In the alpacas' natural environment, it is virtually impossible for them to over eat and get fat.  Unfortunately, that is not the case in North America.  As well as the obvious risk that this poses to health, obesity also leads to lower reproductive capability, and birthing problems.

Too prevent your animals from slowly creeping up in weight or for detecting a sudden drop in weight, it is extremely important to weigh them routinely - on a monthly basis at the very least (crias more often).   For this you will need a digital small-animal livestock scale.  This is one of the first pieces of equipment we purchased and has been of of the best investments for our alpaca's well-being.

During the weighing process, you should also perform body score checks to assess their overall condition. This consists of feeling the animal near the spine, between the withers and the hips, and assessing the amount of fat. 

The score is reported on a scale of either 1 to 5, or 1 to 10.  In either case, the lower score represents being seriously underweight, and the higher one, seriously obese.  You obviously want to be in the middle, at either 3 or 5, depending on the scale. 

Routinely assessing both weight and body score and keeping accurate records can help give you an accurate picture of your alpaca's health and well-being.  It should be a part of your regular herd management practices.  If they could, your alpacas will thank you for it.

• HFS Carmelita -- 1st and Color Champion at the Southern Select Show; 2nd at the Kentucky Classic, 3rd place OABA, 2 place AOBA Nationals.
• HFS Argonaut's Quest-- 1st at the Southern Select Show, 1st and Reserve Champion at the Kentucky Classic, 3rd place OABA, 2 place AOBA Nationals. 
• Princess Evelyn -- 1st at the Southern Select, 3rd at the Kentucky Classic, 2nd OABA, 4th Futurity, 5th AOBA Nationals. 
• HFS Silverado -- 2nd place at the Futurity (out of 9 in his class)

 Many baby boomer alpaca farmers (Including us!) grew up in the 60's watching the corny Green Acres TV show on CBS.   While it was good, fun entertainment, many never dreamed that they would one day leave the city life like Oliver and Lisa and become farmers themselves!  Fortunately, we don't have to be as naive as they were when they first set out to start a farm.  Thanks to an abundance of great information online, in books and magazines and by talking to experienced alpaca farmers, newcomers to this industry have every reason to believe that they can be successful at breeding and raising alpacas.

1. How long does Lisa agree to live in Hooterville?
2. When Oliver originally purchased "The Haney Place" how many acres did it consist of?
3. When Eleanor has her calf, what do they name her?
4. Where do Oliver and Lisa typically spend their anniversary?
5. After selling his farm to Mr. Douglas, Mr. Haney cried for three days, until what?
6. In order to become a member of the Hooterville Volunteer Fire Department, you must be able to what?
7. What unusual thing does Oliver collect?
8. Eb's pet turtle is named what?
9. The elevation of Hooterville is what?
10. What brand of flour does Lisa use to cook hot cakes?

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