HEALTH AND BARN REQUIREMENTS

Current Health Certificates for travel to Colorado will be required at check-in. Exhibitors shall have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or health papers) completed not more than 30 days prior to the last date of the show for each alpaca transported to the show that clearly identifies each alpaca's ARI name and microchip number. All alpacas entering the show venue must have an active microchip to be verified by a universal reader. This includes all companion animals or those in transit but not entered in the show.

Bring a photocopy of your Health Papers that includes the alpaca's name, microchip numbers and the negative BVD status with either a PCR or VI test to leave at vet check.  Attach copies of your ARI certificates to the copy of your Health Papers. These will be retained by Show management. [AOBA rule]

Companion animals and animals not entered in the show must comply with the above health requirements.  Your Veterinarian must note the negative BVD status on the health papers; any writing by the owner invalidates the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection!


A Word from the Barn Managers

Kim Kastner
kim@columbineranch.com

Mike Kastner
mike@columbineranch.com

Patty Jensen
dreamcatcheralpacas@yahoo.com

Welcome to the 2008 Great Western Alpaca Show!  Registrations are pouring in and we look forward to seeing “old” friends, new exhibitors and, of course, some of the country’s finest alpacas!  It promises to be a large show and we’ve set a lofty goal for ourselves…we want each and every one of you, the exhibitors and your alpacas, to feel comfortable in a well organized and safe, healthy environment.

Upon your arrival at the unloading area, go ahead and heave a deep sigh of relief while our official show helpers assist you in off-loading and moving your alpacas and “stuff” to your assigned stalls.  Once there, they’ll point out locations for water and waste disposal for your alpacas (we all know how quickly that becomes important!).
Our goal is to accomplish your unloading in thirty minutes or less so that you may move your vehicle into the parking area and avoid congestion as other exhibitors are arriving and unloading.

After your vehicle has been parked, you will then need to take all alpacas registered for halter competition into the show arena for Compliance Check.  Here you will also  be given your Registration Packets, which include show numbers, show books, I.D. badges and other general information.  After completing Color Compliance, you’ll have the rest of the day and/or evening to make your alpacas comfortable and set up your displays.

 As your Barn Managers,  we are committed to your convenience as exhibitors and the health and well being of your alpacas…it is in this spirit that we offer the following:

GENERAL BARN GUIDELINES

1.  After arrival, all alpacas must reside in the barn for the duration of the show.  While we encourage daytime walks for exercise, the animals are required to be in the barn overnight.  Security personnel will be available when the barn is closed, with open barn hours being  between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM.  Please complete the “Emergency Contact Information” card from your Registration packet and leave where it can be quickly seen but not eaten by your alpacas as a midnight snack!

2.  When assembling your farm displays, please be sure that items are securely fastened into place with cable ties, bungees, or duct tape at both top and bottom of the stalls and are not projecting into or hanging over your “neighbor’s” stall or into the aisles. 

3.  The selling of any products from your stalls, including fleece, is strictly prohibited unless you are registered as a vendor.

4.  Keep aisles uncluttered and clear at all times.  This includes hay bags, clean up equipment, chairs and other stall display or decorative items.

5.  Understanding that proper ventilation is essential for alpacas, you are welcome to bring fans as electricity is provided at each stall.  While this facility does have a ventilation system that will be in operation 24 hours a day, additional fans in the individual stalls would be advantageous in the event of unseasonably warm weather.
* REMEMBER to bring your own heavy duty outdoor extension cords (usually orange or yellow).

6.  Cardboard bedding is provided for your convenience and your alpacas comfort.  The facility has conveniently located large “carts” for disposal of “beans” and used stall materials, not to be confused with the many “trash” receptacles. Please help in the recycling effort by separating the trash from the “treasure”!  You do not need to clean up the cardboard bedding or take down your stall panels upon departure.

7.  In the unfortunate event that an alpaca becomes ill, it will be moved to a designated quarantine stall located away from the general population.  Remaining in the quarantine area will be mandatory for the alpaca until it is released by one of the Show Vets.  A Veterinarian will be onsite or on call for the duration of the show; day and night.  Any alpaca in quarantine or a companion to keep it company in quarantine will not be allowed into the arena for color compliance or to show in it’s class until released by the Veterinarian.  If a show alpaca is placed in quarantine upon arrival and you feel it may be released in time to show, we will arrange for a color compliance checker to come to the alpaca.  Please be sure to notify the Barn Manager or Color Compliance Coordinator and follow up to make sure this gets done on Thursday.  As the exhibitor, this is your responsibility.

8.  Food vendors will be available, beginning at 8:00 AM on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

9.  Show Cental is located in the center of the facility for easy accessability and you are encouraged to share any concerns or questions you may have with the staff there.  As your Barn Managers, we will also be available for the duration of the show...
Kim’s cell phone number is: 303-229-1300, Mike’s is 303-944-8414 and Patty’s is 303-710-3670.

IN CONCLUSION:

While many of you are “old hands” at alpaca shows, some of you may be attending for the first time.  With this in mind, our Show Veterinarians have compiled a few suggestions to help support the health of your alpacas while in a “show environment”.

It has been well documented that the co-mingling of alpacas in an unfamiliar environment can occasionally present some health issues, particularly for younger alpacas.  In looking at statistics compiled from our national alpaca show in Louisville, the vast majority of veterinary calls involved animals 9 months and younger.  While our juveniles often start their show careers at 6 months of age, this is a realistic concern.  By being proactive and reducing the stresses that these youngsters face, they are much more likely to return home healthy and happy!

UNDERSTANDABLY, THE PRACTICALITY AND USEFULLNESS OF THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS WILL DEPEND UPON YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATIONS, BUT THEY ARE MADE IN AN EFFORT TO INSURE THE HEALTH OF ALL OF OUR ALPACAS.

1.  When setting up your stalls, consider locating your display stall or stalls between your alpacas and those of the farm adjoining yours, thus limiting contact between the alpacas.

2.  Wean crias that you will be bringing at least one month prior to the show.

3.  If at all possible, allow alpacas that will be stalling together to become familiar prior to attending the show.

4.  Consider administering probiotics to your alpacas.

5.  Hydration is a common concern during the shows.  Many of your alpacas are accustomed to well water at home and the taste and smell of chlorinated “city” water may not appeal to them.  By offering your alpacas “Jell-O water” (one packet of regular flavored gelatin to ten gallons of water) for a couple of weeks prior to the show and adding the gelatin to their water during the show, they will be more likely to consume an adequate amount of fluid.  Another idea is to bring water from home.  (By the way, we have it on very good authority, that alpacas seem particularly fond of the grape and strawberry flavors.)

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