The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Camelids => Topic started by: Orinlooper on May 24, 2020, 09:40:47 am

Title: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: Orinlooper on May 24, 2020, 09:40:47 am
How much land do you need?

I have two acres in mind, considering either goats or alpaca/lamas?

Which would be easier to keep and which will keep all the grass weeds down the best?

We have some ten year old walnut trees which I don’t want to get ruined
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: roddycm on May 24, 2020, 07:40:33 pm
It depends what your land is like, but as a rule it is about 5 to 6 per acre allowing for rotation. They will bark the trees and browse the leaves so you would need to protect them... something like a big round bale feeder with mesh would do or you could put up some protective fencing wtv you find easier :)

Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: wayfarer on May 25, 2020, 12:19:30 pm
But remember they have long necks and are quite capable of balancing on their hind legs for a tasty morsel.
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: Orinlooper on May 26, 2020, 03:08:27 pm
Thanks all

Will they really ruin my walnut trees I wonder
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: Orinlooper on May 26, 2020, 03:09:17 pm
I wonder if they will keep the grass Dow and the brambles and weeds?
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: Steph Hen on May 26, 2020, 03:36:38 pm
I’m surprised much would eat walnut leaves, they’re so strong smelling. I kinda thought they were toxic. But don’t take the risk, strong fence is safest bet.
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: Orinlooper on May 26, 2020, 08:59:48 pm
A strong fence round each tree is too many

But there are many other plants and weeds that they could eat

Maybe have to try it and keep an eye on things
Title: Re: Thinking of alpaca/lamas?
Post by: macgro7 on May 26, 2020, 10:12:58 pm
A strong fence round each tree is too many

But there are many other plants and weeds that they could eat

Maybe have to try it and keep an eye on things
Trust me. Goats will start from the most expensive fruit trees, then fruit bushes, then ornamental bushes  and then the weeds tou wanted them to eat. I know. I have goats. And used to have young apples trees  ;D