Training a Deaf Alpaca

Azucar is finally settling into his old ranch home. The alpaca he spent the first 1 1/2 years with before going to be Canela's companion is once again his best buddy. Now that all the camelids are in the same enclosure, these two have become inseparable. Azu is so much more relaxed and at home on this second visit of mine to see him.

He haltered up nicely, but was not interested in going for a walk. So I decided to see if he would play fetch the halter with me. He did pick up his halter and give it to me. Creme, his friend, came to watch. Creme loves carrots.

We ended up at the feed table you can see in the photo. One alpaca on my left, one on my right. I put the halter on the table in front of Azu and asked him to give it to me. Creme was watching. I quickly gave him several carrot pieces. Next I put the halter in front of Creme and pointed to it. I was amazed! He picked it up and gave it to me. He got a very quick carrot reward. We repeated the process several more times, and Creme successfully gave me the halter about 60% of the attempts. I was pretty amazed. I think this deaf guy is pretty darn smart.

I need to do some reading about training deaf animals to see what techniques are best. I am getting a keychain light that has an on button you press to make the light go on. So we will see where this goes. Creme needs to get castrated, and have some time to let the testosterone run out of his system. He needs to get the big bulge on his cheek lanced and healed before we even think about haltering lessons other than watching me halter Azu.

I plan to try to see the two boys once a week for now. Next year, maybe both will come spend the summer with me. It is an option. I do miss the Poos!

Azu is on the left, Creme on the right.


You can see the bulge on Creme's left cheek. In the background is the feeding station where we played pick up the halter.


Azu takes a nap with Creme.