Weaning

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Cria are usually weaned from the dam (mother) at six months of age. This ensures that there is enough time for the dam’s milk to dry up before the next birthing.
The advised weight for weaning cria is 25kg or more. Some cria will reach this weight before six months of age. Ask your vet before weaning sooner.
Weaning can be distressing, therefore it is important to put newly weaned cria out of eyesight and earshot from their dams.
Males and females can be weaned together but it is advisable to separate the two at no later than 10 months of age.
Cria are usually administered their first dose of wormer at this time.

Due to the structure of most people’s breeding regimes, cria are usually weaned during the winter months. At this time a dose of vitamins A, D and E would be beneficial to them. Discuss with your vet.

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The British Alpaca Society (BAS) currently has 1500 members representing 45000 alpacas spread in various densities all over the UK. We have regional groups from west Wales to East Anglia and from Lands End to John O’Groats.
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