about alpacas

Getting to Know the Loveable Alpaca ~ Basic Alpaca Facts

Alpacas are members of the Camelid family, along with llamas, vicunas, guancos and camels. They are bred primarily for their luxurious fiber, which was once reserved for Incan royalty.
These gentle gregarious animals are native to South America (Andean Mountain range) and are able to adapt to a variety of climates.
Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984, and it is now estimated that there are ~100,000 alpacas in the country. Due to a ban on the importation of alpacas, their value has remained high for the past 24 years.
Alpacas weigh between 150-200 pounds, and stand approximately 36 inches tall at their withers.
Alpacas have soft padded feet with two toes, which minimizes their impact on the land.
Like other ruminants, they lack upper incisor teeth, and chew their cud.
Females can be bred once they reach 2 years of age, or at least 75% of their body weight. After an 11 month gestation period, they give birth to a single baby, called a cria. (Twins are very rare). An alpacas life span is ~20 years.
Two types of alpacas: Huacayas (thick dense crimpy fleece giving them a soft teddy bear like appearance) and Suris (long silky fleece that hangs down in dreadlocks).

Alpaca Fleece ~ Fiber of the Gods

Very rare luxurious fiber, with cloud-like softness
Incredibly soft and can be worn next to the skin with no “prickle sensation”
4-5x warmer and lighter than wool, even when wet
Lacks lanolin and is hypoallergenic
Will not pile, and resists tearing
Available in 22 natural colors
Often woven into socks, scarves, hats, gloves and high end fashion garments.
Alpaca fiber can also be used for felting.

Investing in Alpacas

The first time people meet an alpaca they are often captivated by their gentle demeanor, curious nature, pleasant humming, warm dark eyes and the touch of their silky soft fleece. Yet beyond their charming nature and ability to evoke a smile from anyone, alpacas offer a chance at a unique and successful lifestyle. Owning alpacas provides many tax benefits, including capital gains and the ability to depreciate your herd each year. With the recent crash of the stock market, many investors looking for a more secure way to invest their money, are turning to alpacas. Since alpacas reproduce at very slow rate (only one cria per year) and the imported alpacas not being eligible for registration, the alpaca market has remained strong and stable. Investing in alpacas offers people a more serene lifestyle with the potential to generate substantial income.

Alpaca Care

Alpacas require minimal effort to raise and care for. Up to ten alpacas can live comfortably on one acre of land. Their diet consists of hay and fresh water, although many owners supplement their diet with grain, minerals and vitamins, depending on the alpacas’ individual needs. Alpaca housing consists of secure fencing (to protect them from predators) and a three sided shed for shelter from the wind, rain and sun. Some city-dwelling buyers opt to agist (board) their alpacas at a farm for a small fee. Many breeders initially invest in a small start up herd consisting of 2 bred females and a male. Other buyers are focused on developing a fiber herd, consisting of several neutered males. Either way, because alpacas are herd animals, they should not be kept alone.

Alpacas are very intelligent and are easily trained to be haltered and led quietly on a lead rope. Many owners enjoy participating in alpaca agility classes, and find that this is a wonderful way to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>