Post Natal Care - Alclair Alpacas

As the cria begins to sit or try to stand you will need to go in as quickly and as unobtrusively as possible to apply an iodine solution to its navel to help stop any bleeding and prevent infection. If the weather is cool a brisk rub down with a towel to dry it off is a good idea (see photo 1) but don't touch the head or the area at the top of the tail as this is where the scent glands are that tell the dam that this is her cria. You may need to put a cria coat on to keep the little one warm but only in cold weather. Do be aware though that putting a coat on when the cria is still wet can chill rather than warm. If the weather is wet and cold the best option is to bring dam and cria under cover. Keeping your cria warm and dry is most important especially for the first few days. We use waterproof cria covers when it rains and also put them on over night if it is particularly cold. Anything more than a drizzle and we bring dam and cria under shelter. Our preference is for spring and summer crias so we avoid matings which will result in winter babies. The first 24 hours are vital as the cria adapts to life outside the safety of the womb. Food and warmth are essential so make sure your cria is feeding well. It should be on its feet within a couple of hours and begin looking for the teats.

You may also want to weigh the cria if the dam will allow you. In our experience the dam is particularly protective at this stage. Otherwise allow mother and cria to bond (see photo 2) and observe from a distance and enjoy the thrill of another new life. It's magic!!

The afterbirth is usually passed within an hour of the birth. It should be intact and complete.

Alpacas are generally wonderful mothers and give little cause for concern. The greatest frustration is watching the wee cria on wobbly legs hunt for the teats in all the wrong places (see photo 4 and 5). The temptation is to rush in and guide it to the teats. This is okay but we find a hands off approach is best unless the wee one has gone some hours without nursing. We would intervene after a couple of hours if the cria still hasn't nursed.

Crias are the most delightful and entertaining of baby animals. You will waste hours in the paddock watching them frolic around. Several together are a joy to watch.

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Pregnancy: Post Natal Care