Proper bottle-feeding is crucial for the survival and healthy development of an orphaned or rejected cria (baby alpaca or llama). Success hinges on selecting the right supplies, mastering the feeding technique, and maintaining strict hygiene.
Essential Supplies for Bottle-Feeding Crias
Before you begin, gather the necessary equipment to ensure a smooth and sterile feeding process.
- Specialized Milk Replacer: It's vital to use a milk replacer specifically formulated for llamas and alpacas, or a high-quality goat milk replacer, as cow's milk is not suitable. Always follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions precisely. For detailed guidance on appropriate nutrition, consult resources like the Alpaca Owners Association Inc..
- Appropriate Bottle and Teat: Standard baby bottles can work, but specialized lamb or goat teats are often preferred due to their shape and flow rate, which better mimic a dam's udder. Ensure the hole in the teat allows milk to drip out slowly when inverted, but not stream.
- Sterilization Equipment: Sterilizing bottles and teats after each use is paramount to prevent bacterial infections. This can be done by boiling, using a steam sterilizer, or a Milton solution.
- Thermometer: A food thermometer is useful for ensuring the milk replacer is at the correct temperature (around 100°F or 38°C), which is crucial for digestion and acceptance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bottle-Feeding Your Cria
Mastering the technique is essential, especially ensuring the cria is positioned correctly to facilitate proper digestion.
1. Preparing the Milk Replacer
- Mix Accurately: Always follow the milk replacer manufacturer's instructions for mixing with water. Incorrect ratios can lead to digestive upset.
- Warm to Body Temperature: Heat the mixed milk replacer to approximately 100°F (38°C), which is close to the cria's body temperature. Test the temperature on your wrist; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
2. Positioning the Cria for Feeding
Correct positioning is critical for the cria's digestive health. To simulate natural suckling from an udder, hold the bottle vertically and ensure the cria's nose is pointing skywards. This specific posture triggers a vital reflex in the gut: it allows milk to pass along a specialized groove in the esophagus directly into the third stomach compartment (C3), bypassing the first two compartments (C1 and C2). In young crias, C1 and C2 are not yet fully developed to digest liquid milk, so directing the milk to C3 prevents digestive issues.
3. Encouraging Suckling
- Gentle Introduction: Gently insert the teat into the cria's mouth. If the cria is hesitant, try tickling its chin or gums to stimulate the suckling reflex.
- Allow Pauses: Crias often feed in bursts with pauses in between. Allow them to dictate the pace of feeding, pulling the teat out slightly if they appear to be gulping too quickly.
- Monitor Teat Flow: Ensure the cria isn't struggling to get milk, nor is the milk flowing too quickly, which could lead to aspiration.
4. Monitoring Intake and Behavior
- Record Volume: Keep track of how much milk the cria consumes at each feeding.
- Observe Fullness: A satisfied cria will usually stop suckling, become more relaxed, and might even try to push the bottle away.
- Post-Feeding Behavior: After feeding, the cria should appear alert, bright, and typically rest or sleep peacefully.
Bottle-Feeding Schedule and Amounts
The feeding schedule and volume depend on the cria's age, weight, and overall health. The following table provides general guidelines, but always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice.
| Age (Days) | Feedings/Day | Volume/Feeding (oz) | Total Daily Volume (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn (1-3) | 6-8 | 2-4 | 12-32 |
| 4-7 | 5-6 | 4-6 | 20-36 |
| 8-21 | 4-5 | 6-8 | 24-40 |
| 3-6 Weeks | 3-4 | 8-10 | 24-40 |
Note: These are approximations. A cria should typically consume about 10-15% of its body weight in milk replacer per day. Adjust based on the cria's growth, energy levels, and stool consistency.
Important Considerations for Cria Health
Beyond feeding, several factors contribute to a cria's overall well-being.
Hygiene is Key
- Sterilize Everything: Thoroughly wash and sterilize bottles and teats after every use to prevent bacterial growth that can cause life-threatening diarrhea.
- Fresh Milk: Prepare fresh milk replacer for each feeding. Do not store mixed milk for extended periods.
Preventing Overfeeding and Underfeeding
- Watch for Signs: Overfeeding can lead to bloat and diarrhea, while underfeeding results in weakness and failure to thrive. Observe your cria closely.
- Regular Weighing: Weigh the cria daily for the first few weeks to ensure consistent weight gain.
Recognizing Health Issues
- Monitor Stool: Diarrhea is a serious concern in crias and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Observe Behavior: Lethargy, refusal to feed, dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums), or any signs of pain warrant an urgent call to your veterinarian.
Transitioning to Solids and Weaning
As the cria grows, typically starting around 2-3 weeks of age, you can gradually introduce small amounts of alfalfa hay and a specialized creep feed designed for camelids. Gradually reduce milk feedings over several weeks, with most crias being fully weaned between 3 to 6 months of age, depending on their development and health.
