ABOUT ALPACAS

What is an alpaca?  Alpacas are humpless camels.  They are members of the camelid family, as are llamas.  Alpacas are somewhat smaller than llamas, approximately 150 lbs. at maturity.  Alpacas are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, and have been raised successfully throughout North America since 1984.  Alpacas are actually the oldest livestock industry in the Americas.  South Americans have been raising alpacas for their fiber for 6,000 years!

Why raise alpacas?  Alpacas are fiber producing animals and are shorn once a year like sheep.  Their fleece is very fine and has a luxurious "handle" reminiscent of cashmere.  It is stronger and warmer than wool, without the itch.  Alpaca fiber comes in many natural colors and can also be dyed.

Where do you keep alpacas?  Alpacas are pasture animals, and can be raised on relatively small amounts of land.  They do require shelter from the elements, such as a small barn or three-sided shed.  Alpacas need shade and a cool breeze in the summer and shelter from wind, rain and snow in the colder months.

Are alpacas gentle?   Yes, alpacas are very gentle and safe to handle.  Alpacas are, by nature, gentle, inquisitive, and somewhat shy.  They do not bite, and rarely kick.  They have soft padded feet similar to a dog, and are unlikely to do injury by kicking or accidental toe-trodding.  Alpacas are not aggressive toward people, and if frightened will shy away.  However, alpacas communicate displeasure to others of their own kind by spitting, and occasionally an unwitting human may get caught in the crossfire.  Generally speaking, though, alpacas are docile and good-natured, and can be easily handled by children as well as adults.

What do alpacas eat?  Alpacas eat hay and pasture grasses.  In order to meet their complete nutritional needs, supplements of grain and minerals are necessary in small amounts.  And, of course, a good supply of fresh water is essential.

Some Alpaca Facts

    A male alpaca is called a macho.  A female is called a hembra.  An alpaca baby is called a cria.

    An alpaca's gestation period is 11 to 11 1/2 months, with a single cria born each time.  Twins are extremely rare.

    There are two breeds of alpaca: huacaya and suri.  Huacayas  have crimpy fleece which gives them a puffy "stuffed animal" appearance.  Suris have long, pencil-like locks that hang straight down, resembling dreadlocks.

    Alpacas are a very social species.  Isolation or solitary life can be very stressful to an alpaca, and can cause serious problems.  Alpacas should always have at least one camelid companion.  They are sort of like potato chips... no one can have just one