About Alpacas
-Alpacas are members of the camelid family.
-Life Expectancy of 15-20 years
-The average height of an alpaca is 34' to 38' at the withers, and weighs approximately 100 to 175 lbs.
-They are the oldest domesticated animal selectively bred for quality fibre.
-Gestation averages 11.5 months, giving one offspring (called a cria) per year.
-Alpacas can be bred any time of the year, females at 14 to 24 months.
-Alpacas are amazingly smart and alert animals, who quickly learn to halter train for show, promotion and general entertainment.
-They are extremely clean, relatively odorless and use a community dung area.
Why Alpacas
Alpacas are easy to handle, can be handled by anyone and are gentle with children.
Alpacas require little space, several alpacas can be raised on one acre of pasture with sufficient fencing.
Alpaca production qualifies individuals for certain tax advantages and are excellent for an income producing retirement program.
About Fibre
Their luxurious fibre comes in the widest assortment of colors of any fibre bearing animal in the world.
The fibre on average is 20 to 36 microns (by comparison human hair exceeds 100 microns).
Alpaca fibre is strong and durable - a hollow fibre that is remarkably warm.
Non-allergenic fibre that repels water.
Only 4% of the total textile market represents alpaca fibre which leaves tremendous opportunity for breeders to get into highly specialized fibre markets.
Breeders send their fibre to Mills and Coops where it is processed and made into products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Alpacas used for?
Alpacas produce one of the finest fibers in the world. Alpaca garments are known for their warmth, wearability, durability, softness, and lightness.
How often should they be sheared?
Once a year in the spring. This allows time for regrowth before the cold winter temperatures arrive and the alpaca to be comfortable during the hot summer months.
What is the life span of an alpaca?
Their life span is between 15 - 20 years.
How many kinds of alpacas are there?
Two- huacaya and Suri
What does an alpaca eat?
Alpacas are best suited to an orchard grass hay. They do prefer a nice leafy hay. During the summer months, alpacas graze on pasture if available. Free choice minerals and other rations are also given. Fresh water is a must.
What do I need for fencing and shelter?
Alpacas do not challenge or destroy fencing like other livestock. A 5 foot no climb field fence is adequate to keep them safe from predators like coyotes and dogs. Depending on your area, more secure fencing may be required. Alpacas must have shelter from the elements.
What do alpacas cost?
Alpaca prices vary depending on the quality and fleece of the animal. Quality breeding stock prices remain high. Fibre animals are usually not registered as breeders and are very reasonably priced.ons, office locations, shareholder reports, whitepapers, media mentions and other pieces of content that don’t fit into a shorter, more succinct space.