About Alpacas
The following are answers to common questions asked by those new to alpacas. There are many more questions than those covered here, but hopefully this will answer the basics.
What are alpacas?
A simple answer would be “like a llama, only smaller.” True, to some extent. Alpacas are bred and raised for their soft, silky fiber used in high end garments and products – the “Fiber of the Gods” as it was known to the Incan Civilization. There are 2 types of alpacas: the Huacaya which is the “teddy-bear,” fuzzy-looking alpaca, and the Suri which has longer silky, flowing fiber that hang in “dreadlocks.”
Where did they come from?
South America – mainly Peru, Chili, and Bolivia where they exist in the Andes Mountains. Importation to the U.S. began in 1984 and closed to importation in 1998. There are now over 80,000 alpacas in the United States, all of which are registered with the ARI, Alpaca Registry, Inc., and DNA blood typed to verify they are progeny of ARI registered parents.
What colors are alpacas?
Whites to Fawns to Browns, Grays, Blacks & all variable shades in between.
What do alpacas eat?
Grass, hay, and many owners feed them a nutrient rich chow to supplement what the grass & hay is lacking.
Are alpacas friendly?
Alpacas are non-aggressive, gentle-natured animals that have a natural instinct to run from real & perceived danger. They do not bite or charge. With proper handling techniques alpacas are easy to care for and will learn to trust their caregivers.
Are they loud?
No. Alpacas make a noise referred to as humming. Some hum more than others. It is a soothing sound. Mothers & their crias communicate by humming, body language, and smelling each other.
How many babies do they have?
Alpaca babies are called crias. They can have 1 cria a year in normal healthy conditions. Gestation (fetal growth period) on average is 11 ˝ months. Twins are rare and often do not survive.
Do they take a lot of care?
Alpacas need to be fed, watered, and a close vigil kept on health & parasite control. This means clean barns and pastures, fecal checks & worming medication as indicated for your particular environment. Alpacas have a common “dung” pile. It is a silly sight to see them “standing in line” to go to the bathroom but it does make pasture cleanup easier. Occasional teeth trimming and routine nail trimming is required. Because of their dense fiber, alpacas need to be shorn once a year before hot weather arrives.
Can I own just one alpaca?
No, alpacas are herd animals and need at least 1 or more companions to survive. Some people like to keep a couple non-breeders or gelded males as fiber animals or “pets.” This is also a good way to learn the care & handling of the animal and see if you want to venture further.
What do you do with the fiber?
Fiber can be sent to mills to be processed and used for spinning, knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting and the like. Many join the Alpaca Fiber Coop of North America.
What is the fiber worth?
An average alpaca produces 5 to 12 lbs of fiber annually. In the raw state, right off the animal, fiber values range from $1 to $6 per ounce depending on fiber quality. Each stage of processing (washing, carding, spinning, knitting, etc.) will increase the value.
Why do people own alpacas?
There are different reasons to own alpacas. The industry in the United States is currently a breeding industry. Many owners have alpacas for this purpose. The goal is to achieve an alpaca fiber industry of profitable proportions in the U.S. Many farms have the animals for fiber to spin and craft into usable garments and products. There is a large cottage industry, and it is growing all the time. People are picking up the “old” art of spinning, weaving, and working with fiber. It is a great way to relax and kick stress.
Do alpacas cost a lot?
The answer depends on your intended purpose. Plan to spend a few hundred for non-breeding fiber animals. If your intent is a breeding business, plan to invest on average $15,000 to $30,000 on good breeding quality females. Remember that when the females have their babies is when you can plan to recoup your investment through the sales. Alpacas are livestock….live stock. Alpacas can also be insured to protect your investment. Males typically range from $5000 on up with the super quality studs selling up to $580,000 to date.
I only have a couple acres, can I own alpacas?
Yes, provided you check with your local zoning ordinances. Depending on the lushness of your pasture approximately 5 to 10 can be maintained per acre. Some areas are able to comfortably keep alpacas on “dry lots” & feed hay year round. Alpacas have a 2 digit soft pad, like the pads on a dog’s foot and do not tear up the ground like heavier hoofed animals. They also need shelter/shade for weather extremes.
If I am interested in owning alpacas, what should I do?
Research information on the internet. Visit farms and talk to owners. Join AOBA – Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association – this is our National Organization where a wealth of information is available. Find a knowledgeable accountant to help with your financial planning. There are many tax & financial benefits available to “hands on” breeders. Talk to vets to see who is knowledgeable in your area or at least willing to learn along with you. Some people spend years researching, others research enough to know the basics and jump in to learn as they go. You need to decide what fits your needs, your style, and your goals. The best thing you can do is to be comfortable & trust those from whom you purchase and assure that their help and support will be available when you need it.