The amount of shelter required for alpacas depends on climate. In areas with mild winters, basic three sided shelters may be all that is necessary. In colder climates and area that receive a lot of snow, a barn is usually needed. It is also helpful to have a barn for shearing and routine shots complete with electricity and running water. When we build our main barn next spring, we will be putting down a cement floor (for ease of cleaning) and then placing thick rubber mats on top. We have found, however, that unless it is raining or snowing, the alpacas will sleep out in the open at night regardless of the temperature.

The main function of our fencing is to keep predators out. Alpacas do not challenge fencing (except perhaps an aggressive herdsire who spots an open female walking by) but the non-climb does a good job of keeping predators out. We use the 5 foot, 2"x4" non-climb with posts every 8 feet and a top and bottom rail. The rails have saved our fencing from an eager herdsire!

You can never have too many gates and all of our pastures are accessible through a 12 foot gate. Twelve foot gates allow easy access for farm equipment. Also, when installing gates, it is important to have a maximum of only 2 or 3 inches on either side so that cria cannot sneak through or get stuck. We also have two raceways which access all pastures. These raceways make it much easy to move alpacas (pasture rotation) plus, it is much easier to catch an alpaca in a 12 foot raceway than chasing them around a wide open pasture!

It is important to make sure there are no trees overhanging your fence line. Bears or any other animal that can climb could easily get into your pastures. Also, some farms will use the 6 foot non-climb and bury one foot into the ground to help discourage digging. And one other good idea is to keep your manure piles close to the perimeter gates!