What sort of fencing do alpacas need?
Fencing is a 6 plain wire, 1200mm high. Any fencing that keeps sheep contained is satisfactory, preferably without barbed wire. Alpacas do not tend to jump fences but are quite capable of clearing a standard fence if sufficiently stressed. The bottom wire is 7.5cm off the ground. If you live in an area known to have problem dogs it can be worthwhile to increase the height of perimeter fencing. Apart from boundary fences, the most important structure is a small yard or pen to catch the Alpacas. Some Alpacas will allow themselves to be caught in an open paddock, but even the friendliest ones tend to step just out of reach when you most need to catch them (eg. shearing time). The yard need not be elaborate, and often the easiest and cheapest one to construct is to place two 3 metre gates at right angles to each other inside the corner of the paddock. If the Alpacas get used to being fed in this area it also makes it very easy to catch them.
Any fencing that keeps sheep contained is satisfactory. Barbed wire is not recommended, as alpacas do not tend to jump fences or push on fences. They are, however, quite capable of clearing a standard fence if sufficiently stressed. If you live in an area known to have problem dogs the height of perimeter fencing can be increased to reduce the risk of rogue dogs entering your property. Dog attacks are not common but when they occur they can have disastrous consequences. A small yard or catch pen is extremely useful in the ease of handling your alpacas, and also reduces stress on the animals. (2 gates at right angles to each other in the corner of a paddock is sufficient.) Shade trees or shelters need to be supplied in every paddock to reduce any heat stress on the animals during summer.
A. Any fencing the keeps sheep contained is satisfactory, preferably without barbed wire. Alpacas do not jump fences. Electric fencing is not necessary, but it may be used. Advice on the correct height settings of the hot wires is best sought from an alpaca breeder who has experience with alpacas and electric fencing. If you live in an area known to have problem dogs it can be worthwhile to increase the height of perimeter fencing. Dog attacks are not common, but when they occur they have disastrous consequences. Apart from the boundary fences, the most important structure is a small yard or pen to catch the alpacas. Some alpacas will allow themselves to be caught in an open paddock, but even the friendliest ones tend to step just out of reach when you most need to catch them (e.g. shearing time). The yard need not be elaborate and often the easiest and cheapest one to construct is to place 8 to 10 foot gates at right angles to each other inside the corner of the paddock. If the alpaca
Any fencing that keeps sheep contained is satisfactory, preferably without barbed wire. Alpacas do not tend to jump fences but are quite capable of clearing a standard fence if sufficiently stressed. Electric fencing is not very common but it may be used. Advice on the correct height settings of the hot wires is best sought from an alpaca breeder who has experience with alpacas and electric fencing. If you live in an area known to have problem dogs it can be worthwhile to increase the height of perimeter fencing. Dog attacks are not common but when they occur they have disastrous consequences. Apart from the boundary fences, the most important structure is a small yard or pen to catch the alpacas. Some alpacas will allow themselves to be caught in an open paddock, but even the friendliest ones tend to step just out of reach when you most need to catch them (eg. shearing time). The yard need not be elaborate, and often the easiest and cheapest one to construct is to place two 3 metre ga
