A new arrival at FarmCamps Alpaca Vorstenbosch: alpaca Rio is born

There was something extra special to celebrate recently at FarmCamps Alpaca Vorstenbosch. Not just because the sun was shining and the alpacas were peacefully grazing in the meadow, but most of all because a little miracle was born: alpaca Rio. And how special is that? Rio came into the world on Mother’s Day. As an alpaca, you could hardly choose a more beautiful moment to become a mum.

A tiny sign with a big meaning

Anyone who spends a lot of time on the farm knows: animals tell you a lot, but often in their own subtle way. Alpacas are no different. Rio’s birth did not announce itself with a lot of fuss, but with one small sign. Mother Merrie was lying in the meadow with her tail held up. For many people, it might have been easy to miss. But after years of experience, farmer Anne noticed it straight away. And she was right. Not long after, Rio was born. We asked farmer Anne how an alpaca birth usually happens.

Alpacas usually give birth during the day, often between 10:00 and 14:00. That means guests sometimes happen to witness a birth during their stay. Always from a respectful distance, of course, because both mother and cria need plenty of peace and quiet. But for children and parents, it is an unforgettable moment to experience real farm life up close. And this time was even more special, because our photographer happened to be there too.

Rio’s first steps

A newborn alpaca is called a cria. Usually, a little one tries to stand up within an hour. That is important, because once a cria is standing, the mother can encourage it to start drinking.

With alpacas, this works a little differently than with many other animals. An alpaca has a short tongue and cannot lick her baby dry. That is why the mother often keeps a bit of distance right after the birth. She sniffs gently, keeps a close eye on everything and waits until the cria is strong enough to stand on its own. After that, she makes contact and helps her little one find its first drink of milk.

With Rio, this was especially moving to watch. At first, his little legs were quite weak, which made him walk a little strangely and sometimes even cross his legs. It was probably a sign that he was still a bit weak, even though he was born on time. Luckily, he did manage to walk. And with every day, he became stronger. By now, he is doing well and is getting steadier on his feet in the meadow.

A visit from the herd

The other alpacas were curious about the new little arrival too. When a cria is born, they often come over for a kind of “new baby visit”. They approach carefully, take a look and seem to know exactly that something special has happened.

Sometimes another alpaca mother may try to claim the cria as her own. Luckily, everything went calmly and smoothly with Rio. His mother had plenty of time to get used to her baby, and Rio could quietly meet the herd.

Why is he called Rio?

Every year, FarmCamps Alpaca Vorstenbosch works with a theme for the names of the crias. This year’s theme is rivers. Through the Instagram account of Alpaca Vorstenbosch, followers were invited to suggest names within that theme. And that is how this little male alpaca got the name Rio. A cheerful name for a brave little alpaca who has already won many hearts.

The first day of a newborn alpaca

The first day of a cria is full of small but important moments. After the birth, the navel is treated with Betadine. Then the little one can dry in the sun, learn to stand, practise walking and search for milk from its mother.

If all goes well, a young alpaca drinks from its mother within five hours. Sometimes it happens much sooner. In the evening, mother and cria go inside together. There, the cria is weighed and, of course, stays close to its mother.

During the first few days, Rio is weighed daily. That way, Anne and the team can keep a close eye on whether he is growing well. They also check whether he is active enough. Because even a cria that seems cheerful and lively can sometimes still be drinking too little. On the farm, they keep a careful watch.

Are alpacas good mothers?

In general, alpacas are very good mothers. They are attentive, involved with their cria and make sure the little one comes along when the herd goes outside and back inside again. As the crias get older, they start to explore more by themselves. But their mother always stays close by.

A young alpaca stays with its mother for about six months. During that time, it learns more and more from the herd. It also slowly starts to eat pellets. After around six months, the young alpaca is separated from its mother and joins its little friends. Then halter training begins. That is when a young alpaca learns to get used to a halter, a lead and short walks.

Who knows, maybe Rio will one day join one of the alpaca activities on the farm too.

Caring for alpacas on the farm

During and after pregnancy, alpacas do a lot themselves. Still, heavily pregnant and nursing mothers receive some extra food. After the birth, the teats are checked and cleaned so the cria can drink more easily.

Alpacas mainly eat grass and hay. They also get special feed such as Alpamin, sometimes Alprofos and beet pulp. During the alpaca experience, guests can help feed the alpacas beet pulp. At other moments, children may sometimes help too, for example when the alpacas are brought inside.

Guests can usually watch the care routine from 9:00 onwards. The pellet feeding is done without guests on purpose, so the alpacas can eat in peace.

Why children love alpacas

For children, alpacas are often simply irresistible. Good news, because FarmCamps has many alpaca farms. Children love feeding them, seeing how curious they are and discovering that every alpaca has its own name. After a walk, they often feel completely connected to “their” alpaca.

And that is exactly what makes a stay at FarmCamps so special. You are not just staying on a farm, you become part of real farm life for a while. You see the animals up close, learn how they are cared for and sometimes even experience something truly special. Like the birth of Rio.

Did you know?

Alpacas have a special way of reproducing. They have induced ovulation, which means that an alpaca can be mated at any time. Around two weeks after giving birth, they are at their most fertile again. Later in the season, this means that a mother may be mated again.

Most alpacas are born between May and July. So this is an extra lovely time to stay at FarmCamps Alpaca Vorstenbosch. With a bit of luck, you might spot a newborn cria in the meadow.

Will you come and meet Rio?

Rio is already much stronger now and is discovering the world around him step by step. Guests can admire him straight away, of course from a safe distance and without entering the meadow. When he is inside, you can sometimes see him from a little closer.

One thing is certain: there is always something to experience at FarmCamps Alpaca Vorstenbosch. And sometimes that something is as small, soft and special as a newborn alpaca cria named Rio.