Raising alpacas can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important responsibilities. One of those is providing proper shelter for your herd. Alpacas need protection from rain, wind, snow, heat and cold in order to thrive. Building sturdy, comfortable shelters customized for alpacas takes planning and preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know to build effective shelters for your alpaca herd.
Shelter Basics: Location, Size and Layout
When deciding where to build your alpaca shelters, choose a high, flat area that won’t collect water during rains. Make sure the ground is stable and won’t erode over time.
Plan to provide at least 150-200 square feet of shelter space per alpaca. This gives them adequate room to move around and lie down comfortably. Shelters for crias or birthing pens may need extra space. Arrange shelters in a way that makes it easy to separate alpacas if needed. Having multiple shelters allows you to isolate sick animals or males when females are giving birth.
Good ventilation is essential. Alpacas are very prone to respiratory issues, so their shelters must allow for plenty of air flow. Open walls, roof vents and spacing between shelters improves ventilation. Face shelter openings away from prevailing winds.
Ideal Building Materials
Use weather-resistant, sturdy materials when constructing alpaca shelters. Key options include:
Wood: Cedar and redwood are rot-resistant woods that make good framing. Use pre-treated woods rated for ground contact. Pine and fir are less durable but more affordable.
Metal: Galvanized steel pipes or tubing work well for framing. Aluminum sheeting is light and weatherproof for roofing and siding.
Concrete blocks: Concrete makes a chew-proof base that won’t rot or be affected by moisture.
Stone: Use local field stone to create shelter foundations. Mortar joints will last longer than dry stacking.
Synthetic: Heavy duty plastic sheeting or tarps can cover shelter frames or line interiors as wind blocks. Outdoor rated PVC boards are rot resistant.
Fencing: Welded wire panels or stock fencing serve as walls between shelter posts. Chicken wire discourages rodents.
Choose materials able to withstand your climate. Prioritize insulation and moisture management in wet or cold regions. Opt for reflective, breezy materials in hot areas.
Framing and Foundation
A sturdy frame is essential for any alpaca shelter. Posts anchored in concrete generally provide the strongest support. Here are some framing and foundation options to consider:
Sunken posts: Bury 6-8 foot 4×4 or 6×6 inch posts 2-3 feet into concrete footing. Brace corners with additional posts.
Surface mount: Set posts in above-ground concrete piers. Use rebar reinforcements and metal post anchors.
Metal pipe: Galvanized steel pipes or oil field tubing make sturdy, chew-proof frames. Set pipes in concrete or connect with welded brackets.
Wood skids: Built shelters on wood skids with runners to remain portable. Skids must sit flat on leveled ground or piers.
Stacked blocks: Dry stack concrete blocks or build reinforced block walls. Add wooden or pipe corner posts. Cap blocks with wood sill plate.
Stone walls: Use local stones mortared into thick walls. Incorporate wooden frame tie-ins for stability.
Make sure framing is tall enough for alpacas to stand comfortably, usually at least 6 feet for walls and 8 feet for gable peaks. Strong corner braces prevent racking. Bolt frame joints for extra strength.
Roof Design and Materials
The roof must protect against rain, ice, snow loads and summer heat. Important features to incorporate include:
- Minimum 1/2 inch per foot slope for drainage
- Wide overhangs, at least 2 feet
- Generous ventilation. Open ridges, cupolas, dormers or spaced sheathing help.
- Moisture barriers like roofing felt or ice shield membrane
- Durable, weatherproof materials: metal, composite shingles, roll roofing
- Heat reflective choices: light colored metal or shingles, radiant barriers
- Reinforced rafters, trusses or purlins spaced 2-3 feet on center
- Sturdy sheathing like plywood or OSB under roofing
A simple gable roof is most common for alpaca shelters. Arch roofs and hoop house styles also work well. Lean-to roofs offer flexible expansion.
Walls, Windows and Doors
Alpaca shelter walls buffer weather
and provide ventilation:
- Use rot resistant wood, steel, plastic sheeting, concrete, woven wire panels or field stone
- For framed walls, space studs closely, 12-16 inches on center
- Install sturdy kick plates 3-4 feet tall to prevent damage
- Small windows with shatterproof polycarbonate glazing admit light and air
- Roll up curtains, flaps or shutter panels adjust ventilation
- Dutch doors, sliding doors or double entry doors ease access and animal handling
Place doors strategically for shelter usage needs. Face them away from prevailing winds but allow for natural light. Make doors wide enough for equipment access. Install sturdy hardware and prevent alpacas from escaping.
Interior Design, Bedding and Fixtures
Design shelter interiors to meet alpacas’ needs:
- Dirt or sand floors stay drier than concrete or wood
- Deeply bed stalls with straw to absorb moisture
- Mats or wooden pallets elevate animals off the ground
- Interior stall partitions for birthing or isolating individual alpacas
- Railings or bars for feeding
- Adjustable panels or chutes to contain animals during handling
- Hay feeders and mangers elevated off the ground
- External hay storage bins keep interiors clean
- Electrical lighting and outlets as desired
Simple loafing sheds only need a dirt floor, roof and three tall sides. More complete barns should include amenities for feeding, birthing and vet care. Good lighting and ventilation make interiors comfortable for both alpacas and caretakers.
Specialized Shelters and Structures
In addition to basic housing, you may want specialized spaces for certain needs:
Birthing stalls: Provide at least 200 square feet for an alpaca to give birth. Use solid walls for privacy and removable railings to contain crias. Deeply bed the area. Have heat lamps available.
Handing chutes: Narrow chutes with adjustable sides safely contain alpacas for examinations, treatment or shearing. Non-slip rubber mats prevent injuries.
Quarantine pens: Separate sick or new alpacas until health is established. Locate quarantine areas far from other shelters to prevent disease spread.
Shade structures: Open pole barns, shade cloths or trees shield alpacas from excessive sun. Place natural or artificial shade near rest areas.
Feed storage: Protect hay, feed grain, supplements and equipment from weather in a dedicated shed or room. Control rodents and moisture.
Manure shed: Keep manure piles contained in a concrete pit or structure with good drainage instead of stack in pastures.
Tips for Healthy, Functional Alpaca Shelters
Follow these tips for shelters that support alpaca health:
- Clean stalls and replace bedding frequently to prevent disease
- Avoid overcrowding. Don’t exceed 200 square feet per alpaca.
- Check for and seal any areas that could leak water
- Install rodent-proof foundation perimeters
- Place quarantine areas far from other shelter sites
- Remove manure and uneaten hay promptly to limit parasites
- Check for and repair any loose hardware, nails, splinters etc.
- Make sure alpacas can’t access pesticides, paints or other toxins
- Store hay and grain securely away from shelter interiors
- Check fences and gates regularly for damage that could allow escapes
- Provide shelter from sun, wind, rain and snow in all seasons
- Maximize ventilation and air flow through shelter design
With thoughtful planning and construction, you can build quality shelters adapted to your climate and herd needs. Monitor your alpacas’ health and watch for signs they need improved housing. Enlist an experienced alpaca caretaker if you need advice. Providing shelter is fundamental to raising healthy, happy alpacas.
