Monitor and manage
Some spitting and ear-pinning is normal herd behavior; charging and knocking people over is not.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Berserk male syndrome | Bottle-raised males | Monitor |
| Intact males in breeding season | — | — |
| Protective dam | New cria | — |
| Rabies | Sudden behavior change | Emergency |
What to check first
- Note when and toward whom aggression occurs.
What you can do now
- Never turn your back on an aggressive male.
When to call the vet
- Immediately if the change is sudden with neurological signs.
Normal alpaca vital signs
| Measure | Adult | Cria |
|---|---|---|
| Rectal temperature | 99.5–101.8 °F (37.5–38.8 °C) | 100–102.2 °F (37.8–39 °C) |
| Heart rate | 60–90 beats/min | 70–100 beats/min |
| Breathing rate | 10–30 breaths/min | 20–40 breaths/min |
| Gum / eyelid color | Moist and pink; pale, white, yellow, brick-red or brown is abnormal | |
| Cud chewing | Several hours per day; stopping is an early sign of illness (adults) | |
Frequently asked questions
What causes aggression toward people in alpacas?
Common causes include berserk male syndrome, intact males in breeding season, protective dam and rabies.
When should I call the vet?
Immediately if the change is sudden with neurological signs.
What should I check first?
Note when and toward whom aggression occurs.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.