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Date: November 16, 2007
Topic: How to Build Trust in Aggressive Alpacas
We have just acquired a female and two geldings from
a “hands off” farm. They were the only alpacas on
that farm. We were told that the female’s 5 day old
cria was "taken" from her (coyote) just 10 days
prior. Her behavior is horrid - constantly spits,
growls and occasionally charges. The one male will
usually join in the spitting, but not the charging.
They are currently separated from our alpacas. I
understand that this behavior can be normal under
the circumstances (new farm, new animals, loss of
cria), but I would like to know if you can recommend
any way to start "trust training". Is there such a
thing?
Well you can certainly see why this female is
protective; she has been through the worst thing
that can happen to a mother animal. I am not sure
what you mean by hands off farm.... I will assume
that they don't do much with their animals.
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That can be a blessing. It is often easier to deal
with animals that have not been handled than ones
who have been handled a lot— badly!
Spitting and growling is pretty normal; charging
would make me wonder why they are getting really
getting rid of these animals? I would be careful
and not turn my back on her. Dangerous aggression
is not limited to males. In terms of building trust
I would recommend several things.
1. Do your very best to move around them so that
they do not have to get up or move away from you.
That means walking way around them and taking the
long way from point A to point B if it will mean
that the animals do not have to move or get up.
This gesture means quite a lot to frightened animals
in a new location.
2. Always, Always, Always, Always use a catch pen
(9 x 9 feet or 8 x 8 feet NO larger) and herd the
animals into this area to catch them DO NOT use a
corner for catching use a pen.
3. Use a wand and
rope to catch the animals. (Previous columns have
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Marty McGee
Bennett has devoted her professional life to the well being of llamas and alpacas and the education of camelid enthusiasts. Over the years Marty has been a llama breeder, conference organizer, board member, fiber artist, and most
importantly trainer and teacher. 
