Alpacas are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild-tempered, gregarious animals with an inquisitive nature and a penchant for bringing great delight to their owners
There are two different types of alpacas, the huacaya and suri. Although both types of alpacas are physiologically nearly identical, one main physical difference is clearly identifiable: their fleece. Huacaya fleece has a degree of crimp that gives them the fluffy teddy-bear look. Suris have no crimp in their fleece and so their fiber clings to itself forming pencil locks that resemble silky cascades.
Indigenous to South America, the alpaca is raised for its soft fleece. This fleece is sheared once a year and will yield between five and ten pounds. After minimal preparation alpaca fleece is ready to be spun into yarn for knitting, crocheting, weaving and felting
Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (where the neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100 and 200 lbs
Alpacas require only modest amounts of food (approximately 1 bale of hay monthly), and free access to fresh water and free-choice minerals. Some alpaca owners will also supplement their animals' diets with additional grains, based on each individual animals' needs.
About Alpacas
Alpacas are very intelligent animals that respond to various training and handling techniques. They learn to halter and lead in just a few training sessions, and even children find most alpacas to be safe and easy to handle.
Alpacas have very strong herding instincts and need the companionship of other alpacas to thrive so it is not recommended to own just one alpaca. Llamas have been found to be great companion animals for alpacas. Again we recommend that the llama should be of the same gender or neutered.
Alpacas do not need a lot of land but there are factors to be considered. If your alpacas are going to be fed hay with little or no pasture feeding the number of animals that can be raised is generally between two to six per acre. In milder climates where fresh pasture is abundant then ten or more alpacas per acre might be the norm. Be sure to check with your local government entity to see what the rules are for your area.
The price of an alpaca will depend on its quality. Conformation, fleece qualities, bloodlines, breeding history, gender, age, positive traits proven to be heritable in its offspring are all factors that are considered in the cost. We recommend talking to, and visiting a variety of breeders before making a purchasing decision.
Please be sure to consult with your tax advisor about the effects of alpaca purchases on your specific tax situation. For most breeders, the purchase of alpaca breeding stock offers many favorable tax advantages, as well as the potential for significant income generation.
