What is an Alpaca?
An alpaca is a member of the camelid family which include llamas. They are a two toed animal that are valued for their luxurious fiber. They were imported into the US in the late 1980's from South American countries Peru and Chile, and have grown to a national herd size here of around 100,000. The largest herds can still be found in South America, although no importation is allowed into the US at this time. The average US farm has about 10-15 alpacas.
Alpacas are about one-third the size of a llama and are generally more docile. Alpacas weigh an average of 150 lbs. and are about 3 ft. tall at the shoulders. With a lifespan of between 15-20 years, the female spends most of her life gestating. Females begin breeding between 14 months and 2 years of age. Males begin breeding usually between 2 and 3 years of age. Pregnancies last around eleven and a half months and dams usually birth without intervention during daylight hours. Twins are extremely rare and single births are the norm.
How much land is needed to raise alpacas?
Generally about an acre of land is sufficient to raise 5-10 alpacas depending on your pasture and how much supplemental hay you want to feed them.
What do alpacas eat?
Alpacas are ruminants. They eat grass and forage from pastures, grass hay, and are fed grain supplements by most US breeders. In their natural state high in the Andes, they subsist only on the sparse grasses found there. As a result of many years of this, they became very efficient eaters, and don't require large amounts of food to exist.
Are there many colors of alpaca fiber?
The alpaca is the only fiber producing animal that comes in as many as 22 natural colors. Some estimate that if you include all of the variations of color shades you might find over 200!
Are alpacas smart?
The alpaca is a very intelligent animal easily trained to halter, to load and unload in a trailer, and can be taught to perform simple tricks with just a few repetitions.
How does Alpaca and Llama fiber differ?
Ever wonder about the difference between alpaca and llama fiber? Alpacas have been bred over many centuries to achieve uniform, fine, fleece across their back or blanket area with little or no course guard hairs, resulting in a more consistent high quality fiber. While there are some llamas that may offer fiber as fine or finer, throughout the llama family there is great inconsistency.
Are alpacas friendly?
Alpacas are a very gentle, inquisitive animal, that, although their preference is to be with their own kind, alpacas easily become accustomed to a handler's voice, and actions. Like people, they each have a unique personality, and some are friendlier towards humans than others. Alpacas do spit, but usually only at each other.
Do you have to wash alpacas?
No. Alpaca fiber is naturally water resistant and is so dense, the only grooming required is to 'fluff up' the fiber occasionally to remove any hay or debris. Alpacas do love the water though, and in the summer, we use sprinklers or hold a hose pointed at their chest and underbelly to cool their legs where the sweat glands are. They come running when they see the water start, and immediately try be first to receive the cooling affects!
How do you transport alpacas?
If traveling for short distances, they can be transported inside vans or other larger vehicles. Most folks put down a piece of old carpeting or inexpensive Astro-turf to minimize the impact on the vehicle's carpeting in case an "accident" were to occur. Most of the time, however, the animals will "cush" (that is, sit down) for the journey. Longer distances generally require transport in a livestock trailer.
Are alpacas easy to care for?
They are a small and relatively easy livestock to maintain. They stand about 36 inches tall that the withers (the point where the neck and spine come together), weigh between 150-200 pounds, and establish communal dung piles that are easy to manage. The alpacas need basic shelter and protection from heat and foul weather, and being livestock, they do require certain vaccinations and anti-parasitic medicines. Additionally, their toenails need to be trimmed every couple of months and the fleeces sheared off once a year. Speaking of toenails, these animals do not have hooves-they have two toes, with hard toenails on the top of their feet and a soft pad on the bottom of their feet, much like a dog's foot. Therefore, you don't experience compaction of the soil to same degree that you would with other types of livestock.
What kind of fencing and shelter is needed for alpacas?
This varies widely, depending on such things as weather and predators. But as a general rule, the alpacas do need at least a three-sided, open shelter where they can escape inclement weather. And if predators are present in your neighborhood, then a minimum of five-foot-high, 2" by 4" no-climb fencing is necessary to keep out the predators. Traditional horse fencing (with 4" by 4" openings) is not recommended, as curious alpacas might be physically harmed if they put their heads through that type of fencing
What do you do with Alpaca Fiber?
Alpaca fiber is sold several ways. Hand-spinners and fiber artists buy raw fleece. Knitters often purchase alpaca yarn. Fiber Cooperatives Mills collect alpaca fiber and process it on behalf of the producer.
Alpaca fiber can be sent to specialty mills for spinning into yarn. Value is added each step it is processed from roving, to yarn, to manufactured garments.
What is an EPD?
What time of the year do you breed alpacas?
Alpacas can be bred any time of the year. Females are "induced ovulators" which just means they become ready to breed when they are exposed to the male. Most farms choose a particular time of the year to breed such as the spring or the fall, assuring the cria will be born during one of those two seasons. It is easier on the farm to group pregnancies together. The planned delivery date is sometimes related to the expected weather during that period. Having crias while the climate is mild is desirable. Some say having crias in the spring is best, due to the plentiful grassy pastures available giving mom and baby a boost of nutrition to get a good start!
