I figured since I got so many wonderful responses to my last post, I would ask my questions here. Im brand new to alpacas. I have two fiber boys. I have several questions I would like to ask, and I thought I would put them all in one post to make it easier. I plan on purchasing females soon, and I already know I will have even more questions about breeding, gestation, and birth. I appreciate any and all responses. I apologize if some answers are obvious. Im just trying to learn all I can. Thank you all so so so much. 1.) What is the difference between dectomax and ivomec? Which is the best part of the body to give a shot? 2.) Which is better- Safeguard injection or oral? I have oral right now. What is the recommended dose for Safeguard and the proper way to administer it to my alpacas orally? I currently hold the top portion of their jaw and squeeze until they open their mouth which is probably a poor technique. 3.) Do any of you use Safeguard throughout the year and when? 4.) When buying safeguard, dectomax, or ivomec, why is it that we buy the ones that treat sheep rather than cattle? 5.) My boys have a stall with a rubber mat. I had shavings down, but now most of it is in their fiber. Should I put anything down ontop of the mat? 6.) I use Blue Seale alpaca feed. I thought about purchasing Doctor Evans formula? Would you recommend this? Are their other vitamins, minerals, probiotics, etc that I should be giving my alpacas? If so, where can I purchase them and will you please explain how to properly administer them and how often? 7.) I got my boys this year. When they arrived, they were itching a lot. I looked for signs of mites, but couldnt see any. I assumed it was stress. Now, my beige alpaca has black freckles in his ears. I dont know if I just noticed this or if he has always had them. The brown alpaca is losing fiber around his feet and they look a little dried out. Like he needs lotion. I wonder if its because the ground gets damp quickly and stays that way? Its not a huge reduction in fiber, but its enough to make me wonder. They both didnt have their legs sheared at their last shearing (changing that this year), so I wondering if extra long fiber has something to do with it? 8.) I stopped giving grain to my alpacas because I herd hay is better for them in the Winter. When I was giving them grain, the brown one would have coughing fits. Was he eating it too quickly? Both of them love grain. 9.) What is ivermectin used for? 10.) If my boys have mites or mange, what should I get to treat it? Like a spray? Where should I apply it and how long should I keep doing it? Am I allowed to apply it on their fiber or will it not reach their skin? 11.) What are some resources you would recommend for me to purchase? 12.) How often should fecal tests be done? 13.) My boys have picked up a lot of debris. Should I worry about it and clean it up before shearing?
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:07:49 +0000
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