What type of shelter do alpacas need?
Alpacas only require a basic 3 sided shelter with the open side facing either south or east. The floor can be gravel as long as it is high enough to stay dry during wet weather. A wooden floor also works well. If you are in a buggy area, a larger shelter that is more “closed in” with a shed roof extending out from the open side provides a place where they can get some relief from the bugs. Having running water and power available is a big plus. More for you than the alpacas. When you get more than a few animals carrying water gets old quickly. Power will allow you to have a light or two in the shelter and run heated buckets to keep the water from freezing in the winter. Having water, run below the frost line, and power available dramatically reduces the effort required to take care of your precious alpacas.
