How to Groom a Suri Alpaca

Alpacas don't need much maintenance, but they do need some.

Two types of alpaca are most prized for their downy, baby-soft fleece: the huacaya and suri breeds -- both well-known for being low-maintenance livestock. Debate in the alpaca rancher community is split between those who would keep grooming to a bare minimum to promote full fleecing and those who meticulously groom their animals for show dominance. Debate aside, there's a certain amount of hygeine your suri alpacas must be provided to ensure healthy animals and the best yields of fleece.

Things You'll Need

• Large alpaca nail clippers
• Shedding comb (for burring)
• Shears

Instructions

1. Inspect your alpaca regularly for ticks around the ears. Consult a veterinarian during what should be a monthly visit about ridding your suri alpaca of ticks.

2. Check each animal's coat as often as possible for burrs.

3. Remove the burrs with a shedding comb, most often used with horses. Don't overuse the brush or you could disrupt the natural intertwining of your alpaca's fleecing.

4. Trim your suri alpaca's nails monthly, avoiding the quicks which can be painful if cut. Use a partner to hold the animal still as you lift each hoof, starting with the front legs.

5. Shear your suri alpaca yearly, which should yield a mass of soft yet curly fleece to be used on everything from sweaters to teddy bears.

Tips & Warnings

• A monthly visit from a veterinarian will ensure your flock of suri alpacas is free of worms, ticks, disease and showing strong signs of health.

References

• Owning Alpaca: Grooming Alpacas
• Animaroo Alpacas: Grooming Alpacas

Resources

• Northwest Alpacas: To Groom or Not to Groom