning:

• Review parasite test results

• Finalise feeding and mineral plans

• Discuss breeding goals if relevant

• Consider pasture rotation

• Book routine care dates

You are now building the framework that will support your herd for years to come.