Many plants growing in New Zealand paddocks, gardens and hedgerows are toxic to alpacas, and some are deadly even in small amounts. This guide covers the most commonly encountered toxic plants for alpacas in New Zealand with photographs to help you identify them. Prevention is essential — there are no antidotes for many of the poisonous chemicals these plants contain. Simple rules to keep your animals safe from toxic plants:
The list of toxic plants is extensive but many of the dangerous species you will come across are shown below. Remember, this list is not exhaustive and many of the plants grown in gardens can be toxic if enough is eaten. Although this list is New Zealand-oriented, many of the plants shown or closely related species are found in similar climates around the world.
Click or tap on the image of the plant for a larger version of the picture. Click or tap on the title of the plant to be taken to an article with further information about the plant.
Important: The contents of this page and links from it are not veterinary advice. If you even suspect that your alpaca has eaten a toxic plant, you must seek veterinary help immediately.
The following plants are extremely toxic to alpacas and must be removed from any area they can reach.
The following plants shown with a blue background are considered dangerous to the health of your alpacas.
The following plants shown with a green background are best removed as they are known to be toxic to some stock.
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop — there are no antidotes for many plant toxins and rapid treatment gives the best chance of recovery. Note which plant the animal may have eaten, how much, and share this information with your vet.
Yes. Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) is extremely toxic to alpacas. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause irreversible liver damage. Alpacas may eat ragwort in hay even when they would avoid it fresh in the paddock which makes it especially dangerous. Ragwort must be removed entirely, including the roots, and is a notifiable plant pest in many parts of New Zealand.
Yes. Yew (Taxus baccata) is extremely poisonous to alpacas and all other livestock. All parts of the plant are toxic including fallen branches and clippings. Yew poisoning can cause sudden death with very few warning signs. Any yew trees or branches within reach of alpaca paddocks must be fenced off or removed.
Yes. Tutu (Coriaria arborea) is a native New Zealand plant that is extremely toxic to alpacas and other livestock. Its berries, leaves, and shoots all contain the toxin tutin, which affects the nervous system and can cause seizures and death. Tutu is particularly common in regenerating bush areas and along waterways.
No. You should never give alpacas lawn clippings or anything from your garden. Clippings can ferment quickly and may contain toxic plant material that is difficult to identify once cut. Grass clippings from lawns that contain daffodils, snowdrops or other bulb plants are particularly dangerous.
We offer farm tours for smaller groups and families to meet, feed, interact with and walk with our alpacas.
For full details and to book your experience of these wonderful animals, please go to our reservation form.
Te Korito Alpacas now offer gift vouchers in a range of values — a perfect gift for animal lovers. Vouchers can be redeemed at our farm for a memorable alpaca experience or used toward unique goods in our farm shop.
During our farm tours, visitors ask many questions about the alpacas, from keeping them, on their health, to their breeding and much between. This page gives a selection of these along with concise answers and many pointers to more detailed information. This page is growing!
Directions - Once in Wanganui, drive up Somme Parade and when it becomes Papaiti Road (just past the cemetery), travel a further 7.4km alongside the river. We are the first house on the right with a large white letterbox and sign for the farm. On Google Maps we are shown as 'Te Korito Alpacas'.
