Water – an absolute must in winter
While it may seem like alpacas drink less in colder temperatures, access to fresh, unfrozen water is crucial 24/7.
Frozen water is one of the most common problems in winter. When alpacas drink less, their feed intake decreases, their digestion deteriorates, and the animals lose condition more quickly..
In practice it is worth it:
- check the waterers even several times a day,
- during frosts, give lukewarm water (not hot),
- avoid situations where animals have to lick ice or eat snow instead of drinking.
More energy in the diet – because frost “costs”
In winter, alpacas’ bodies use more energy just to maintain their body temperature. Young animals, nursing females, seniors, and weakened (sick) animals are most susceptible.
Cria – less weight, higher heating costs, easier to cool down.
Seniors – worse teeth, lower feed intake, more frequent decline in condition.
Lactating females – the demand for energy and protein is particularly high, and low temperatures additionally increase the risk of deterioration of fitness.
The basis of the diet is always good-quality hay, available without restriction. However, during severe frosts, the caloric content of the feed often needs to be increased.
Beet pulp works very well here, in our case it is Fosfobeet – a source of energy and fiber that also supports the functioning of the digestive system.
Beet pulp in winter – how to serve it safely?
In winter, beet pulp is one of the best dietary supplements, provided it is prepared correctly..
The most important rules:
- the pulp should always be soaked (never dry),
- it is best to serve them slightly warm or at room temperature,
- divide the portions into smaller ones and feed them more often – this will prevent the feed from freezing,
- do not leave wet feed in the frost for long periods of time.
Dry, well-sheltered space and quiet living conditions
Cold itself doesn’t pose a threat to alpacas. Wind, humidity, and drafts are much more damaging, quickly leading to hypothermia..
Alpacas should have access to a dry, sheltered area, protected from wind and precipitation. The ground must remain dry, and the bedding must be replenished regularly to prevent contact with moisture or mud..
It’s also worth remembering that stress significantly increases energy needs. In winter, rest, a consistent daily rhythm, and limiting unnecessary changes are especially important.
What to pay special attention to in winter?
It’s worth keeping a close eye on your herd in winter, as the first signs of deterioration can be very subtle. The sooner they’re noticed, the easier it is to prevent problems.
- Do all alpacas drink regularly? – even a short-term drop in water intake can quickly impact appetite and digestion. It’s worth observing whether animals actually approach the waterers..
- Do they lose weight despite having access to feed? – in winter, loss of condition can go unnoticed under the thick undergrowth. It’s a good idea to regularly check your body condition (body score) and weigh your horse regularly..
- Do they stay in one place for too long or behave differently than usual? – apathy, lack of interest in the surroundings or prolonged standing without movement may indicate hypothermia, pain or general weakness of the body.
- Does the fleece stay dry? – damp fleece promotes cooling, and residual moisture increases the risk of skin problems and heat loss.
- Are younger and older individuals doing as well as the rest of the herd? – They are the ones that react the fastest to energy deficiencies, cold and stress, which is why they require special attention.
Regular, calm observation allows you to spot small changes before they develop into larger problems. In winter, the caregiver’s attentiveness and daily care are crucial to the alpacas’ well-being..
Summary
Winter doesn’t have to be a difficult time for alpacas if we take care of a few basic things:
constant access to water, an adequate amount of energy in the diet and protection against unfavorable weather conditions.
Regular monitoring, good quality hay, properly prepared sugar beet pulp and a dry, clean space will ensure that the herd will survive the frosty months without any problems.
