Home sweet home

As the nights start to draw in, the time is right to consider where and how to house animals on the holding for the cold and wet winter months ahead. Stephanie Bateman looks at the options

- Stephanie Bateman

All animals on the holding need somewhere dry and warm to escape the winter weather, whether that involves using repurposed polytunnels to house sheep or open fronted field shelters for alpacas.

The type, size and shape of housing depends on the animal in question. However, what is most important is that the buildings are well situated to protect against the conditions, strong enough to last and enticing enough to be utilised.

So now let’s take a look at a variety of different housing options for animals commonly found on the holding.

ALPACAS

Like many animals, alpacas enjoy having ample outdoor space to roam freely, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t appreciate the ability to escape harsh weather.

Alpaca shelters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the more common options being open-fronted barns and field shelters.

Regardless of its size and the materials from which it is made, the key is to make sure that there’s enough room for the number of animals in your herd.

Alpacas tend to congregate in a bunch, so it’s important to make sure that they can all stay cool in hot weather and keep dry when it’s wet.

Alpacas are mostly content with simple shelters that offer good natural light, ventilation, shade and protection from the wind and the rain.

Sandhills Alpaca Pods is a family-run business. Its pods are designed and manufactured based on their own experiences.