Unlike baby sheep (who have lanolin oil in their fleece to help them keep warm), baby Alpacas don't always thrive in the colder early-spring weather. So Alpaca breeders generally try not to have their cria too early in the Spring.
But, of course...
Accidents happen. So we like to be prepared!
What Kind Of Coat Do You Need?
When selecting a Cria Coat there are three important things to consider: material, weight, and size.
Materials vary mostly in levels of water resistance (from Cotton Duck which is porous but "resistant" - to heavy duty materials that completely protect from water and dampness). Coats also come in different weights, based on the number of layers. A 2-layer coat is generally just the water-resistant outer layer, and a fleece lining. 3 and 4 layer coats have batting in the middle, to add some extra warmth for colder climates.
If it's only a little cold, the 2 layer will be perfect (cheaper too!). But if it's snowy or icy where you are, the 3+ layer coat is a must. And of course, you'll want to keep in mind how much rain the little coat will be up against too, when considering water resistance! If it's just an insulator for the Cria, a cheaper material such as Cotton Duck will work perfectly. But that certainly won't do in heavy rain or snow.
And finally... the size. You'll need to make sure the length and girth are correct. Measure the length, from the back of the neck to the butt of the Alpaca. Measure the girth around the chest (right behind the front legs) of the Alpaca.
If you're looking for a Cria Coat, or know anyone who will be having early Cria...
Be sure to check out our team members' shops! Three of our members offer selections in high quality and affordable Cria Coats (which are also GREAT for dogs)!
Cria Coat Options:
Size: 3 sizes available (Newborn, Medium, Large)
Weight: Medium (2 Layers)
Materials: Water Resistant Outside (Ripstop or Duck), Polar Fleece Lining
Custom Made to Order! We're happy to do custom colors and sizes, too!
Size: Premature, 14" long, 15"-19" girth (under 12 lbs)
Weight: Medium (2 Layers)
Materials: Ripstop/Water Resistant Nylon, Fleece Lining
Ready to ship today!
Size: Small, 16" long, 19"-24" girth (12-18 lbs)
Weight: Medium (2 Layers)
Materials: Ripstop/Water Resistant Nylon, Fleece Lining
Ready to ship today!
Size: 3 sizes available (Newborn, Medium, Large)
Weight: Heavy Duty (3 Layers)
Materials: Heavy-Duty Water Resistant Material (Outside), Thick Cotton Batting (Middle), Polar Fleece Lining
Custom Made to Order! We're happy to do custom colors and sizes, too!
Quilted Heavy Weight Cria Coat by Cheshire Farm
Size: Small/Newborn, 18" long
Weight: Heavy Duty (4 Layers)
Materials: Water Resistant Outside, 2 Layers Batting, Fleece Lining
Embroidery: "I ♥ My Alpaca"
And... some excellent Adult Coats too...
Adult Alpaca Coat Options:
XL Medium Weight Alpaca Coat by Nobella AlpacasSize: XL Adult Alpaca, 35" long, 42"-53" girth
Weight: Medium (2 Layers)
Materials: Ripstop/Water Resistant Nylon, Fleece Lining
Ready to ship today!
Custom Medium Weight Alpaca Coat by Well Criated
Size: Adult Alpaca, Custom Size
Weight: Medium (2 Layers)
Materials: Water Resistant Outside (Ripstop or Duck), Polar Fleece Lining
Custom Made to Order! We're happy to do custom colors and sizes too!
Size: Adult Alpaca, Custom Size
Weight: Heavy (3 Layers)
Materials: Heavy-Duty Water Resistant Material (Outside), Thick Cotton Batting (Middle), Polar Fleece Lining
Custom Made to Order! We're happy to do custom colors and sizes too!
Other Ideas:
Cut the sleeve off an old sweat-shirt and use it as a neck warmer! Their long necks, often get cold too! :)
Follow this blog for more fun Alpaca finds, and "1000 Things Alpaca" Team updates and events!
If you're not a member yet, check out our Team Page!
OH MY GOSH these are TOOO cute!!
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