mineral

[lanesalpacas]

Should I change my alpaca's mineral when it gets damp? They still seem to eat it?

[rose@almapark.com]

Mineral blends are hygroscopic (water loving) because of the salts in them, they have the ability to grab moisture from the air.

I usually don't overfill my mineral containers for this reason. When it gets damp, I just add more and mix it around - they still eat it and it is fine. This usually happens when it rains or during the really humid summer here in NJ.

If it is under shelter and it is just grabbing moisture from the air it should be fine, I would change it if it got wet because it was in the rain etc., but otherwise just mix it around and break up any clumps.

Hope that helps!
Rose

[Marty McGee Bennett]

ditto on that. Just don't put too much out at a time and add more they like it just fine.

[lanesalpacas]

;) Thank you! That's what we've been doing. Good to know I'm on target!!!

[julie follansbee]

Thanks,
I wondered about that too..mine clumps up when the weather is damp so I don't leave it out free choice. I top dress when I feed them but I did worry about the bit that was left....now I won't worry!

[rose@almapark.com]

Julie - I would not top dress, because it seems the animals know what they need and eat accordingly. Top dressing may give some too much or they may not eat the grain because of the mineral and others may get too little. My llama boys seem to eat more than any one else and in one of my fields with alpaca stud males in it - they seem to eat very little.

Break up clumps add more - and it is good to go :)
Rose

[Marty McGee Bennett]

I agree once they are eating it they will take what they need. Supplements are not all benign at higher doses and self feeding is probably safer. Breaking up the clumps works great with my mix... although we don't have as much moisture here as many places.

[julie follansbee]

Thanks guys! I won't top dress anymore and I definitely won't worry about the moisture! I'll let them take what they need from now on!
Julie:)