Relax, birthing is a natural process and alpaca are generally capable of producing their cria with no assistance.

Usually alpaca “unpack” (give birth) during daylight hours, before 2pm. Another plus is that they are less likely to unpack when the weather is bad; they can postpone birth for days if they feel there is worse weather to come.

Although we count 335 days from the last mating date as the due date, this is only an indicator and some females can carry on up to 12 months, or even a bit more.

Be prepared. Make up a cria care birthing kit. As a minimum, include a bottle of water-based lubrication, disposable gloves, iodine of at least 2.5% solution and old towels or paper towels. Also, handy to have is disinfectant, scissors, a thermometer, and a mobile phone with your vet’s phone number programmed in.

It is advisable to keep an eye on females around their due date.

Check out the Paddock Card called Birthing - it will help you recognize signs of unpacking.

A healthy cria, even after a complicated birth, is usually up on its wobbly legs within an hour. If this is not the case, it could be too weak to stand and may be premature or dysmature (see Paddock Card Birth), and will require assistance.