Alpaca Association New Zealand

09/01/2026

⚠️ Alpacas can suffer heat stress - even more so if they have not been shorn.

Watch for:
- Rapid/open-mouthed breathing or panting
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Holding head low, droopy ears
- Not eating or drinking as usual

If you spot these: move alpacas to shade, offer cool water, and if needed — call your vet.

07/01/2026

🌳 Even if they look cosy, alpacas still need shade or shelter when it’s hot or sunny.

Under NZ’s summer sun — bright, direct, and potentially intense — shade helps prevent heat stress.

✅ Trees, shelters, or shade cloth all work — just make sure all your animals can access it when they need to.

05/01/2026

💧 Water isn’t optional — it’s a must every day.

Alpacas drink more during warm weather, especially if they’re eating dry hay.

✅ Make sure water troughs are:
Clean and refilled daily
Easy to access (no crowding or bullying)
In shade or cool spot if possible

No water = welfare risk

02/01/2026

Welcome to AANZ Summer Safety Month!

This month we’re focusing on keeping our alpacas safe, cool and comfortable as the days get warmer.
Expect tips on hydration, shelter, parasite prevention, shade, and more — all based on best welfare practice for NZ conditions 🇳🇿

💬 What’s your top summer concern for your herd?

01/01/2026

📸 Alpaca Photo Frenzy 📸

Got cute alpaca pics? We want to see them! Post your favourite photo in the comments below.

🚨 Rules:
- Post in the comments
- Must include alpacas
- You must be the photographer or have permission
- If people are in the photo and you can see their face, you need their permission to post
- You may tag your alpaca farm or stud page

⏰ Entries close Jan 30th 2026.

👉 YOU be the judge! Like/react to your fave photos in the comments. The photo with the most reacts wins!
👉 *Judging ends Feb 14th*.

Get snapping and share those alpaca cuteness!

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas to everyone!

05/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CuoCtqaCt/

Not often this happens - a cria found alone on a riverbed! Sharing this here in case one of our members knows where this wee one belongs.

FOUND – ALPACA – (TWIZEL AREA) CANTERBURY

4.12.25 A young alpaca (cria) was found today, Thursday 4 December 2025, on the Southern Twizel River Trail. This young cria is currently being cared for by the Timaru SPCA, and we would like it to be reunited again with its owner.

If you are the owner, or have any further information, please contact Council on (03) 685 9010 or email tristan.hope@mackenzie.govt.nz

4.12.25 - Original post - https://www.facebook.com/mackenziedistrict/posts/pfbid033fLJsb9UHYt1vWLWw3uPAe9j1gd44LZJrQDXomei3AUGr7nA38GyziQxnLbYCyykl Mackenzie District Council (Donna)

30/11/2025

And that’s a wrap on AANZ Alpaca Mythbusters Month!

We’ve BUSTED ❌ the myths and confirmed a few TRUE ✅ facts along the way — all to help kiwi owners give their alpacas the best care possible.

💬 Which myth surprised you most this month?
Keep learning, keep sharing, and keep caring 🦙💚

28/11/2025

“All male alpacas should be castrated if not used for breeding” ✅ TRUE

Correct ✅

It’s recommended to castrate any male not intended for stud work.
This helps them be calmer, safer, and happier paddock pets.

📅 Castration should be done by a vet, with proper pain relief, at an appropriate age (usually 12–18 months).

28/11/2025

“Alpacas can be trained” ✅ TRUE

Absolutely! With calm and consistent handling, alpacas can learn to:
🦙 Walk on a halter
🚚 Load into a trailer
💉 Accept health checks

Training builds trust and makes management easier for everyone.

💬 What’s the best trick or task your alpaca has learned?

25/11/2025

“Alpacas make great guard animals for sheep” ✅ TRUE

Yes! Many overseas farmers use alpacas to protect their sheep as they’re naturally alert and will chase off foxes or dogs. However, they can still be attacked by dogs so it isn't 100% protection.

👉 Always use a small group of alpacas, not just one.

24/11/2025

“Alpacas spit all the time” ❌ BUSTED

Alpacas don’t spit for fun! 😆
They spit mainly to show dominance or irritation — usually at each other, not people. Sometimes you may get caught in the crossfire!

If one spits at you, it’s probably because it’s frightened or feels cornered. Handle calmly and give them space.

Have you been christened with alpaca spit?