Following on from the postings on nutrition several people have e-mailed asking me how to go about weighing alpacas....well obviously the first step is to buy a scale that will weigh an alpaca. The second step is then to integrate that scale into your farm operation in such a way as to make weighing your alpacas as easy as possible.

In terms of alpaca weighing scales there are several choices, here are three that I know of:

Arlynscales have a model 22" x 44" for $699 or 22" x 60" for $799.

Befour have a model 22" x 44" for $699

Salter Brecknell have amodel 22" x 42" for $700


If you can afford it go for the longer models, it makes life so much easier. There are few things more frustrating than trying to get an alpaca to balance on a scale that was designed for pygmy goats!

Below you can see pictures of where our scale is located in the barn and where the display panel is positioned.







We have built a raised floor in front of the scale and covered that area and the scale with rot proof carpet. This way the alpacas sense no change of surface texture or height when walking onto the scale. Not essential but highly desirable.

Marty McGee Bennett helped design our barn layout and has worked and taught classes in the barn so it comes highly recommended.
On Marty's site you will find advice on barn design and layout. Marty, if you don't already know, is something of an expert on the behaviour of alpacas.



As always any questions or suggestions drop me a line.









By Adrian Stewart